Do you feel bored with your watch? Do you want to change the appearance of your watch to get fresh look? Buying new watch will cost a lot, but changing the strap or bracelet will do much cheaper for you. We will give you consideration to choose the strap that suitable for your watch.

Basically, there are five types where each model has its own character, advantages and disadvantages. Those five in general are; metal bracelet, rubber strap, leather strap, canvas strap, and the last is exotic leather strap. Now let’s discuss on each one.

METAL BRACELET Pros and Cons

Metal bracelet is very easy to find, usually the materials used are from stainless steel, titanium, gold, or some aluminium. The metal bracelet is suitable for both formal and casual occasions (because the metal bracelets are flexible). Metal bracelet is the hardest and strongest strap, waterproof, cannot be torn.

Metal Bracelet. (Photo from Breitling Avenger)

Metal Bracelet. (Photo from Seiko)

Advantages of Metal bracelet:

1. Strong and durable
2. Waterproof
3. Good for formal and casual occasion

Disadvantages of Metal bracelet:

1. Heavy because it’s from metal
2. If scratched will looks very dull
3. More difficult to adjust
4. Looks monotonous

RUBBER STRAP Pros and Cons

Rubber straps, definitely made from rubber materials, some are simple natural rubber, and some are more hi tech rubber composite. This type usually used on diver or sporty watches. The rubber strap looks simple and sporty. Some famous strap makers of this type (rubber) are like RubberB, Horus Straps, and Everest Bands.

Rubber Strap. (Photo from Everest Bands)

Rubber Strap. (Photo from RubberB)

Advantages of Rubber strap :

1. lighter than metal bracelet
2. Waterproof
3. Easy to adjust the strap
4. A relaxed and sporty impression

Disadvanatages of Rubber strap :

1. Too casual, not too suitable for formal or fancy events
2. Some people are allergic to rubber
3. If you are sweating, rubber feels sticky on the skin

LEATHER STRAP Pros and Cons

Leather strap can be found easily and have more variety, style, colors, and textures. The leather used are like cow leather, goat, sheep, deer, etc. Leather strap is suitable and perfect for those of you whom want to upgrade appearance and change the looks of your watch. Leather strap is highly recommended because it is very simple (but still looks elegant and luxury), lighter than metal strap, have many choices and colors, and most important is it can be handmade, custom made, and tailored to your needs. Some popular strap makers are like Gunny Straps, Combat Straps, Corrigia, Everest Bands, Attila Aszodi, Mario Paci, Mays Berlin, and many more.

Leather strap for Rolex called Deep Red from Gunny Straps

Leather strap from Mays Berlin

Leather strap from Everest Bands

Leather strap from Corrigia

Leather strap from Combat Straps

Advantages of Leather strap:

1. Can be customized, tailored to your needs
2. Wide choices of style
3. Very comfortable and flexible to wear
4. Can be use for both casual and formal occasion

Disadvantages of Leather strap:

1. Can’t be exposed to water (because it will smell quickly)
2. Special care is needed for durability

CANVAS STRAP Pros and Cons

This strap is made from canvas and widely used for outdoor activities. Some popular strap makers on this type are like Gunny Straps, Combat, etc.

Canvas Verte from Gunny Straps

Canvas Beige from Combat Straps

Advantages of Canvas Strap :

1. Strong material and not easily scratched
2. Relatively light weight
3. Can be customized, tailored to your needs
4. Looks very good for outdoor activity

Disadvantages of Canvas Strap :

1. Looks rough, even for the smoothest material will still have “rough” appearance
2. Not suitable for formal occasion

EXOTIC LEATHER STRAP 

Exotic materials are the base material for this kinda strap, for example; crocodile, alligator, lizard, toad, snake. This strap is the most elegant type of strap amongst others, mostly found on dress watch. You can also customize this strap, tailored to your needs. Some popular makers are like Gunny Straps, Combat, Mays Berlin, Atelier du Bracelet Parisien (ABP), Attila Aszodi, etc.

Beaver Scritto for Patek Philippe from Gunny Straps

Croco straps from Mays Berlin

Croco straps from ABP Concept Paris

Advantages of Exotic Leather strap :

1. Lighter than metal bracelet
2. Can be customized, tailored to your needs
3. Very comfortable to wear
4. Luxury

Disadvantages of Exotic Leather strap :

1. Can’t be exposed to water (because it will smell quickly)
2. Special care is needed for its longevity

So, before choosing the right strap for your watch, know your needs, find suitable strap that can meet your specific needs, and you’re good to go. What is your favourite choice?