Velcro Watch Bands

What are Velcro Watch Bands?

One of the key features of a wrist watch is the watch band. This is what keeps the watch sitting snugly onto the wrist, allowing the time to be read with ease. Traditionally, methods such as a buckle fastener would have been used. This remains a widely used method of fastening wrist watches with the buckle fitted at one end of the watch strap with the other end threaded through to fasten the watch securely. The buckle watch strap works particularly well on leather or other flexible materials. Over recent years, however, new and exciting methods of fastening watches have been developed and this includes using hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro, to fasten a watch band.

Hook and Loop Fastener

While the term Velcro is often used as a generic name for hook and loop fastening systems, Velcro is in fact the company name. This method of fastening two surfaces together is based on one piece being formed from a mass of tiny loops and the other from a mass of tiny hooks. The hooks and loops catch together, fastening the two surfaces in a firm yet temporary manner. The more correct name for this system is ‘hook and loop’ as this refers to the way that the two pieces fasten together. However, the term ‘Velcro’ is more commonly used. More information about Velcro can be found on the corporate Velcro website.

Benefits of Velcro

There are many benefits of Velcro watch bands. These include:

Ideal for Watches for Children

Velcro watch bands are ideal for children who are still developing their coordination skills. Children are able to quickly fasten the watch band without requiring adult help and the watch band will stay secure until removed. Character watches often have Velcro bands.

Quick to Put on and Take Off

These watch bands are ideal for jobs or circumstances where the watch needs to be frequently taken on and off. This might involve professions where watches are not allowed to be worn or during physical work where the watch might get caught and cause a hazard.

Fashion Statement

Hook and loop watch bands are ideal for making a fashion statement. These are typically thick watch straps which look great in fun and funky colors such as bright pinks or blues. These watch bands also look great when patterned and many different fashionable prints are available.

Dexterity Challenges

These watch bands are ideal for people with dexterity challenges as the watch straps do not require precise skills to ensure that they are fastened tightly.

Comfort

Many people find thicker watch straps or bands more comfortable to wear than thin ones. Hook and loop or Velcro watch bands are often thick and made from a soft flexible fabric, making them ideal for people who find hard metal or thin leather straps uncomfortable. They are also ideal for sports watches.

Buying Velcro Watch Straps

There are many stores that specialize in replacement watch bands and these often offer an excellent selection of Velcro straps and bands. Some online stores that sell an interesting range include:

• A G Thomas
• Nextag
• Amazon

Looking After Hook and Loop or Velcro Watch Straps

All watch straps need regular cleaning and checking to ensure that they are free from damage. This helps to ensure that the watch strap does not break which might result in the watch getting lost. This is no different with a Velcro watch band. Here are some tips for ensuring that the watch strap gives many years of good service:

• Keep free from dust – dust and small items of debris can block up the hooks and make the strap unreliable

• Check for wear and tear – stitching on the strap can get worn and this needs to be mended to avoid further damage

• Follow manufacturer's instructions – there may be special cleaning instructions that need to be followed to ensure that the watch strap stays in tip top condition