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You don’t need me to tell you the impact that a watch strap has on the experience of wearing your favorite watch. Getting the wrong one is like buying a beautiful painting but then housing it in an ugly frame. It just ruins everything, which is why getting the best watch strap is important.
With all this in mind, we’re going to talk all about some of the best and most beloved watch straps currently available this year, helping you to find the perfect one for you.
Still not sure which watch strap is best? We’ll even share our complete buying guide, so you make the right investment!
View The Best Watch Straps Below
1. BARTON Watch Bands
To kick things off, we’ve opted for a simple yet fully featured watch strap that goes with any watch and provides a vast wealth of benefits to your life; the Barton watch could be ideal.
Available in sizes ranging from 16mm to 24mm, and dozens of different colors, these watch straps are easy to fit and super easy to adjust to the right size.
Whether you’ve got a traditional watch or a modern-day smartwatch, these watch straps will fit the bill. It doesn’t even matter if you’re exercising or just going about your life; you can trust that these are watch straps made to last.
Pros:
+ Available in dozens of vibrant and beautiful color options
+ Comes with quick release technology for less hassle
+ Available in a multitude of sizes
Cons:
– Not made using hypoallergenic materials
Why We Like It – Thanks to the quick release feature added to these straps by Barton, you can easily pop the watch off when you need too, ensuring you don’t have to waste time fiddling around trying to get it to work.
2. Fullmosa 12 Colors for Quick Release Leather Watch Band
Next up, we have a very similar watch strap to the first entry, once again featuring a quick release feature that can help you take your watch on and off in seconds, as well as making installation an absolute breeze.
No more fiddling around trying to push bars in, and more time getting on with your life!
What makes these watch bands unique is the fact that they Fullmosa makes them using genuine leather materials that ooze quality and are made to last. Every detail here has been made to go above and beyond what is expected from your generic watch strap.
Pros:
+ Compatible with every kind of watch both new and old
+ Quick installation feature for fast implementing times
+ Made using superior 100% genuine leather materials
Cons:
– Only available in a 22mm size
Why We Like It – Hand in hand with the first strap, and as the title suggests, there are endless color options to choose from. It doesn’t matter what your favorite color is or what kind of style you’re into; this is a strap for watches that can fulfill your fashion needs.
3. BluShark – The Original Premium Nylon Watch Strap
While a lot of traditional watch straps are made of leather, sometimes this can cause reactions on the skin, or irritate some people, but then what other options do you have for watch straps? The answer; BluShark nylon straps.
When it comes to fabric watch straps that are made to stand the test of time, BluShark is considered one of the best and pride themselves on their five-star rating. They were one of the first companies in the US of their kind, making this one of the best watch straps for the pioneers.
Pros:
+ Comes ready to give as a gift in gift packaging
+ One of the only fully five-star rated watch bands available
+ Made from comfortable and lightweight nylon materials
Cons:
– Doesn’t come with an installation tool
Why We Like It – Just because these watch bands are available in nylon, that doesn’t mean that you can’t customize it however you want. There are plenty of different colors and design options you can choose from, as well as various sizes so you can ensure the best fit.
4. WOCCI Watch Band
Heading back over to the vintage classics now, WOCCI offers a fantastic vintage leather watch strap that aims to excel in the authentically elegant market, and it does so with massive success.
There are five types of leather available, ranging from dark brown to black, and a solid stainless steel buckle on each. Of course, quality is paramount here; all the leather is sourced from top horse sources known for their durability and sustainability. Compatible with all watches between 18mm and 24mm (for those who like a military or dive watch) what more could you need?
Pros:
+ Suitable for any watches of any size
+ Manufactured using the highest quality horse leather, with a stainless steel buckle
+ Offers a 24-hour customer service team if you need them
Cons:
– A limited selection of designs compared with other straps
Why We Like It – The customer service you get with this strap is outstanding, and you don’t have to worry if you have any problems. The 24-hour helpline is always there if you need them, and in most cases, you’ll be able to have any problem straps replaced within 24-hours!
5. CIVO NATO Strap
Sometimes, it’s nice not only to have a brand-new strap but also have multiple straps you can customize entirely depending on how you feel. If this sounds like the sort of experience you want, take a look over at the CIVO NATO strap kits.
With four and eight straps per kit, you can quickly cycle between any of the ten color schemes full of multiple bands within so you can zero on a strap style you love and enjoy the many straps for years to come.
Pros:
+ Incredibly easy to install onto any watch
+ Four straps per pack with multiple color schemes to choose from
+ A premium stainless-steel buckle for added security
Why We Like It – These straps are also made from strong, durable nylon material, renowned for their strength and comfort. If you don’t like traditional leather or you want more variation in the styles, you can treat yourself too; this could be what you’re looking for.
6. Timex Weekender Slip-Thru Strap
If you know anything about watches, you’ll have heard of
Timex. This world-renowned brand is one of the most reputable and most prestigious brands in the watch industry, and so this level of quality continues when it comes to their straps. This slip-thru is a fantastic example of this.
This funky nylon fabric strap is easy to install as a replacement strap onto any watch, Timex or otherwise, and prides itself on being super lightweight. This strap does exactly what it says on the tin, no questions asked!
Pros:
+ Available in multiple styles and varieties
+ Features a comfortable and lightweight strap
+ Beautifully designed and made to last
Cons:
– May not be as secure as other, more premium straps, depending on the watch
Why We Like It – Style and beauty are everything when it comes to the best watch straps, and while this Timex one is simple, it’s not compromising on aesthetics. There are lots of different styles to choose from, ensuring you can find one you love!
7. Carty NATO Strap
If you’re interested in looking for a watch strap replacement or a watch upgrade specifically designed with women in mind, and you want all the benefits that come with a multiple strap pack, you need not look any further. This pack contains six material straps that cover an assortment of colors and designs for you to wear. There are over ten unique schemes to choose from.
While only available for watch bands measuring 22mm, these straps are backed by an incredibly helpful customer service team should you need them. They can withstand anything you do, whether that’s fitness, climbing, swimming, or more!
Pros:
+ Water-resistant design that doesn’t damage over time
+ Complete 30-day after-sale service to ensure you’re completely happy with the product
+ Multiple designs and color schemes to choose from
Cons:
– Only available in 22mm sizes
Why We Like It – Due to the fancy mechanism found on the strap, when you’re swapping out designs, there’s no need to fiddle around the pins or the spring bars. Instead, just detach the strap and put the new one in place of the old watches’ strap. No hassle, just easy switching!
8. iStrap Genuine Leather Watch Band
Heading back over to the more traditional leather straps now, sometimes going with what you know is the best approach, and if this is what you’re interested in, the iStrap is the best one for you. These gorgeous straps come in four different leather shades, from striking black to tan brown, and the leather itself is some of the finest sourced leather from Italy.
While the strap is smaller and thinner, it still fits the majority of traditional watches and smartwatches, but the watch bands only come in 22mm sizes.
With the installation tool included for free, changing the strap is easy and won’t waste your time.
Pros:
+ Comes as a pack of four
+ Each strap comes with a one-year warranty
+ Designed and made using the premium quality Italian leather
Cons:
– Only comes in 22mm sizes to wear
Why We Like It – Want to make sure you’re making the right investment and buying a watch strap that’s going to last? Each of these iStrap watch straps come with a one-year warranty, so you never have to worry about the strap breaking from wear and tear, and being left without one!
9. Ritche Quick Release Leather Watch Bands
If you’re an active person who gets about a lot, you may find, annoyingly, that your watch strap keeps breaking or falling off. If you need a bit of added security, the Ritche Quick Release is the best for you.
These bands are made from genuine leather. There are all the sizes you could ever need for any type of watch you might own, meaning you’ll never have to worry about finding another type of watch strap again!
Pros:
+ Watchbands available in all different sizes
+ Uses super comfortable materials
+ A handy slide keeper to ensure your watch stays on your wrist
Why We Like It – While we’ve spoken a lot about finding a watch strap in different aesthetics and designs, no company does it better than Ritche. There are dozens of different designs to explore, meaning you’ll be able to find one that speaks to you personally and you love the best.
10. Fossil 22mm Silicone Watch Band
Last, but certainly not least, we have this fantastic watch band from Fossil. Measuring in around the 22mm mark, this is a simple silicone watch strap that’s durable, flexible, and made to last, as well as being available in blue, silver, and black editions.
The strap features the essential quick release pins for changing it quickly, and the quality materials mean the strap is waterproof (perfect for the dive watch) and easily one of the most comfortable. In short, there’s no better way to upgrade your watch strap while ticking all the boxes for what you’re looking for.
Pros:
+ Made from high-quality silicone materials
+ Designed to suit any Fossil watch and any other watches of 22mm
+ Available in two color sizes
Cons:
– One of the more expensive straps on our list
Why We Like It – The fact this strap pops in and out seamlessly with any watch is one of the best reasons to treat yourself. Just move the spring bars, plug it in, and there you go. Installation really is that effortless! Want to swap to another band? Just do the same in reverse!
Watch Straps Buyers Guide
While there’s a lot of fantastic straps out there for you to treat yourself, choosing where to spend your money is still a decision you need to make. To ensure you make the best one, here’s a complete buying guide with everything you need to know about watch bands.
Material
The first thing you’ll want to think about is what material you want your watch strap to be made from. There are multiple choices, but the two most common materials used are leather and nylon. Leather is the most traditional material, so if you like the vintage look and style, whether that’s black or brown, this is the best watch strap for you.
On the other hand, there are a lot of new straps that now use nylon. These are traditionally more lightweight and durable and allow you to get in the water without having to worry about damaging the strap, which is a particularly common problem with leather straps for watches. Aesthetically, they are far from vintage.
Size
Once you’ve decided on the material, you need to make sure it’s going to fit your watch. Most straps will vary in size, ranging from 16mm to 24mm, so always make sure you’re checking the size of your watch to see if the strap you’ve chosen will fit.
In some cases, companies with good customer service may be able to make you special watch bands with custom sizes if you require it, so don’t be afraid to look and ask.
Style
Having some straps that will fit your watch, you then want to decide on which style you want, but this will go hand in hand with what material you’ve chosen. Leather watch bands tend to have several choices ranging from black to brown for that vintage look, but nylon straps have endless possibilities. You might value beauty over durability for your straps for watch. You might want something with a stainless steel edge. It all depends on your personal preference.
Comfort
Since you’re going to have your watch on all the time, it’s vital you make sure you get a comfortable one, meaning you should make sure the watch bands can be adjusted in many different ways. This way it’ll be a perfect fit, and won’t be so heavy and bulky that it feels irritating.
If you have sensitive skin, it’s worth looking into nylon watch bands since leather ones, especially genuine vintage leather, may cause irritation.
Ease of Installation
If you’ve ever tried to change or switch a watch strap before, you’ll know how fiddley it can be with all the spring bars. It’s so easy to end up wasting time. Fortunately, more modern watches, like the ones on our list, come with a tool that can help make this change – including the spring bars – easy.
If you want to take things a step further, some straps, especially the packs, come with quick-release technology which means the spring bars stay in place. You switch the band itself, which means installing an upgrading your watches’ band no longer than a few seconds.
Price
The final consideration you’ll want to think about is your budget. Of course, watch straps don’t tend to be very expensive, but the more expensive they are, the higher the quality of the materials and design, and the more likely it will be to last. There’s no point spending money on a cheap strap which will break after a few uses. Averagely, you’ll want to think about spending $12 or more for a decent quality strap.
Expert Tip
If you have a favorite color, go for a strap that complements this to really bring your style to life. For example, if you have a wallet or a handbag, getting a strap to match this color can do wonders for your appearance. It’s all about these subtle details.
