Best Watch Straps
How to Pick the Perfect Watch Strap
The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.
With additions by Cole Cooper.
So you have a watch or two that you absolutely love, but you’re tired of not being able to wear a watch with every single outfit because they just don’t match or it’s not right for the occasion. The trouble with owning just a few watches is that you can’t wear them with every outfit you own, unless your wardrobe is comprised of only black tees. Which hey, you do you. But if you’re like most men, you want some variation. That’s where changeable watch straps come in.
Switching out a watch strap for another one basically gives you a whole new watch entirely. In seconds, you have a new look that’ll change up your style. Have a black watch band but you’re wearing a blue and brown outfit? Change the watch strap and boom. You have a timepiece that matches and won’t be eye-catching for the wrong reasons.
RELATED: Best Watch Winders
And guess what? Buying a new watch strap is much, much cheaper than buying a whole new watch. You won’t have to shell out a couple hundred or even thousands just to be able to have a different look. A ton of watch straps start at just ten dollars, and even more costly straps won’t run you that much in comparison. You can save money while constantly changing the look of your watch. That’s what we call a win-win.
So a watch does not only have to be one watch. Say you have a silver and a gold watch in your accessory arsenal. Invest in a few watch straps and you instantly have not just two watches, but four or eight or even more at your disposal. It’s really just that easy.
So what are the differences in watch straps and which ones should you get? We’ve got you covered. We created a list of some of the best watch straps to help you turn your tiny, one or two watch collection into a collection of endless possibilities. You can thank us later.
Leather
Hirsch Leather Watch Strap
Having made watchbands since 1765, it's safe to say Hirsh has a pretty good grasp on what it takes to create a strap that is both durable and aesthetically-pleasing. This watch strap has a rugged, natural appearance and its natural finishing means it will organically take on new tones and highlights over time -- creating that lived in, effortless look. Don't worry about having to find a replacement anytime soon -- all Hirsch watch straps are water-resistant and feature a patented technology that brings together the upper and the lining without a seam.
Dassari Distressed Leather Rally Watch Strap
Rally watches are known for their perforations, which come from racing. Early race cars were designed with holes in them, cutting down on weight in order to gain maximum speed. The holes might have also been used to reduce heat as race cars get pretty toasty. Rally straps are great for more classic-looking watches, and they’ll definitely catch some eyes for the unique design. Ever wanted to feel like a race car driver? Now’s your chance.
$49.99 at Amazon.com
Friday & River Horween Shell Cordovan Nato
High-end leather straps don’t have to look like old school crocodile with a gold buckle. The new look of sophistication is simple and stylish, and the U.S.-based husband and wife team makes one of the best straps we’ve seen with high-grade Horween Shell Cordovan leather that looks as rich as it feels. Choose between black and brown leather and black and silver hardware for a distinct look that can toe the line between dress and casual equally. It looks best with watches like this.
$120 at FridayAndRiver.com
StrapsCo Tan Leather Military Watch Band
Inspired by pilot straps that kept a thick leather pad between the wearer’s wrist and the watch’s case back during extreme temperatures, this Bund takes things up a notch with textured leather and contrast stitching. It goes perfectly with this.
$19.99 at Amazon.com
Nato/Zulu
Zulu Ballistic Nylon Watch Strap
Zulu watch straps are usually composed of thicker materials like nylon or even leather. This helps make the strap stronger. Zulu bands have larger hardware and because of this thickness. Zulu watch straps are great for larger watches. They also come in a variety of styles, so one of these will be sure to please even the pickiest man. Just be careful with these straps as they may be too large to fit some watches.
From $12.99 at Amazon.com
Crown & Buckle Rouille Bridle Leather Nato
Make that vintage heirloom watch at home on your wrist with an old-school looking brown leather Nato that has natural uneven leather tones and heavy-duty style brushed stainless steel hardware. They’ve kept the edges natural to maintain that vintage look, perfect for a timepiece like this.
$32 at CrownAndBuckle.com
Nato Military James Bond Strap
This isn’t an exact replica of the famous strap worn by Sean Connery in Goldfinger, but it comes close. The two-tone nylon band comes outfitted with matte black rings and looks great with a simple diving watch.
$15.99 at Amazon.com
DaLuca Ballistic Nylon
This orange Zulu beauty is tough and quick-drying thanks to ballistic orange nylon weave fabric that holds up under grueling conditions. The five black rings maintain symmetry that flanks your watch case, while the nuclear orange color pops beautifully. Mate it with a nice PVD dive watch.
$34.99 at Amazon.com
RELATED: Best Apple Watch Bands
Rugged
Bonetto Cinturini Rubber Dive Strap
When is a rubber dive strap dressy? When it’s designed with a subtle bevel edge and sleek stainless clasp that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the touch. This 20mm model is made with vanilla-scented natural vulcanized rubber that never cracks or peels, either. Whether you dive a reef or a bar, this one stays comfortable and is meant to last almost as long as your watch, itself.
$30 at Amazon.com
Hstrap Stainless Steel Watch Band
The engineer watch strap is designed to be large when on the wrist. It might be difficult to wear at first as you might not be used to the weight, but the strap will be extremely durable and hold up to some of the toughest wear. This makes them perfect for larger dive watches. But don’t be afraid of the size. Be sure to get one that works for your wrist, and you’ll be able to rock a dive watch like nobody’s business.
$30.99 at Amazon.com
Marathon Vulcanized Yellow Rubber Dive Strap
You don’t have to settle for black rubber straps when colors abound. Marathon makes some of the most respected natural rubber dive straps around, and they make a stunning yellow version that’s the ideal sporty strap. The stainless steel buckle holds up under heavy use, and the rubber stays flexible through thick and thin. You can match it to the dial of this sporty timepiece.
$34.95 at Amazon.com
Metal
J.Vander Milanese Mesh Strap
If you can’t tell from the name, Milanese watch straps were first created in Milan, Italy where the design was first used in chainmail. These straps are renowned for their mesh appearance that is a beautiful eye catcher and provides a unique texture. Because the mesh is so dense, these watch straps are extremely smooth. A Milanese strap is so stylish and versatile that you can use them on both modern and traditional watches to step up your style game.
$34.99 at Amazon.com
Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet
Perhaps one of the most versatile metal bracelets on earth, it can pair with dress watches, dive watches and casual watches alike, and the solid links and screw bars mean it’ll last. No need to worry about this strap falling off your wrist, the diver-friendly flip lock double clasp will ensure your watch stays where it should. Pair it with watches like this.
$79.99 at Amazon.com
amBand Stainless Steel Black Watch Band
When you're looking to add an effortlessly cool, sleek appeal to any look an all-black watch is the way to go. This black stainless steel oyster watch strap has received rave reviews for its quality and durability. It will look equally as stylish when paired with jeans and a t-shirt as it will with a suit.
$17.90 at Amazon.com
We Recommend...
Stainless Steel Watch Band Tool
Don't start Frankenstein-ing your watches unless you're properly equipped! This handy multi-tool does everything from repairing spring bars to replacing straps -- a must in any watch collector's arsenal.
$5.99 at Amazon.com
You Might Also Dig:
-
Men's Watches
Watch Brands