Say you’ve got yourself a bona fide GADA (Go Anywhere, Do Anything) watch, but you’re not quite happy with the way the current strap or bracelet wears. Maybe it’s the profile or the weight; landing on a strap that can truly do it all seems a little far-fetched. After all, we all lead varied lives. The perfect strap for a professional surfer would look very different from what a corporate executive would pick. When it comes to choosing between a rubber, nylon or leather strap — what’s one to do?
Leather — Old-World Charm
Leather is perhaps one of the oldest textiles used by humans throughout history and has traditionally been valued on numerous fronts: durability, versatility, appearance and even rarity. While it may not be considered as hard-wearing as the other materials mentioned in this article, leather remains a respected material and is the de rigueur choice (for watchmakers and enthusiasts) when it comes to pairing a watch with a strap, especially for dress watches.
Leather watch straps come in many shapes and forms. There’s calfskin, goatskin, shell cordovan (who some may argue isn’t technically a leather, but still), alligator/crocodile — these are just some of the more popular choices. Calf skin watch straps, in particular, can be experienced in different ways, from the textured Epsom to the silky-smooth Baranil. More recently, a greater variety of exotic leathers has entered the landscape. Examples like Stingray, Ostrich, Lizard and even Salmon offer a very unique take on what leather straps can look (and feel) like, and are an eye-catching alternative for those who prefer the off-beaten path now and then.
When it comes to our handcrafted leather straps, we always approach them with a ‘quality-first’ mindset. That means sourcing leather from reputable tanneries and only using either full-grain or top-grain cuts. Variety is also a keystone in this collection: Our Signature straps also use less padding than most aftermarket brands, making them easier to break in and comfortable straight out of the box. Rather skip the hassle? That’s where our Slim straps come in. And for those who prefer a sleek, understated look, there’s always our Stitchless straps to reach for.
Pick our Leather straps for everyday wear if:
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You like the idea of your watch strap ageing over time.
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You’re tired of cardboard-like aftermarket ‘leather’ straps.
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You want something a bit more traditional on the wrist.
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You like experimenting with unique textures.
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You appreciate the craftsmanship of handmade leather products.
Rubber — More Comfortable Than It Sounds
Rubber straps have come a long way from the dense, tyre-like cuffs of yore. These days, the rise of FKM rubber has allowed rubber straps to bring greater levels of durability to wrists everywhere. Compared to silicone rubber, FKM rubber offers better protection against wear and tear, while also boasting improved heat and chemical resistance, making it a suitable material for those operating in challenging environments.
Durability aside, FKM rubber also offers several advantages over its silicone counterpart. For one, ‘stickiness’ is not an issue, meaning that keeping a FKM rubber strap lint- and dust-free is completely effortless. High-quality FKM rubber straps (like ours) are also known to be far softer and more pliable than silicone ones — bonus points for comfort! Finally, FKM rubber produces fewer toxic byproducts and is more recyclable, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
These are just a few of the reasons why we’re so proud of our CTS Rubber and Sailcloth straps. With the former, you can also enjoy a variety of designs (Mosaic, Waffle, Tropical, Pilot) and a fully customised fit, thanks to its cut-to-size design. Pair it with our CTS Deployant Clasp, and you’ve got a good-looking strap that’s secure, comfortable and dependable.
Pick our Rubber and Sailcloth Straps for everyday wear if:
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Your top priority is comfort and wearability.
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You need a strap to complement your active lifestyle.
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You’re sick of stiff, cheap-feeling rubber straps.
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You want a fuss-free strap with minimal maintenance.
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You prefer a more eco-friendly strap.
Nylon — A Hardy Textile
The nylon strap enjoys a rugged, utilitarian reputation due to the history surrounding its original inception — the NATO strap. Introduced in 1973, the NATO strap was commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence for members of the armed forces. Designed to be robust and reliable, these straps were made of densely woven nylon and were highly resistant to wear and tear, which made them ideal for use in various conditions while maintaining a low production cost.
The military association of nylon straps has trickled down into various formats today, such as elasticated Marine Nationale-style straps and easy-wearing single-pass straps designed for minimal bulk. It’s no difficult task to appreciate the benefits of nylon as a strap material: lightweight, inexpensive, durable and easy to care for. If you’re the type who frequently perspires, regular cleaning is usually advised to keep your strap clean and odour-free. Thankfully, they dry off relatively quickly.
We have a slightly different take on nylon straps. For our Delcro straps, we really wanted to highlight convenience and comfort, leading to our use of the elasticated fabric. The hook-and-loop fastening is the cherry on top — its infinite adjustment makes the Delcro truly one-size-fits-most. Available in 24 different colours and patterns, Delcro straps offer a near-endless amount of creative experimentation.
Pick our Delcro straps for everyday wear if:
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You like a strap that looks different from most.
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You need a strap that breathes well in hot weather.
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You hate fussing over clasps and buckles.
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You want a strap that your partner can wear too.
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You appreciate a strap with minimal bulk.
