Watch Straps: How To Tell The Difference
Posted by Rachel Nizinski on
Exotic Leather Watch Strap
Honey Genuine Alligator Leather Watch Strap - $249.95
The strap style looks something like Indiana Jones would have worn because it has a very rugged, individualistic style. These straps are made with non-bovine leather (like from a crocodile, snake, or ostrich, or made to look like such). You DO NOT want to wear this in the water, much like its classic counterpart!
Metal Watch Strap
Genuine Seiko Stainless Steel Push Button Fold-Over Clasp Metal Watch Bracelet - $89.95
“Fancy” could be used to describe this watch strap, aka a bracelet, link, or stainless steel watch strap. It is best worn at formal gatherings, but don’t rule out semi-formal or even corporate work environments either. Do not to wear it in water either, because it could potentially rust.
Rubber/Silicone Watch Strap
SEIKO GENUINE BLACK RUBBER DIVER'S 22MM WATCH STRAP - $29.95
This is a watch strap you can wear in the water! It does look somewhat plain compared to the previous styles but is far more casual and durable than either leather or metal. Don’t wear it to work, either---your boss probably not like it! (Unless you possibly have a cool boss).
NATO Style Watch Strap
Euro Collection Olive Slip Thru One Piece Nylon 18mm Watch Strap - $11.95
This strap comes from the British Military of Defense and originated during the 1970’s. You can still be American (or any other nationality) and wear this style, however. Also known as a G10, named after the first (and at one point, the only) store to carry these straps, it is incredibly durable and made of nylon. Original NATO watch straps came only in grey and had a 20 mm width. These factors could vary now, but the style has mostly kept its classic look throughout the years.
Canvas/Kevlar Watch Strap
Genuine Citizen Olive Nylon and Leather Eco-Drive 18mm Watch Strap - $34.95
Similar to an artist’s canvas, it is usually preferred by creative, free-spirited types. This watch strap gives a laid-back, sometimes athletic vibe, but probably takes a little bit longer to dry than a rubber watch! Only wear this watch strap near the water if you aren’t going to be soaked (unless you like your watch being that way).
Lorica Waterproof Watch Strap
Hadley Roma Genuine Lorica Orange Self-Lined Heavy Padded Watch Band - $21.95
If you like to be in the water, but also work in a corporate environment, a lorica waterproof strap would be best for you. It is made of a synthetic microfiber, lorica, which is designed to look and feel like leather (you can also call it “vegan leather”) and is also waterproof, a quality its animal-skin cousin lacks.
Nylon Watch Strap
Blue and Red Striped Nylon B-5203 Watch Band - $9.95
You can tell that this is a versatile-looking strap that’s durable and saved for casual events if you look very closely at its texture. It is also great when playing sports or participating in other athletic activities. Many other styles of watch, including the NATO style mentioned above, happen have nylon straps as well. It can come in many different styles, NATO being one of them, and do not assume that the two strap types can be used interchangeably every time!
Long Watch Strap
This is good for wearing for those with thick wrists, or maybe one might want to double-loop this strap for an interesting style. It usually comes with a deployment clasp (you won’t get sent to the military if you wear it!)
Diving
Hirsch Extreme - Premium Caoutchouc Diver's Watch Band $133.99
It is obviously great for diving, but also works well for other heavy-duty outdoor activities, such as white-water rafting, canoeing, boating, and maybe hiking (depends on where you’re hiking at). But because it’s still a watch strap, you do want to make sure that you replace it once every five years.
Vintage
Vintage Handmade Stitched Charcoal Leather Watch Band $74.95
This is for the hipsters, steampunks, goths of us (if you lean more Victorian-style goth, that is) as well as general unique/alternative individuals in the world. It is supposed to look distressed for people who want this type of look. Don’t wear it to work or formal events, unless you’re invited to a semi-formal event with a quirky or interesting host. In that case, you can consider wearing it.
