closing tag is in template navbar
timefactors watches



TZ-UK Fundraiser
Results 1 to 21 of 21

Thread: Leather versus metal strap - how do you wear yours?

  1. #1
    Master
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    London
    Posts
    2,245

    Leather versus metal strap - how do you wear yours?

    My metal strap watches tend to be a tad loose. When over the knuckle of my wrist I can get my little finger just beteeen the strap and underside of my wrist. This provides comfort for when my wrist expands but does not allow the watch to rotate around my wrist.

    However on leather I usually like it a little snugger. Or so I thought. With my bb58 on leather I almost need a strap size inbeteeen the ones available on the strap! On one notch its a tad too tight and on the next looser notch it wears as described above BUT will (if pushed) rotate around my wrist.

    It’s times like this I really value the Pelagos deployment clasp design! I am literally talking a matter of 2mm but man does it make a difference not having such tiny adjustability on a strap. I have had to settle for slightly loose.

    Stu

  2. #2
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    Sep 2018
    Location
    London
    Posts
    76
    I use the tight notch on my straps so over time they stretch and fit my wrist.

  3. #3
    Master
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    London
    Posts
    2,245
    Quote Originally Posted by zcahhi6 View Post
    I use the tight notch on my straps so over time they stretch and fit my wrist.
    That must take a while and be pretty uncomfortable in the process? I have been wearing bb58 for a week now and the strap has formed around my wrist but I can’t see it giving another mm or two.

  4. #4
    Grand Master snowman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Hampshire
    Posts
    14,533
    I hate loose straps on a watch, so I'll take the same approach to Leather, going for the tighter option and letting it stretch. The difference is rarely such that it's truly uncomfortable, in my experience.

    Most of my watches on leather are on aftermarket straps (Leather straps are a consumable in my view), so in the worst case scenario I'll punch an extra hole, but I can't think of the last time I had to resort to that.

    I guess if you have a £N00 OEM strap on a watch you might want to sell you'll be less keen on that option.

    M

  5. #5
    Master
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Ayrshire
    Posts
    2,898
    I often meet people wearing watches with the bracelet so loose that its only a bangle.

    On closer inspection its inevitably a fake.

    When I comment on their bracelet need a couple of links out the most common excuses I hear are :

    "I like it like that , I really hate tight watches"

    "Its a gift from my Dad and I haven't had time to fix it yet"

    "I've only just got it and they told me to take it back once I've broken it in"

    No admission its a fake though. Apart from a couple who boasted "I only buy "first" copies".

  6. #6
    Grand Master Foxy100's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Die Fuchsröhre
    Posts
    14,925
    Watches on bracelets I try to have ever so slightly loose so my hand doesn't fall off but not so loose the watch can rotate or move too far up or down my wrist. Watches on leather tend to be tight to my wrist but not so tight they try to pull out the spring bars.
    "A man of little significance"

  7. #7
    I used to prefer wearing a bracelet loose, until it was pointed out what damage could be caused. So now both straps and bracelets are worn snug.

  8. #8
    Master
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    North Wales
    Posts
    4,071
    Quote Originally Posted by Topcat30093 View Post
    I used to prefer wearing a bracelet loose, until it was pointed out what damage could be caused. So now both straps and bracelets are worn snug.
    Ive been wearing nice watches since my 21st and now at 62 I learn this fact , literally over the last few weeks. Just shows old dog new tricks etc👍

  9. #9
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    Sep 2018
    Location
    Ireland
    Posts
    95
    I really dislike bracelets on watches. My wrists vary about quarter of an inch depending on the weather and humidity. A strap is much easier and quicker to adjust.

  10. #10
    Master
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    London
    Posts
    2,245

    Smile

    Quote Originally Posted by Robert189598 View Post
    I really dislike bracelets on watches. My wrists vary about quarter of an inch depending on the weather and humidity. A strap is much easier and quicker to adjust.
    This is why I love my Pelagos with the flexible spring design of the clasp.

  11. #11
    Master
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    London
    Posts
    2,245
    Quote Originally Posted by Topcat30093 View Post
    I used to prefer wearing a bracelet loose, until it was pointed out what damage could be caused. So now both straps and bracelets are worn snug.
    Surely only if it’s VERY loose. Being able to fit my little finger under the underside of my wrist and the bracelet is not that loose. It can’t rotate around my wrist.

  12. #12
    Depends on the watch, but overall I prefer a bracelet - there are some watches that just suit leather better though, like my GO and most dressier watches.
    It's just a matter of time...

  13. #13
    One of the reasons I prefer watches with a 'no tools' easily adjustable clasp - Unimatic Diver, Rolex Glidelock, CW Trident etc. Very easy to find the perfect fit as your wrist changes size, and I hate watches being too loose or too tight - a snug fit but with enough room to slide a pinky finger underneath is about right.

    Some watches do just look better on leather, though, like the Speedmaster (though that one may well change if I ever get around to buying & fitting the adjustable clasp & accompanying bracelet end-links).

  14. #14
    Banned
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    Central Scotland
    Posts
    1,533
    My (and everyone else's) Citizen Excalibur bracelet has a micro adjustable diver's extension. Been wearing it 4 months straight and it is very handy I agree.
    Prefer a nato rather than leather but very happy with this bracelet. Only started thinking about a wee change to a nato recently.


  15. #15
    Quote Originally Posted by Stuno1 View Post
    This is why I love my Pelagos with the flexible spring design of the clasp.
    I really want to give this clasp a try. Looks brilliant.

  16. #16
    Master
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    england
    Posts
    1,518
    Ive never found any strap fits correctly, be it metal, leather, nato.

    I often put a hole in the leather straps to get the perfect fit but this then reduces the life of the strap.

    I think ive just got a funny sized wrist and unless I get a sub or a PO then ive got to suffer along.

  17. #17
    Craftsman marcus.furius's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Potton, SG19
    Posts
    784
    I’m a bracelet fan and though I keep buying leather and NATO straps, they always end up back on the bracelet.
    I wear my bracelets only loose enough to fit my index finger between wrist and bracelet.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  18. #18
    Grand Master
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    hull
    Posts
    13,427
    i'm left handed and wear my watches on the left wrist so i tend to take bracelets off as i'm very hard on them. i'll never know how people keep bracelet clasp looking so pristine!
    ktmog6uk
    marchingontogether!



  19. #19
    Banned
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    Central Scotland
    Posts
    1,533
    Quote Originally Posted by Ivan Drago View Post
    Ive never found any strap fits correctly, be it metal, leather, nato.

    I often put a hole in the leather straps to get the perfect fit but this then reduces the life of the strap.

    I think ive just got a funny sized wrist and unless I get a sub or a PO then ive got to suffer along.
    Why only a Sub or a PO?

  20. #20
    Apprentice
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    Geneve, Switzerland
    Posts
    18
    Metal on chronograph and diver. Leather on vintage.

  21. #21
    Grand Master number2's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    North and South.
    Posts
    30,561
    Leather = strap.
    Metal = bracelet.
    "Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."

    'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Do Not Sell My Personal Information