CB’s Picks: The only 5 watch straps you need
C. Benjamin
Different occasions call for different watches. Unfortunately, different watches aren’t a cheap endeavor. Watch straps, however, are cheap and there are 5 that will take the right watch everywhere you want to be.
1. The Metal Strap
The metal strap is a good neutral band. Unlike leather, your wrist won’t sweat as much underneath and they are much more durable than straps made of nylon, rubber, or cotton. Metal straps are always good for casual to business casual attire and some business professional situations as well. They are not suitable for formal situations or athletic ones. Starting with a watch that comes with a metal band is your best bet to insure fit. The Seiko 5 is our pick.
2. The Black Leather Strap
When it comes to leathers the rule is simple: they should all match. Your shoes, belt, and watch strap should all be in the same leather family. A black leather strap is a must especially for formal settings. In an ideal world, your black strap would be alligator… but this is the real world and you have bills to pay. Until you make “alligator watch strap money”, a quality leather band with an alligator grain will get the job done. The Watch Prince has a German crafted alligator strap for less than $50 that will fit a watch like the aforementioned Seiko 5.
3. The Brown Leather Strap
You have your black strap to go with your black belt and shoes, now it’s time to get a brown strap to go with your brown belt and shoes. Brown is a softer and often times more casual color when it comes to leathers. A lot of times when guys put on jeans, they are reaching for their brown belt first so with your brown strap you want something that can work in the office but also with your favorite pair of jeans. The NATO style of strap has been very popular. Originally made in nylon, this leather version from J. Crew is stylish, functional, and affordable. It’s good with jeans and a t-shirt, but would also work with a shirt and tie in the office.
4. The NATO Strap
As mentioned, the NATO watch strap has enjoyed a lot of popularity over the past couple of years. The reasons are simple: they are cheap, come in many styles, and easy to find. Made of nylon, the NATO strap is the lightest of the bunch and excellent for wear in warmer temperatures. Whereas the leather strap gets grimy and smelly rather fast, the nylon of NATO straps breathes easier to keep sweat and dirty at a minimum. They can be easily cleaned by a quick trip in the dishwasher, and you can find them in a slew of colors and patterns. Smart Turnout in the UK has some of the best NATO straps in the widest range of colors. This has easily become our go-to strap year round.
5. The Silicone Sport Strap
OK, so you have most of your work and casual scenarios covered by the straps above, but what about sports? What if you want to go for a run or a swim? Well that’s when you break the rubber, silicone more specifically. It’s super durable, light, and easily cleaned. These silicone straps from Modena are perfect for a more grown up watch. Have a casual date after a left session? No need to swap the strap. The metal deployment strap will keep your watch secure while maintaining a mature look. And at just 12 bucks, you can afford to get a couple back-ups.
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