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Watch straps: leather or metal?
- Thread starter lthr
- Start date
Talbot
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,855
- Location
- Melbourne Australia
Depends on the watch and circumstance I guess. I wear leather with dress watch and vintage, metal bracelets for sport and active wear.
I have recently tried a Nato strap when a metal bracelet failed and was surprised how comfortable it was. The look took a bit of getting used to however.
I have recently tried a Nato strap when a metal bracelet failed and was surprised how comfortable it was. The look took a bit of getting used to however.
Ugh, really not a fan of Nato straps, at least the looks. Besides, most of them have really ugly lines like those on sport clothing, or at least that's what I see people wearing anyway. Same goes for belts, but at least they match them.
Suppose the nice and smooth material is quite comfortable though. Never tried one myself, that would require to actually buy it and I'm not willing to spend money on pure curiosity.
pawineguy
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,974
- Location
- Bucks County, PA
Not a fan of most metal bands. I have a whole collection of leather straps made for me by Daluca straps and I frequently change the straps depending on my mood. I switch between vintage leathers, different colors, shell cordovan, etc... great way to get a lot of mileage from your watches.
I do like Nato bands, extremely comfortable.
I do like Nato bands, extremely comfortable.
Retro Spectator
Practically Family
- Messages
- 824
- Location
- Connecticut
As a day long wearer of watches, I have noticed that leather bands tend to rot, unfortunately. I personally prefer bracelet watchbands, as these are comfortable, and are easy to put on, as they are stretchy!
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Edward
Bartender
- Messages
- 25,084
- Location
- London, UK
Metal for general wear, leather for dress occasions. I too find the leather straps can rot quickly if worn daily. I rather like the expanding metal braclet type.
cicftaiwan
New in Town
- Messages
- 1
- Location
- US
Leather for me. Metal is too irritating both to yhe skin and the hair on your arm. Everyone I know wearing metal has a bald spot on their wrist.
- Messages
- 10,524
- Location
- DnD Ranch, Cherokee County, GA
I wear leather for dressier type attire but every day it's metal bracelet.
Working around the barn & pastures = always metal, since sweat really rots & makes leather smell bad quickly for me.
Working around the barn & pastures = always metal, since sweat really rots & makes leather smell bad quickly for me.
General comment: seems like leather is a bit of a bad choice due to easy rot. Something to consider I guess, especially if you're sweaty a lot for whatever reason. Haven't thought about that, so it's an interesting point for me.
I wonder how do they not feel their hair pulled, I do, which is probably the main reason why I dislike metal bracelets.
I'm curious, why metal?
I wonder how do they not feel their hair pulled, I do, which is probably the main reason why I dislike metal bracelets.
I'm curious, why metal?
Edward
Bartender
- Messages
- 25,084
- Location
- London, UK
Partly aesthetics, partly durability. Given daily wear, no leather strap will last more than a year with me. That is, no leather strap that wasn't an extortionate price.... Some straps I've seen would have cost me more than the watch did. I'm sure they're great, but....
GHT
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 9,802
- Location
- New Forest
Apart from a 1930's repro watch, with leather strap, I rarely wear a wrist watch. My Grandfather's pocket watch, a Hunter, still gives good service. Grandad was presented with his watch, by his parents, when he joined the Police Force, not sure exactly, but before WW1.
scottyrocks
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 9,178
- Location
- Isle of Langerhan, NY
Stainless steel all the way.
Papperskatt
Practically Family
- Messages
- 506
- Location
- Sweden
Leather for me. I don't even consider metal as an alternative.
Why? Considering most comments about it rotting and such... Which is what I'll assume most people's reason for metal then.
EmergencyIan
Practically Family
- Messages
- 918
- Location
- New York, NY
Leather for me, as well.
- Ian
- Ian
Same question for you then - why? Since many opposed it. Just curious.
pawineguy
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,974
- Location
- Bucks County, PA
I prefer leather as it gives me the opportunity to change the character and look of my watches on the fly, whereas most metal options are limited to only one or two potential straps. See below the straps I use on this particular watch, depending on where I'm going and what I'm doing...
Papperskatt
Practically Family
- Messages
- 506
- Location
- Sweden
I prefer the look and feel of leather over metal, and I like to match them to my shoes. I've never experienced any rotting.
Same here. Maybe the leather that some of you here have seen rotting away was simply rotten to start with. lol
P.S.: Good ones don't have to cost much. I get mine for $5-15 depending on the type of leather. Calf with a natural grain is the cheapest I use and my favorite, together with lizard.
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