It’s Springtime in Montana!

​PSA (Personal Strap Attachment) - Watch Straps, Bands, Bracelets

Let’s face it, watch “attachments” as I’ll call them for the moment, to include leather straps, metal bracelets, nylon, silicone or rubber, are as personal to the wearer as the shoes on their feet, the car they drive or the watch they have on their wrist. Some people who are fashion conscious are going to be more attuned to the look and feel of a watch that is attached to their wrist by some form of fabric or material and color that suits them. Comfort, complementary colors etc… all play into this. As a retailer, I’m always having a hard time putting a watch into the showcase with a strap that “I think” will attract, complement and add to the allure of the watch. That being said, there’s nothing much I can do to the emotions of a customer who might glance over a truly stunning timepiece with a strap that “just does not work”... for them. I get it. And I usually tell my staff that they should encourage that customer to consider something that might compliment “their” taste. A black strap on a gold watch and a brown strap on a steel watch does not always work. Would the color, finish or treatment to the wheels on your car make a good analogy?
Most early pocket watches, at least in the USA, were sold as a movement only and then the watchmaker would have a selection of cases that he could put the watch into for his customer. Maybe he or she wanted a beautiful solid gold hunter case with birds or an elk engraved upon it but didn’t necessarily care about the top grade movement in it. Conversely, most railroad grade watches were fitted into gold filled cases… much cheaper… as the money was spent on the quality of the movement, imperative at the time! 

The same can be thought of today with regards to a wristwatch. But, and I’ll quantify this, the watch strap is more “disposable” than a solid gold case of a pocket watch or even a gold filled case. In the early 1900’s one could purchase a decent pocket watch movement for $30-$60. One could add $75-150 or more for a solid gold case! But a gold filled or nickel case could be had for a fraction of that. 

Today, there are a plethora of watch strap manufacturers, offering exotic to common leathers and metals. In the natural scope, there’s leather that can be dyed to offer a rainbow of colors and stamped to appear like lizard skin, crocodile or ostrich.. Many are also genuine like shark, bison, calf, etc… and even some very exotic leathers. …thankfully no more elephant hide watch straps… they have been long deemed illegal! That being said, if a leather strap is your thing, there’s a myriad of choices and price ranges. We typically stock this variety from $20 - $200. And, you tend to get what you pay for. 

Metal bands are another way to adorn and compliment your watch. Links vary in look and feel as do the materials. Stainless steel being the most popular, but also combinations of steel and gold are also very popular. Titanium, sterling and ceramics also have come into favor in the last few decades. It’s all a matter of personal taste. 

So, the next time you are looking to upgrade your watch attachment, consider this. ACCESSORIZE!  As frivolous as it might sound, a strap can be an accessory - match your shoes, belt, handbag or mood. Colors can vary greatly! Application is also something to consider. Even leather straps that are treated to be water resistant are going to degrade with time. So if you are consistently subjecting your watch to water or perspiration, I’d recommend nylon, silicone, rubber or stainless steel.  But then look at it this way, it’s kind of like polishing up a pair of shoes and fitting them with new laces. $40-60 can add a lot to the look and feel (not to mention security on your wrist) for your timepiece. It can make a measurable difference to the appearance of the watch on your wrist! We’re always here to help make the selection (and fit it) to your beloved watch. 

If it looks like it’s time to upgrade the look and feel to your wristwatch, don’t hesitate to visit with us. We’re happy to offer a selection of different colors and finishes that might compliment your taste and desired look. 

Happy spring colors to you all…. And  be well,

Dave