Watch Bands
From LoveToKnow Watches
The right watch band makes the difference between stylish and boring looks, and comfortable or irritating fit. With many choices in options and styles, you should be able to find an appropriate band for your watch, your look, and your budget.
Watch Band Style Guidelines
A band should match the overall style of the watch case. However, the old rule that you can not wear a band of one metal with a case of another isn't necessarily true today. Here are some selection tips:
- A well-chosen contrasting metal color can actually highlight the case.
- You are not confined to the company that designed your watch.
- Proportion in the band and face is a safe choice.
- Contrasting size can be very striking. For example, a small watch face with a big bracelet-style band.
- Contrasting finishes create a new look: Matte finishes, both on leather or metal, can set off a shinier watch case.
- For an understated look, choose a matte band for a matte face.
- Shinier finishes draw attention, but clearly show scratches or fingerprints.
Style Tip: For smaller watch faces with large bands, use caution not to overwhelm the piece with prominent colors or patterns on your sleeves.
Straps Versus Bracelets
The classic watch strap band is made of leather, but recent informal styles include leather combinations, such as with denim, nylon, or rubber. Some watch bands are made entirely of rubber or other synthetics.
Bracelets are predominantly metal. Choices include either clasp versions, with unfolding sections that snap shut again (a deployant clasp), or expandable, made of links.
Watch connoisseurs argue about many things, but foremost is the debate between watch straps and bracelets.
Strap band proponents point out that straps are:
- More adjustable, for better fit
- Lighter and more comfortable
- Softer and more sensual against the skin
- Breathable
- Provide more versatile colors and textures
- Leathers come in a variety of natural colors and textures and, along with synthetics, offer more color treatment choices.
- Easier to change
- Affordable to replace
Bracelet lovers argue that bracelets are:
- Easier to put on or remove
- Less likely to fall off
- More water-resistant
- Longer lasting, both in looks and in function
- Easily integrated with the look of the watch case
- Provide customized fit, by adding or removing links
Given the pros and cons, the important thing is to pick the watch that works best for your personal style and the occasions you plan to wear your watch.
Materials for Watch Bands
Metals
Metal is the longest-lasting material for a watch band. Even minimum quality bands will last for 20 years or more. Stainless steel is the most common metal for watch bands and is affordable, starting around $20.
Titanium is more expensive than steel but is much lighter, making a heavy watch case more comfortable to wear. Titanium bands usually start around $75.
White and yellow gold watch bands are softer than other metals, and are not as resilient under normal wear. Gold bands usually start around $1,500.
Leather
Leather watch bands usually last about five years, depending on the quality of the leather. The standard buckle closure (like a belt) adds wear and tear, but better leather bands offer a deployant closure, significantly increasing the band's durability.
Cowhide or calf-leather is the most common leather for watch bands. Band prices range anywhere from about $15 to $100.
Ostrich leather is one of the most luxurious materials for watch bands, with a particularly soft and supple feel, and a distinctive “goose bumps” texture. Prices vary, depending on the leather quality, workmanship, and, of course, the brand. Other popular leathers in the same price range include stingray, alligator, and crocodile. Band prices start at $75, with many selections priced $200 or more.
Synthetics
Rubber is the most popular of the synthetics. Providing exceptionally good weather resistance, rubber is popular for sports watches. Band prices begin at $15.
Nylon is quite inexpensive, but does have a tendency to wear out quickly, if it catches on anything. Band prices begin at $5.00.
Plastics, such as PVC, are most often used for children's watches and are very inexpensive. Prices begin as low as $3.00.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 3,034 times. This page was last modified 19:00, 8 February 2008.
© 2006-2008 LoveToKnow Corp.
