There are at least a couple of current threads on watches …but I don’t recall ever seeing one on watch straps. Of course straps feature in the watch threads, but other than occasional side chat they are not the prime focus. And while sometimes straps are integral to the watch, often they are not, whether chosen as one of several options at the time of watch purchase, or chosen as an aftermarket purchase.
In my case leather watch straps were all I was aware of when I was a kid, but in young adulthood some people were sporting metal straps, and for my first in mid 1970s I was pleased to find something nicer to my eyes than the then becoming common chunky stainless steel. Since then I’ve only worn metal, disliking leather’s appearance and deterioration factor.
Gold plated bracelet on digital watch from mid 1970s, which for some reason I have been reluctant to part with though not worn/used for probably 30-35 years.
Woven titanium strap, holding together well after maybe 17 years of near daily wear: the watch I wear whatever I’m doing, as witness the marks from numerous knocks and scrapes. This was a gift, not my choice, and I was ambivalent at first but it grew on me.
Stainless steel and gold (plate) two-tone bracelet on my chunkiest watch. Also a gift.
Stainless steel and gold (plate) two-tone bracelet on my most elegant watch - I love the non-linear links and the subtlety of the gold accents, and lusted after this for some 20 years before justifying to myself the cost of buying (secondhand).
All a matter of personal taste, of course. So what’s yours?
