Watch Straps: Leather vs rubber vs Metal Watch Band
Swapping your watch strap is the easiest way to mod your watch and change its entire look. Before we dive into the different types of watch bands, it’s helpful to understand the different materials they come in.
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Pros and Cons of different types of watch bands leather vs. rubber vs. metal watch strap
With summer around the corner and more short sleeves and bathing suits being worn, it is a good time to address the issue of leather vs rubber vs metal watch band. While the decision about what type of strap to wear is typically a matter of personal preference, there are some factors that may influence your decision. These include occasion, exposure to water, comfort, allergies, breathable, and weight.
Metal watch band
Pros and Cons of metal watch band
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant | Can be heavy, thick, and less comfortable |
| Versatile for various outfit styles | Easily scratched |
| Suitable for classy, business, and casual occasions | Feels cold in winter |
| Available in solid or plated options | Limited adjustability; may require tools to resize |
| Low maintenance | Potential for tarnish or discoloration over time |
| Long-lasting | Can be noisier than other materials |
Types of metal watch bands
OYSTER BRACELET, The Oyster bracelet is the quintessential metal bracelet
JUBILEE BRACELET, Jubilee bracelets typically have polished center links and brushed outer links. The inner links break up into three small, shiny rows, making this bracelet look like a party on a wrist.
MESH BRACELETS, Mesh-style bracelets can be polarizing for the watch enthusiast community; some love ‘em and some hate ‘em. However you might feel about them, the history is kind of cool.
Rubber Watch Band
Rubber watch strap also called Silicone (also known as sports watch band)The first rubber strap was the Tropic strap. Watchmakers developed the style in the 1960s following the surge in the popularity of dive watches. Rubber straps come on digital watches and smartwatches, as well as some divers. Whether you’re heading to the gym or going on a deep-sea dive, a rubber strap is a smart option. They’re sweat and water-resistant, so they’re especially suitable for guys with an active lifestyle. It’s hard to get a good-quality rubber strap. The cheap rubber watch band may easy to get dirty and become harder and harder after a period of time. It will crake into pieces if you do not wear it after a period of time.
The rubber straps we sell are made of “FKM” rubber, which is a fabricated Fluro-Elastomer rubber, aka Viton rubber. It is highly resistant to chemicals, heat, and stains and has no scent. It looks and feels just like “real” rubber though, but better IMO. It is the softest, most pliable, and most comfortable rubber strap. Against cracking, separation, stretching, or dust attraction
Vulcanized rubber. The MOST SUPERIOR Level of Vulcanized Rubber in the world. This ensures comfort and endurance against cracking, separation, stretching, or dust attraction. normally they are expensive. The price is around $250-$350USD / each.
Pros and Cons for rubber watch band :
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable for water activities | Doesn’t breathe well, can become uncomfortable over time |
| Dries quickly without sticking to the wrist | Not suitable for dressier models and occasions |
| Lightweight profile | Less breathable |
| Eco-friendly | May develop a sticky feel over time |
| Casual and sporty look | Limited style options |
| Flexible and durable | |
| Hypoallergenic | |
| Easy to clean |
Fluoro Rubber watch strap 18mm 19mm 20mm 21mm 22mm 23mm 24mm waterproof (Black, Grey, Red, Green, Orange, Blue 6 colors)
Leather watch band
Quality of leather
Have you ever wondered why leather is considered trustworthy when it comes to buying shoes, furniture, jackets, and handbags? It is an inevitable fact that people suggest and prefer to buy leather products following its durability and the strength of maintaining newness for a good long time. You may observe any change in the shade of the leather stuff but it is never going to leave you disappointed.
Leather straps are versatile
Leather will stretch, mold, and breathe, The right leather strap can transform your watch. Changing it out for another strap will give your watch a whole new makeover. If you’re thinking of spending a lot of money on a new watch, replacing the bracelet could change your mind. It will help you feel like you have a completely new watch, without the price tag of a new watch. When it comes to watch straps, cowhide is the most commonly seen type of leather used, but it’s not the only choice on the market. Leather watch straps can also be found in alligators, sharks, calf, ostrich, and crocodiles. You can also find the occasional leather strap made from a snake or stingray which is more reliable and breathable. The genuine alligator crocodile leather straps are some of the most revered products we offer. The American alligator skin is one of the most elegant, durable, tough, and beautiful leather in the world like the Cartier Roadster custom straps.
Generally, leather straps are relatively easy to take care of in the right temperatures – often with just a wipe of a damp cloth and dish detergent. In severe heat and humidity, though, these straps tend to get a bit sticky on the wrist.
Pros and cons of leather watch band
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable to wear | Prone to damage from water |
| Available in various colors and textures | Can stain, discolor, or deteriorate prematurely |
| Classic and elegant look | Requires regular maintenance |
| Ages gracefully with a unique patina | May wear out faster compared to metal or rubber straps |
| Customizable in lug, length, stitching, and lining | Sensitive to temperature changes (stiff in cold, uncomfortable in heat) |
Bund watch strap
What is bund strap? The military bund watch strap was originally designed for German pilots during WWII, a protective leather backing that came between the wrist and the watch. the leather pad under the watch case to protect their wrists from extreme heat and cold. So no matter how intensely hot or cold conditions could get during service on the field or in the air, the wearer would suffer no consequence. Most of the bund watch bands are made with calfskin, the price will be very high if use Grade A alligator since the bund is too big and almost can make 2 straps.
Nato - Military watchband
The NATO strap first officially appeared in the 1970s. Watchmakers developed this style of band for the British army. Soon, it became popular among military forces for its array of features and capabilities. By the end of the Cold War, NATO straps began appearing in army surplus stores. It wasn’t long before they started to grow in popularity among the general public. Manufacturers quickly noticed the demand for the style and started producing their own Nylon is also a common material for watch straps. These straps are ultra-casual, durable, and comfortable. Most nylon straps can track their history back to military origins, providing a hint at how rugged and tough they are.
Pros and Cons for nato watch band:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable and water-resistant | Sporty appeal may not suit dress watches |
| Affordable | Not ideal for more sophisticated models |
| Easy to change | |
| Available in a variety of colors and designs | |
| Perfect for sport, pilot, or military watches |
Conclusion: Leather vs rubber vs metal watch band
Does not matter leather, rubber, or metal watch straps they have their strengths and uses. Because this is such a personal decision, it’s still best to first do some window shopping and even try on some watches in-store so you know how they really look & feel. Based on that you can opt for either a store or the best online watch store, but you’ll have a much better idea of what suits you!
If you do get your leather strap wet, the first step is to gently brush off the water. Use a soft, absorbent cloth to pat the strap, and then let it dry naturally — never try to speed up the process with a hair dryer!
Leather is a natural material making very light and feels soft on the skin to prevent skin irritation through friction during intensive workouts.
Leather looks equally great at the office as it does at a more formal occasion like a wedding. Neutral colors like black, brown, or tan are great for daily wear while the more complex styles like a python or crocodile make for a more elevated look. Just like any other leather product, your watch band will need some care.
About Drwatchstrap
Drwatchstrap specializes in Custom leather watch bands for watches including Audemars Piguet, Blancpain, Breguet, Bvlgari, Breitling, Cartier, Chopard, Corum, Franck Muller, Glashutte, Graham, Hamilton, Hermes, Hublot, IWC, Jaeger LeCoultre, Omega, Oris, Panerai, Patek Philippe, Piaget, Rado, Richard Mille, Rolex, Tudor, Ulysse Nardin, Vacheron Constantin, Zenith and more watches watch bands & straps. Drwatchstrap is NOT affiliated with any watch companies mentioned above.
As every exotic skin is unique, no two watch straps will look exactly the same. Every leather watch band we sell is custom handmade! Leather color, stitching color, lug size, and length all can be personalized. Welcome to contact us.
