Watch Straps: Leather vs rubber vs Metal Watch Band
Pros and Cons of different types of watch bands leather vs. rubber vs. metal watch strap
With summer around the corner and more short sleeves and bathing suits being worn, it is a good time to address the issue of leather vs rubber vs metal watch band. While the decision about what type of strap to wear is typically a matter of personal preference, there are some factors that may influence your decision. These include occasion, exposure to water, comfort, allergies， breathable and weight.
Type 1, Metal watch band
Pros and Cons of metal watch band
First, A stainless-steel strap is strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion. metal bracelets are a versatile and durable option.
Second, they go well with a range of outfit styles and can be a nice touch on classy, business, and casual occasions. Stainless steel straps can be solid or plated. Watch straps boasting precious metals like gold and silver are rarely solid through and through.
These bracelets are heavy and thick, they can also be more rigid and less comfortable than other styles. The one downside to stainless steel is that it is easily scratched. One more thing is, the metal watch band feels cold in winter. In wintertime, we normally use leather watch bands instead.
Type 2, rubber (also known as sports watch band)
The first rubber strap was the Tropic strap. Watchmakers developed the style in the 1960s following the surge in popularity of dive watches. Rubber straps come on digital watches and smartwatches, as well as some divers. Whether you’re heading to the gym or going on a deep-sea dive, a rubber strap is a smart option. They’re sweat and water-resistant, so they’re especially suitable for guys with an active lifestyle. It’s hard to get a good-quality rubber strap. The cheap rubber watch band may easy to get dirty and become harder and harder after a period of time. It will crake into pieces if you do not wear it after a period of time.
Fuerman rubber strap – also called ‘FKM rubber
It is made of “FKM” rubber, which is a fabricated Fluro-Elastomer rubber, aka Viton rubber. It is highly resistant to chemicals, heat, and stains and has no scent. It looks and feels just like “real” rubber though, but better IMO. It is the softest, most pliable, and most comfortable rubber strap. Against cracking, separation, stretching, or dust attraction
Vulcanized rubber. The MOST SUPERIOR Level of Vulcanized Rubber in the world. This ensures comfort and endurance against cracking, separation, stretching, or dust attraction. normally they are expensive. The price is around $250-$350USD / each.
Pros and Cons for rubber watch band
Rubber straps are a perfect choice if you are a water person. Water doesn’t bother it and it dries quickly without sticking to the wrist. Lightweight profile.
It’s very Eco-Friendly, if you’d love to be more environmentally friendly but don’t know where to begin, start with changing your watch strap so your environment will not be littered with bunches of unused wristwatches that eventually lie in the bin.
Rubber doesn’t breathe and I find them uncomfortable after a while. However, like the NATO strap, its rugged build makes it more casual and sporty. For dressier models and occasions, a rubber strap isn’t the right fit.
Type 3, leather watch band
Quality of leather
Have you ever wondered why leather is considered trustworthy when it comes to buying shoes, furniture, jackets, and handbags? It is an inevitable fact that people suggest and prefer to buy leather products following its durability and the strength of maintaining newness for a good long time. You may observe any change in the shade of the leather stuff but it is never going to leave you disappointed.
Leather straps are versatile
Leather will stretch, mold, and breathe, The right leather strap can transform your watch. Changing it out for another strap will give your watch a whole new makeover. If you’re thinking of spending a lot of money on a new watch, replacing the bracelet could change your mind. It will help you feel like you have a completely new watch, without the price tag of a new watch. When it comes to watch straps, cowhide is the most commonly seen type of leather used, but it’s not the only choice on the market. Leather watch straps can also be found in alligators, sharks, calf, ostrich, and crocodiles. You can also find the occasional leather strap made from a snake or stingray which is more reliable and breathable.
Generally, leather straps are relatively easy to take care of in the right temperatures – often with just a wipe of a damp cloth and dish detergent. In severe heat and humidity, though, these straps tend to get a bit sticky on the wrist.
Pros and cons of leather watch band
Leather straps are comfortable to wear and can be found in a variety of colors and textures.
Leather watch bands need to stay away from water. Water can damage a leather watch strap and cause it to stain, discolor or deteriorate prematurely. Dirt and sweat are getting on your straps from your wrist and start to smell unpleasant.
Why alligator leather strap so expensive
Type 4, Bund watch strap
The military bund watch strap was originally designed for the German pilots during WWII, a protective leather backing that came between the wrist and the watch. the leather pad under the watch case to protect their wrists from extreme heat and cold. So no matter how intensely hot or cold conditions could get during service on the field or in the air, the wearer would suffer no consequence. Most of the bund watch bands are made with calfskin, the price will be very high if use Grade A alligator since the bund is too big and almost can make 2 straps.
Type 5, nato – military watchband
The NATO strap first officially appeared in the 1970s. Watchmakers developed this style of band for the British army. Soon, it became popular among military forces for its array of features and capabilities. By the end of the Cold War, NATO straps began appearing in army surplus stores. It wasn’t long before they started to grow in popularity among the general public. Manufacturers quickly noticed the demand for the style and started producing their own Nylon is also a common material for watch straps. These straps are ultra-casual, durable, and comfortable. Most nylon straps can track their history back to military origins, providing a hint at how rugged and tough they are.
Pros and Cons of nato watch band
NATO bands are typically made of nylon. They’re not only easy to use but also durable, water resistant, and affordable. NATO straps come in a wide array of colors and designs to suit any unique taste. They’re simple enough for even the most novice watch owner to change out. Thus, the NATO strap is a great way to switch up the look and feel of your watch. The downsides to the NATO really come down to aesthetics. Because of their military origins and rugged construction, they have an inherently sporty appeal. While they’re perfect for a sport, pilot or military watch, they’re not ideal for a dress watch or a more sophisticated model.
Conclusion: Leather vs rubber vs metal watch band
Does not matter leather, rubber, or metal watch straps they have their strengths and uses. Because this is such a personal decision, it’s still best to first do some window shopping and even try on some watches in-store so you know how they really look & feel. Based on that you can opt for either a store or the best online watch store, but you’ll have a much better idea of what suits you!
What happens if the leather watch strap gets wet?
If you do get your leather strap wet, the first step is to gently brush off the water. Use a soft, absorbent cloth to pat the strap, and then let it dry naturally — never try to speed up the process with a hair dryer!
What type of watch band is best for sensitive skin?
Leather is a natural material making very light and feels soft on the skin to prevent skin irritation through friction during intensive workouts.
How to choose the Right Watch Band for your leather watch?
Leather looks equally great at the office as it does at a more formal occasion like a wedding. Neutral colors like black, brown, or tan are great for daily wear while the more complex styles like a python or crocodile make for a more elevated look. Just like any other leather product, your watch band will need some care.
How to take care of leather watch straps?
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