I am a recovering bracelet snob: AMA
I see why you folks like straps now. They're more comfortable than many bracelets, can be swapped out easily and there are TONS of options to transform the look of your watch.
For YEARS, I REFUSED to buy a watch that didn't have an Oyster style bracelet. Very snobbish of me, I know. For me, it was go bracelet or go home. And considering the price range I normally shop in, I grew exceptionally picky.
But a month ago, on a whim, I bought a secondhand Vaer A3 which came with a rubber strap. Noticing my Tisell Explorer was sitting in my bedside table drawer neglected because I didn't like its bracelet, I threw it on the strap and...
I can't stop wearing it. It hasn't left my wrist in three weeks. Not only is it supremely comfortable, but it makes the watch look totally new. Now my eyes have been opened to buying my favorite 36mm watches that only come on straps, knowing I can easily swap them out for a classy rubber strap, an elastic strap, a leather strap...so many colors and options...and I don't have to worry about hair pulling or end link fit...
I just wanted to share my epiphany with all of you.
Apart from stainless steel sports watches, I'm a huge aerospace fan and have a passion for anything with a jet or rocket engine strapped to it.
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I still prefer a quality bracelet but I keep a drawer of straps for when I get bored (or summer).
I still prefer a quality bracelet but I keep a drawer of straps for when I get bored (or summer).
Believe me, I still prefer bracelets, but in my experience, I'll have to pay a good chunk of change for a watch with a truly outstanding bracelet.
Micro brands have come a long way: Traska offers a nice bracelet with tool less micro adjust for $550. Monta has made a name for themselves with their bracelet alone. You can find them used for under $1000.
Micro brands have come a long way: Traska offers a nice bracelet with tool less micro adjust for $550. Monta has made a name for themselves with their bracelet alone. You can find them used for under $1000.
Unfortunately, I owned a Traska but the bracelet tore my wrist hairs pretty bad...Monta looks great, too! Their watches are worth another look.
I’m still about 85% bracelet snob. Feel like straps dress down the watch more then I want. Every time I try a strap, it stays for a little while but I long for it back on the bracelet.
Now I’m trying to find watches that interest me which only come on straps, maybe that’ll help.
Oh, and Vaer indeed makes GREAT rubber straps!
A bracelet makes a watch complete. Like an unbroken loop.
That being said, black & steel does get boring sometimes. It's both a blessing and a curse, to own a strap monster.
Winter -> strap.
Summer -> bracelet.
Totally agree. A good bracelet is unbeatable but it feels nice to change the look of the watch with different kind of straps, especially and they have quick release!
If you're looking for straps, check us out and don't forget to use the Watch Crunch special: WC15
https://sartorialestraps.com/