Choosing a strap or bracelet is one of the most frequently asked questions from our readers and followers. Therefore, we have prepared a practical guide to clarify this issue.
Straps and bracelets are among the factors that directly affect both the visual appeal and wearing comfort of watches. Therefore, choosing the right strap or bracelet for a model is essential for a watch to look more elegant as well as for the user to enjoy wearing the watch.
Let's start with the bracelets. The image and quality feel that a bracelet, which is carefully manufactured in terms of design and construction quality, adds to the watch can create a great advantage. Bracelets are mostly made of the same metal as the case of the watch. Among these metals are stainless steel, titanium, white gold, rose gold, yellow gold, platinum, and ceramic.
Bracelets increase the total weight of the watch due to the nature of the metal they are produced from, but they also provide a more balanced distribution of this weight on the wrist. One of the most important points to consider when choosing a bracelet is whether it offers micro-adjustment or not. Bracelets are formed by putting together small pieces, each of which is called a link. These links are fixed to each other with the help of pins or screws. Fitting the bracelet with sufficient space on the wrist is essential to maximize the comfort level of the watch. The ideal adjustment should be achieved by removing the links one by one. If the tightness of the bracelet remains at an intermediate level after removing enough links, the micro-adjustment part in the clasp part should be used. This feature may not be available on every watch. Some models are equipped with shorter designed special links called half links. If none of the aforementioned micro-adjustment systems are available, it will not be possible to adjust the watch to the extent you want on your wrist. This will cause a decrease in blood circulation in a bracelet that is too tight and will cause the watch to irritate the top of your hand in a bracelet that is too loose.
The form and thickness of the clasp can affect the overall comfort level of the watch with a bracelet. It is generally preferred that double or single-sided folding clasps are designed thinner than bracelet links. On the other hand, the fit of the buckle to the wrist arch is also one of the factors that increase the comfort level. The fact that the links are multi-piece or the curve applied to their design will likewise boost the overall comfort feeling of the watch. If you have both bracelet and strap versions of the same watch, we recommend choosing the bracelet version at the time of purchase. A bracelet bought later will cost you much more.
The choice of the strap, on the other hand, has different dynamics in itself, unlike the bracelet. Straps with alternatives such as leather, silicone, rubber, and fabric, which are frequently encountered in today's watch world, are available in many colors, materials, and sizes. It should not be forgotten that no strap is as long-lasting as a bracelet. On the other hand, these strap types are preferred by users to achieve a more comfortable watch. Lightness lies to a large extent under this sense of comfort.
The straps are fixed to the wrist with standard type or folding clasps and can often be adjusted to any wrist without the need for any tools. There are cut-adjustable straps on the market, although they are few. It is important to be patient and cut one by one at the necessary points while these straps are adjusted. Do not forget that a strap that you cut too much will tighten your wrist and become unusable.
Straps are affected by many external factors, especially UV rays and sweat. They age over time, bacteria can grow on them, they can cause bad odors, they can be physically worn out. This means that straps need to be replaced over time. Fortunately, replacing straps is much more economical than replacing bracelets.
Please note that when choosing materials for leather straps, it is necessary to be respectful to nature and the environment.
Especially preferred for sports watches, rubber, silicone, and fabric straps stand out among users who have adopted an active lifestyle, with their light and comfortable structure as well as being washable.
When choosing a bracelet or strap suitable for a watch, it is useful to consider the characteristic structure of the model and its intended use. Remember that choosing the wrong bracelet/strap will damage both your wrist and your budget.
