Types of watch strap part 3 - Other types of watch strap by Extropian
We’ve covered metal bracelets and leather straps in previous articles. But watch bands can come in a huge variety of other materials too! We’re going to have a look at everything from the classic to the seriously quirky.
Nylon Straps
Nylon straps are great if you’re the outdoors type as they’re informal, comfortable, incredibly durable, and handily wick away moisture from the wrist. But they can look surprisingly good in more dressy situations too. Sean Connery as James Bond paired a nylon strap with a tuxedo in Goldfinger back in 1964 and (unsurprisingly) looked super suave doing so!
❤️ We think this super versatile Vaer will look great on any occasion!
NATO style
Perhaps the most iconic of all nylon straps, the NATO style, is made from a single piece of material that slips under the watch’s caseback, between the lugs, and is secured by a buckle, making it super-easy to change. Many people think Bond was wearing a NATO strap in Goldfinger, but as they didn’t appear until 1973, that’s not the case!
Seaborne - Sea Venture Automatic
❤️ We love the funky color orange of this NATO style strap
Zulu
Zulu straps are similar to NATOs but are made of thicker nylon, have bigger metal hardware, and don’t have the extra strap on the underside. Like NATOS, they’re available in both nylon and leather versions.
❤️The way this ZULU strap compliments the dial is just beautiful!
Perlon
Perlon straps have a very distinctive braided look, as they’re woven from thick threads of nylon. They’re incredibly strong, but also very flexible, lightweight, and comfortable. Also, the braided design means that the buckle can simply be inserted anywhere through the strap rather than through pre-cut holes, which makes them super-easy to adjust.
Cordura
Cordura is a nylon-based synthetic fabric which is durable, waterproof, and even fire-resistant. Widely used by the military it would be a great choice for any watch worn in rugged outdoors conditions.
❤️ Rugged and stylish. Our kind of thing!
Sailcloth
Made from a wide variety of materials, not just nylon, Sailcloth straps also score high for durability and style. They’re incredibly strong and are designed to dry quickly (as, pretty obviously, they’re made from sail making materials!). But they’re also very versatile and can look either dressy or casual depending on what else you’re wearing.
❤️ Loving the nautical feel of this sailcloth strap!
Velcro
Velcro has been around since the 1940s and is used in so many different ways that it’s easy to forget how handy it can be for watch straps! Velcro straps are easily adjustable, comfortable, and super quick to fasten!
❤️ Not just for fastening trainers! Velcro makes the strap on this SWC - Bunker super practical!
Canvas
Originally an all-natural material, many canvas straps are now synthetic. Tough, and highly resistant to moisture or stains, they’re great for field or tool watches, or any kind of rugged outdoorsy activity.
❤️ Who would’ve thought canvas could look so cool, huh?!
Kevlar
Fancy a really tough strap? Then go for Kevlar. It has a tensile strength-to-weight ratio that’s five times stronger than steel, making it one of the most durable materials out there! It’s the same stuff they use to make bullet-proof vests, but we wouldn’t recommend trying to stop any bullets with your wrist – leave that to Wonder Woman!!
Norqain - Adventure Sport Chrono 44mm
❤️ With its kevlar strap it’s no surprise this watch is giving off super tough vibes!
Rubber Straps
Rubber straps are probably the most informal kind you can buy, and are great for divers, sports watches, and anything else you might want to wear in a casual situation.
Natural Rubber
Modern straps made from natural vulcanized nitrile rubber are soft, supple, and comfortable, but also durable, waterproof, non-allergenic, and easily cleaned. And they come in a vast array of colors and textures, so the choice is almost endless!
Tsao Baltimore - Torsk Diver Bronze
❤️ We’re in awe at the way Tsao can make rubber look so elegant!
Silicone
Silicone is a rubber-like material, which can be easily shaped and colored. Although less commonly used than natural rubber, silicone watch straps are also soft, pliable, comfortable, and water resistant.
Tropic straps
First appearing in the 1960s, the Tropic strap is one of the most iconic of all rubber straps. Created for divers who needed a tough, easily adjustable, and fully waterproof strap, it’s made of supple, strong, vulcanized natural rubber and features a cool perforated design.
❤️ Iconic and oh, so elegant. What’s not to love?
Conclusion
So now you have some idea of all the watch straps out there! Think of them as a super versatile accessory. You know how a great scarf, hat or tie can give an outfit that extra little oomph? Well, a different strap can do the same for your watch! We’re guessing you might just want to develop a little collection!
Created the 2023-01-25
Modified the 2023-12-28