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Straps vs Bracelet
The strap or bracelet is a crucial part of a watch in order to be able to wear it. But it is also a crucial aspect of the overall look and design of a watch a well.
Over the years, the interest in straps has increased dramatically. And frankly, it’s easy to see why. Changing the strap on your watch will give it a completely new look and also allow you to mix and match your outfits and mood. Some people have a whole collection of various straps to choose from and change them daily on their watch, others don’t bother too much and simply wear the watch as it came from the factory.
Strap VS bracelet on your watch?
The choice of whether you should choose a strap or bracelet on your watch is at the end of the day completely up to you, but there are a few things that are important to know and keep in mind first.
Different watches have different designs and strap/bracelet options. Most watches use regular spring bars for their lugs, meaning that you remove the spring bar to remove the strap or bracelet, and then have the ability to put on a new strap or bracelet.
When it comes to changing different bracelets on your watch, people usually use the bracelet that is on the watch. Not all watches come with a metal bracelet from the factory, and in general, there are not a lot of aftermarket straps that you can buy to fit on your watch if this is the case. In addition, not all watches are designed to be able to fit a bracelet. In these cases, it’s more a matter of the type of watch you choose to begin with. If you are specifically looking for a strap watch, you don’t really have to pay attention to whether or not you’ll be able to fit a metal bracelet later on.
When it comes to changing different bracelets on your watch, people usually use the bracelet that is on the watch. Not all watches come with a metal bracelet from the factory, and in general, there are not a lot of aftermarket straps that you can buy to fit on your watch if this is the case. In addition, not all watches are designed to be able to fit a bracelet. In these cases, it’s more a matter of the type of watch you choose to begin with. If you are specifically looking for a strap watch, you don’t really have to pay attention to whether or not you’ll be able to fit a metal bracelet later on.
Which is best - strap or bracelet?
There is no real answer to that question. It all comes down to taste, purpose, and preference.
In general, metal bracelets allow for a sportier look than straps. Metal bracelets are generally more versatile and can work for all kinds of different occasions. The same cannot always be said about straps. For example, if you fit your dive watch with a leather strap, it may help make it more elegant and classy, but it will not be ideal for diving and swimming. However, if you wear it on a bracelet, you’ll be able to wear it both when swimming and on formal occasions.
Comfort - strap or bracelet?
Oftentimes, but certainly not always, a strap is more comfortable than a metal bracelet. The reason for this is of course very obvious. A metal bracelet is harder and rougher against the wrist compared to a soft leather strap or NATO strap. With this in mind, if you find yourself wearing a watch with a bracelet that isn’t very comfortable, it can actually be a good idea.
At the same time, there are some bracelets that are designed with comfort in mind and which are extremely comfortable to wear. You just have to try, test, and then make your decision accordingly.
In some cases, it may be difficult to find a perfect fit when you have a metal bracelet, and even if you size it, it may not sit perfectly. But with a strap, you’ll never have to size it, and you can just adjust the size according to your wrist which is a very popular reason for many to go for a strap.