The ubiquitous NATO strap may be the most popular watch strap around, but it’s far from the only choice. Here are a few of the other options you have for a perfect, comfortable and secure fit on your wrist.

New straps are coming along all the time. But which ones will stick around and make a difference?

Leather

Leather is the classic choice for watch straps due to its soft texture, luxury feel, and for enhanced comfort and style. Our full-grain leather straps are incredibly comfortable, allowing them to mold to your wrist over time for a personalized fit and eliminating uncomfortable pressure points. Additionally, leather is a breathable material, which helps to prevent sweat buildup during extended wear or strenuous activity.

While leather is durable and can stand up to daily wear and tear, it does require some maintenance to keep it looking its best. You’ll need to regularly clean and treat your leather straps with conditioner to prevent it from drying out, cracking, or developing a sticky texture. However, these minor steps can help you achieve a long-lasting and luxurious look that is sure to impress.

If you’re looking for a more low-maintenance option, rubber or nylon may be a better choice for you. These materials are typically more affordable than leather straps, and they can also offer some compelling everyday use benefits such as water resistance or durability. However, these straps do not have the same elegance and sophistication as a leather strap, so they may not be the right choice for everyone.

Metal straps are another popular watch band material that offers a mix of durability and style. They are lightweight, versatile, and come in a variety of finishes to complement your style. However, they can be a bit too weighty for everyday wear and can cause itching or irritation on the wrist, especially during hot weather or when wearing your watch for an extended period of time.

Rubber

Rubber straps have become a popular and versatile watch accessory. They offer a comfortable wear experience and can be found in a wide range of colours, making them suitable for casual or sporty wear. In addition, they are highly water resistant, which makes them ideal for swimming and outdoor activities.

They are also very lightweight, which makes them comfortable to wear for long periods of time. This is especially important for those who wear their watches at work or while exercising, and are concerned about the weight of a heavy metal watch strap. Furthermore, rubber is hypoallergenic, which means that it will not cause skin irritation for those with sensitive skin.

While the plastic straps that once dominated the world of luxury timepieces are still widely used, the popularity of rubber has resulted in an increase in the availability of different types of this material for use as watch straps. In fact, there are now a number of options available, from simple silicone to sophisticated fluoroelastomer (FKM) or isoprene.

The decision as to which type of rubber strap to buy will largely depend on the wearer’s personal preferences and usage. For example, if a watch is being worn on a daily basis in a professional environment, then it will be worth paying a little more for a high-quality, durable strap such as a vulcanised natural NBR rubber strap or an isoprene one from Italian Bonetto Cinturini.

Alternatively, for more leisurely wear, it may be possible to get away with a cheaper synthetic polymer such as PU or TPU. However, these will not be as durable as a top-quality vulcanised rubber strap and are likely to tear or degrade more quickly.

Finally, there are speciality bespoke rubber straps that have been designed to offer unique visual effects and creative design features. For example, some are printed with camouflage patterns and others feature cutouts that create a two-tone colour effect. Regardless of which type of rubber strap you choose, it is essential that it has the correct lug width for your watch and that it is made by a reputable brand.

Nylon

Nylon watch straps combine practicality with style, bringing durability and comfort to your timepiece. Nylon is a synthetic material that’s easy to clean, resistant to moisture, and able to withstand wear in any environment. It’s also less expensive than leather bands, making it a great choice for anyone on a budget or looking to switch up their look.

Nylon straps are available in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect match for your personality. Choose a sleek, black strap for a minimalistic look or a boldly colored design to make a statement. Nylon straps also come in different widths, so you can be sure to find the right size for your wrist.

Another popular option is a NATO-style strap, designed to be as durable as possible. These straps feature a secure double-pass system that keeps your watch securely fastened, even in the event of a fall or other damage to the band. They’re a popular choice for military personnel, but they’re gaining popularity among civilians as well.

Like other nylon straps, NATO-style straps are easy to use and maintain. Simply thread the long end of the strap through the top lug and out through the bottom lug, then pull it back through the shorter end’s metal keeper and tuck it in. These straps are also a good choice for active people, as their rugged design ensures that your watch won’t slip off your wrist during a workout or other outdoor activity.

For an added level of security, consider a NATO-style strap with integrated buckle. These straps are a great choice for anyone who wants to avoid having their watch accidentally unfastened during physical activity, and they’re a favorite of adventure seekers and military enthusiasts. They’re also a great choice for anyone who wants a more formal look, as they can be worn with dress watches in place of leather straps. Over time, these straps can develop a unique, rustic aesthetic that adds character and charm to your watch.

Mesh

The mesh watch strap has experienced a bit of a renaissance in recent years, thanks to their being both highly comfortable and durable. This is because the metal ‘rice’ is tightly intertwined, meaning that there are drastically fewer break points than you would find in a traditional bracelet.

A good mesh band is extremely comfortable on the wrist, allowing it to move naturally with your every gesture. It also hugs the skin perfectly, avoiding any rubbing or pinching. And it’s a great option for those who spend a lot of time outdoors – the mesh allows air to flow around your wrist, cooling you down on hot days.

The only drawback of a mesh strap is that it’s not as water resistant as other materials. It’s still fine to wear in the shower or swimming pool, but if you need a strap that can handle extended periods in the sea, then a rubber band might be a better choice for you.

Another popular option for a rugged, adventure-ready field watch is the NATO strap. Designed to meet the G1098 spec created by the Ministry of Defence in the 1970s, NATO straps are incredibly tough and comfortable. They’re available in a wide array of colors and patterns, and the nylon is reinforced so that it doesn’t fray even when you use it hard.

A third type of military-grade mesh strap is the shark mesh, which was first seen on Omega’s ground-breaking Ploprof 600 dive watch in the 1990s. Although its name might invoke images of a terrifying ocean predator, the shark mesh actually has nothing to do with the creature (except that it’s a very robust strap).

A great thing about watch bands is that they are much cheaper than the cost of an entirely new watch. That makes them an excellent investment if you’re looking to switch up the look of your current model or give an old one a fresh lease on life. So, whatever your style or occasion, don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials – you might find that you like them more than you thought you would!