Watch Bands and Watch Straps – Which Is Best?

A typical question people ask once they look to restore their watch strap or watch band is that will be probably the most comfortable, probably the most durable and stylish. Additionally, there are other factors to consider before making a choice, such as price, toxicology and scratch resistance. Of course the very best watch band for you’ll largely depend in your individual preference.

Firstly just what is really a watch band? A watch band is really a generic term for either a watch strap or even a watch bracelet. A watch bracelet is normally made from metal such as stainless steel, titanium, and even gold in some cases. A watch strap is constructed of non-metal. This is often synthetic or animal materials such as leather, Rubber, Nylon, denim, cloth or common plastic.

Comfort
Where comfort is concerned watch straps win easily. Watch straps are generally softer, warmer and lighter than metal bracelets. I are finding rubber straps to be probably the most comfortable. They are warm and very lightweight. You barely realize that the watch is in your wrist and it fits nicely because of its stretchable properties. However rubber is to not everyone’s taste. Although this will depend how the rubber is manufactured it can tear fairly easily.

Putting on a stainless bracelet on a cold winter’s day can feel un-comfortable. They are heavier than straps and more prone to cause skin rashes. However many metal watch straps are made of titanium which includes hypo-allergenic properties rendering it less likely to cause skin rashes. It can be feels warmer, softer and lighter on your skin than stainless steel.

Durability
Where durability is concerned the metals unsurprisingly win hands down. Stainless watch accessories can last for around 2 decades and titanium is even more durable, lasting even longer. Though the downside of titanium is its price and scratch resistance. It’s higher priced than stainless steel and less scratch resistant unless it has been surface treated. The durability of a titanium bracelet will depend on the grade of titanium being used with some grades more durable than others.

Leather watches usually last about five years and are fairly weather resistant. Rubber provides good weather resistance and is popular on sports watches. They tend to be a little more durable than leather watch straps although sharp objects can easier tear a plastic watch. Nylon and Plastics are cheap and they often do not last so long as one other materials. Plastic is often used on cheap children’s watches.

Stainless watch bracelets are probably the most affordable only costing tens of dollars. Titanium is higher priced since it is harder to manufacture and will cost you more if it’s surface treated to create it scratch resistant. The precious metals such as Gold bracelets are unsurprisingly probably the most expensive. Leather bands can differ In price significantly ranging from about $15 to $100. Rubber is one of the most used synthetics and the price is reasonable at around $20. Nylon and plastics would be the cheapest.