Guide to watch bands

The idea of putting a watch on your wrist and holding it there using a strap or band is a relatively new one in the history of time pieces. Of course, it took a long time for a clock to become small enough to fit on your wrist but even since then the idea was resisted by gentlemen who preferred to carry their watches in their pockets and attached by a chain, the traditional Victorian gentleman's pocket watch. Wearing a watch on your wrist was also considered something that was only done by ladies and it was not until the First World War when troops needed to be able to see the time without taking their hands away from their weapon that wrist watches for me where first used.

After the war to idea soon caught on and now it is unthinkable to wear a watch in any other way. Having said that I did used to carry a digital wrist watch in my pocket when the band broke. Alas, it was not a replaceable band but the novelty of carrying a watch was quite fun for some time…

Watch straps come in two categories, bands and bracelets.

Bands

Bands fit snuggle around the wrist and are more comfortable because of it. But adjusting to an exact fit can be difficult. There's a better range of materials and textures for bands and the strap itself is easier to replace if it becomes worn, which it is likely to do, unless it is metal. Gent's watches always have bands.

Bracelets

Bracelets are made from metal, they hang loosely over the wrist, this can be annoying if you prefer a snug fit. Because they slide on and off and do not has a clasp or buckle they don’t wear out as quickly because the material doesn't become fatigued from constant bending in the same spot as the watch is fastened/unfastened (although this is not a problem for metals bands either).

Bands tend to be cheaper but only because bracelets are usually made from precious metals and are for 'special occasions' and not suited to day to day wearing.

Metal watch bands

Metal bands include gold, silver and stainless steel varieties.

Gold bands look good but naturally good quality ones cost a lot of money. The purer, and therefore more expensive, the gold the softer it is and great care is needed to make sure the band does not become squeezed and distorted, for this reason 24 carat is rarely used for watch bands. However, gold alloys where it is mixed with silver, copper or aluminium are strong and also cheaper. When silver is used in jewellery it is alloyed with copper and traditionally was called sterling silver. This indicates at least 92.5 silver contents (and 7.5 copper).  Both gold and silver bands need careful cleaning to avoid spoiling their finish.

Of these stainless steel is, of course, the best material for a watch that will be worn on a day to day basis. Like gold and silver it is an alloy, made from steel and chromium. The chromium stops the band from rusting and corroding because it inhibits these propensities in the iron used to make the steel. It is incredibly tough and durable while remaining quite light. Its smooth surface repels dirt and bacteria but it can become stained so the name is somewhat of a misnomer. It is also a good material to clean, with warm soapy water and a toothbrush being good enough to remove dirt and dust and skin from the band.

There are more exotic materials available for gents watches such titanium. This has a reputation as a space age material and is probably the leading modern band for men at the moment.

Leather watch bands

What do these animals all have in common? Crocodile, Lizard, Ostrich, cows and pythons? The answer is as you probably guessed; they have all been used to make watch bands.
The leather from these animals is very distinctive, clearly showing the skin markings from the animal. If you have a leather watch band you may be able to breath new life into the material without getting a replacement. As long as the strap is merely faded and not worn too badly you can clean and condition to bring back some of its vitality. A good place to get advice about revitalising a leather strap is a traditional furniture store. They’ll have leather experts who can recommend a cleaning product. They may even give you some or help you out and the quantity required will be very small.

Synthetic watch bands

Modern synthetic bands can be made in all kinds of colors and all kinds if textures. Some watch product lines sell themselves as having interchangeable straps meaning you can color coordinate your band to match your outfit or accessories. All-in-one bands and faces are good for sports. They have better shock and water resistance. The rugged, chunky watch is mostly rubber. They are very durable but hardly evening wear. PVC is popular for kids watches. It's easy to clean and very durable. Not to mention cheap, an important fact for something that is quite likely to end up lost or eaten.

Rubber watch bands

As you would expect a rubber watch band offer great flexibility. Diving watches have rubber bands to allow them the stretch over the material of the diving suit. It is also used for rugged watches for the outdoor lover or wannabe commando.

I just searched on ebay and found a 12,000 diamond studded Rolex watch band. I also saw a pack of 10 plastic straps for $5. As always you pays your money and takes your choice!