HOW IMPORTANT STRAP/BRACELET IS FOR YOU?
Good afternoon, folks! I hope you’re enjoying your Saturday. I have a series of questions for you, so please bear with me. I'm curious to know how important the strap/bracelet is to you when buying a watch and afterward. Do you prioritize selecting a watch with a strap you like, and that's how you wear them? Or do you not pay much attention to the strap since you plan to change it yourself eventually? For those who love straps, do you prefer aftermarket, OEM, or customized options? Personally, I enjoy experimenting with all three depending on what’s available. And every little detail is equally important to me. If you don’t mind share some of your straps buying sources here. Your input is greatly appreciated. Cheers!
Seizing moments, cherishing each second, and diving deep into the vibrant world of horology!
It's like 70% of the real estate of the watch, so I try not to ignore it!
It's like 70% of the real estate of the watch, so I try not to ignore it!
Definitely
Straps guy here. I wear them all. Definitely prefer well made variants, but also realize there are diminishing returns once above certain prices.
Doesnt deter me from higher end ones, it's my money 😂.
Straps guy here. I wear them all. Definitely prefer well made variants, but also realize there are diminishing returns once above certain prices.
Doesnt deter me from higher end ones, it's my money 😂.
I’m with you on that one ☝🏻
If it comes with a good strap/bracelet then excellent. Otherwise I’m not that fussed as I’ll get one I prefer. Sometimes though seeing a stock strap can help you realise what look you don’t want with your watch.
I agree with @88MilesPerHour you should defo give it consideration seeing as it’s a big part of the wearing!!
I love different straps. Whenever I get the itch to purchase a new watch, the more affordable option may be to get a new strap.
To illustrate, here's one of my favorite pieces of all time, the Lorier Neptune SIII. Two different straps, two different looks, both get the job done. Also about as far apart budget wise as you can get without going directly through Omega, Tudor, or Seiko (senchi). First is a WOE x ZuluAlpha Collab, second is a CNS ribbed.
I do not care at all for the strap a watch comes with since I know I will replace it immediately for a better one.
I love leather goods so naturally I love artisan straps made from high quality leather from respected tanneries. Plus there are great, honest artisans on Etsy making killer bespoke straps without the outrageous price of some self-proclaimed luxury brands. Great way to combine my love for leather and watches.
As far as bracelets go, I find most aftermarket options to be overpriced and I haven't found a good middle ground. $10-20 bracelets from Aliexpress are okay but feel flimsy and the cheap clasps are hit or miss. $100+ bracelets from the likes of Strapcode or Uncle Straps are definitely not worth that much, they feel more $50 in the hand and on the wrist than $100. I wish there was a fair-priced $50 middle ground, making good quality without trying to gouge customers.
If it comes with a good strap/bracelet then excellent. Otherwise I’m not that fussed as I’ll get one I prefer. Sometimes though seeing a stock strap can help you realise what look you don’t want with your watch.
I agree with @88MilesPerHour you should defo give it consideration seeing as it’s a big part of the wearing!!
Certainly on my part, but it's astonishing how many people I'm acquainted with who prioritize only the movement or dial, overlooking everything else.
I love different straps. Whenever I get the itch to purchase a new watch, the more affordable option may be to get a new strap.
Agree with that as well
Certainly on my part, but it's astonishing how many people I'm acquainted with who prioritize only the movement or dial, overlooking everything else.
No point in having the watch of your dreams if you don’t feel comfortable wearing it because the strap/braclet is uncomfortable and you never want to wear it.
To illustrate, here's one of my favorite pieces of all time, the Lorier Neptune SIII. Two different straps, two different looks, both get the job done. Also about as far apart budget wise as you can get without going directly through Omega, Tudor, or Seiko (senchi). First is a WOE x ZuluAlpha Collab, second is a CNS ribbed.
Both options are great
I do not care at all for the strap a watch comes with since I know I will replace it immediately for a better one.
I love leather goods so naturally I love artisan straps made from high quality leather from respected tanneries. Plus there are great, honest artisans on Etsy making killer bespoke straps without the outrageous price of some self-proclaimed luxury brands. Great way to combine my love for leather and watches.
As far as bracelets go, I find most aftermarket options to be overpriced and I haven't found a good middle ground. $10-20 bracelets from Aliexpress are okay but feel flimsy and the cheap clasps are hit or miss. $100+ bracelets from the likes of Strapcode or Uncle Straps are definitely not worth that much, they feel more $50 in the hand and on the wrist than $100. I wish there was a fair-priced $50 middle ground, making good quality without trying to gouge customers.
I try to juggle that myself. After a while I was able to save some great sellers on Ali and Ebay ove the time so I’m able to find some pretty amazing options up to $25
I do not care at all for the strap a watch comes with since I know I will replace it immediately for a better one.
I love leather goods so naturally I love artisan straps made from high quality leather from respected tanneries. Plus there are great, honest artisans on Etsy making killer bespoke straps without the outrageous price of some self-proclaimed luxury brands. Great way to combine my love for leather and watches.
As far as bracelets go, I find most aftermarket options to be overpriced and I haven't found a good middle ground. $10-20 bracelets from Aliexpress are okay but feel flimsy and the cheap clasps are hit or miss. $100+ bracelets from the likes of Strapcode or Uncle Straps are definitely not worth that much, they feel more $50 in the hand and on the wrist than $100. I wish there was a fair-priced $50 middle ground, making good quality without trying to gouge customers.
The long Island ones aren't bad, seem to me to be kind of the middle ground from my limited selection.
Will totally and unabashedly plug Arken here. Def one of the best bracelets I've ever worn. Sadly the MASSIVE letdown is very limited stock and all of its used and you have to like an integrated look.
I also hear good things about Nodus and their NodeX clasp, but I'll have to wait and see once I have in hand.
The long Island ones aren't bad, seem to me to be kind of the middle ground from my limited selection.
Will totally and unabashedly plug Arken here. Def one of the best bracelets I've ever worn. Sadly the MASSIVE letdown is very limited stock and all of its used and you have to like an integrated look.
I also hear good things about Nodus and their NodeX clasp, but I'll have to wait and see once I have in hand.
The Long Island ones seem more fair-priced but with shipping and import taxes they end up costing double unfortunately so not ideal for Europe based people. Their male end links also have a less defined center link which I don't like, that's why I went for the overpriced Strapcode one instead. But I like that they make female end links conversion kits.
I'll check out Arken! Thanks for the recommendation!
I enjoy putting a variety of different straps in summer. It's fun to match with different clothes or mood etc. In fall and winter I prefer leather and bracelet. I don't have very luxury watches and my straps aren't luxury either haha 😂. I like to buy alot 1-2 times a year at cnswatchbands I feel for the low price you have alot to choose from and the quality is perfect for me!
I enjoy putting a variety of different straps in summer. It's fun to match with different clothes or mood etc. In fall and winter I prefer leather and bracelet. I don't have very luxury watches and my straps aren't luxury either haha 😂. I like to buy alot 1-2 times a year at cnswatchbands I feel for the low price you have alot to choose from and the quality is perfect for me!
Thanks for sharing
It all depend on the style, color and how how easy to put on and off.
Definitely