Our Recommended Merchants To Buy Watch Bands & Watch Straps

There are as many styles of watch bands and watch straps as there are timepieces on the market for different functions and occassions. There are a multitude of designs to choose from, and each manufacturer has their own distinct fashion. If you are looking to buy a Swiss watch, then you will want to consider the type of strap your timepiece has very carefully.

You can choose watch bands depending on their function or fashion use. Function wise, you would be wise to pick a watch of a hardwearing material, such as titanium or stainless steel. These sorts of materials are durable, and resistant to many bumps and scrapes. Titanium watch are particularly useful for those who are involved in water sports, as these watches are highly impermeable.

However, there are many fashion watch straps available on the market as well. Gold and precious metals watch bands make up the bulk of the fashion watches, each coming in a variety of cuts and styles. Some fashion watches have material straps (such as Swatch), decorated with patterns and artwork.

Ultra practical watches have plastic bands, which are very hardwearing. However, this type of watch strap is not normally the most aesthetic or attractive type of band you can buy.

You should also consider the function the watch will serve. If you are looking for a durable, hardwearing watch, then you may want to consider one with a steel watch band. However, if your goal is a decorative one, then you should pick a gem-encrusted bracelet.

Likewise, material bands are best for transient watches, and titanium is ideal for diving and underwater sports.

One of the most popular types of watch bands are those made of gold. The Oyster Perpetual by Rolex is a fine example of this type of watch band. This automatic watch is made using steel or yellow gold, or a combination of the two. It is a self winding watch which is waterproof up to a depth of 330 feet.

Whether you choose to go for a gold, material, steel, or gem-studded watch strap when choosing your timepiece, you should make sure to carefully check it for faults and flaws. Gold can be scratched, material can fray, and gems can fall out. Make sure you thoroughly inspect the band before buying. The gold band allows a certain amount of flexibility and sturdiness, which is ideal for those looking for an attractive watch that can stand the rigours of an active lifestyle.

If you are looking for a watch strap that is a little more flashy than your average band, then the Rolex Orchid is the perfect choice. This jewel-encased watch, with diamond markers, has a reliable quartz movement and is available with a stunning gem-set bracelet.

You can, however, opt for the more subtle leather band as opposed to the expensive bracelet. Both of these bands are aesthetically pleasing. Leather does wear down after excessive use though, and gem bracelets are quite delicate, so they should not be used in rough environments.

Another watchmaker that specialises in expensive watch bands is Swiss designer Concord. Their expensive platinum watches set with sapphires, emeralds, diamonds, and rubies make their watches some of the most elaborate and intricate available today. They are perfect for those who are looking to really splash out on their timepiece.

Other Swiss companies such as Tag Heuer offer feminine and modern watch straps within their traditional ranges.

The Alter Ego series is a very desirable collection, with watches that come with steel bracelets, pastel-coloured faces, and an off-centre crowns. Most of these have sapphire crystal, Swiss quartz watch movements.

Another watch with the steel bracelet design is made by Burret and is part of their Vitesse Collection. This timepiece has a Swiss quartz movement, is water resistance up to 100m, and is finished with an attractive stainless steel case and bracelet.

You can purchased this watch for around $550. The steel bracelet is an ideal choice for those who want a low-key watch that can be used on a daily basis, in almost any circumstances.

People looking for a quirky watch should check out the Veni Vidi Vici range. These Swiss watches are cut from an 18-carat yellow and grey gold nugget, and have a fish scale design for the strap.

These unique and eye-catching timepieces are designed to reflect light, making the scales look like they are in continual motion. It is a timepiece that will certainly make you stand out in a crowd!

However, there are thousands more watch straps available on the modern market. For military watch enthusiasts, the Wegner Field Military Camouflage watch is a great choice. This watch has a quartz movement, gunmetal PVD coating, and an army pattern dial. It also has a strap which is coloured in the traditional army camouflage style. You can buy this watch for around $125.

Swiss company Breitling also offer a wide variety of watches with differing strap styles.

The Avenger Seawolf, for example, is a titanium watch with a sturdy and durable band. It is water resistant up to 3000 meters and is the chosen watch of many divers.

The titanium material also makes the watch very lightweight, making it ideal for those who are looking for an unobtrusive timepiece.

If the strap of your timepiece gets damaged, you would be wise to first take it to a specialist watch repair shop. They will be able to tell you at a glance whether your watch can be fixed, or whether you should replace the strap altogether.

In the case of most leather and material straps, it is fairly easy to buy a replacement strap. For linked metal watches, the repair shop can often find a replacement link. However, many solid watch bands need more specialist care, and you should seek out the assistance of the manufacturer before attempting to change the band.

But whatever you choose, you should be careful to look after and maintain your watch bands properly. Do that and it will be sure to last you for a very long time to come.