A Complete Guide to Watch Straps: Everything You Should Know

[@johnnychin]

For those who are just starting out: If the watch you're planning to buy has a leather strap and bracelet option, get the bracelet. Aftermarket leather straps are plenty but a bracelet with fitting end links are usually a lot more expensive and tougher to source. You may think that you're not a bracelet guy but as you grow in this hobby your taste will change. I started out not liking metal bracelets and favoured leather straps a lot and now half of my watches in the watch box has a bracelet on.

[@ARMYRIFLES46]

Super solid advice I fully agree with this perspective thanks for articulating it

[@danieldravot341]

Absolutely. Not only is the bracelet a better buy with the watch, but there’s also a good chance you don’t like the original strap.

[@arthurredman7521]

Very true, purchasing the bracelet later costs so much more

[@michaelgatmaitan3101]

Thank you

[@foesfly3047]

Agree 100%

[@jeremysmith9696]

Don't apologize for the length. the info takes time to get through and your videos are great. Also WTF on the thumbs down? how can you dislike these vids?

[@kevalmain5730]

Teddy no matter how lengthy the video is, you always make sure your viewers have in depth knowledge about watches and other things related to it. Such an informative video.

[@thewatchmission7693]

I seriously never knew that Genuine Leather was the lowest grade...how did I even get this far in life without knowing that?!?! Great video as usual Teddy!

[@HFV_Junkyardin]

It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the lowest quality. It’s just a cheater term. It just means that some portion of the material is Genuine Leather. So it can be full grain leather, but it can also be a thin layer of glued fibers on a synthetic backing.

[@VivatChristusRex99]

Bonded leather is the lowest of the low

[@MrDienkhanh]

Me too. I have been searching and buying genuine leather all my life. I took genuine leather as real leather vs faux leather.

[@J0hnny8ravo]

Usually, top producers take great pride in telling you what exactly their type of leather is, where it was sourced from and how much work they put in processing it, etc. Of course, all that comes with a higher price tag.

[@cionm7077]

​@HFV_Junkyardin it pretty much does, if the seller has full grain or any other good leather item they will for sure let the customer know as they will charge more for it. Genuine leather is 99.99% of the time bottom of the barrel pig, scraps. The seller would be happy to tell you it is fullgrain if most of it was as that would come with a premium.

[@broomhandel3960]

After my GS purchase, the only thing I'm strapped for is cash ;-;

[@PositivelyNice]

😂

[@rich2579]

Congrats on your purchase! I myself recently got the spring aka Sakura aka cherry blossom and I’m ready to get it strapped lol

[@broomhandel3960]

@@rich2579 Good stuff. Let us know what straps you end up with!

[@oscarosullivan4513]

Fecking funny

[@BruceCross]

You might be strapped for cash, but I bet you're happy. ;)

[@TheDivotking1]

Please sir stop apologizing for the length of your videos. They are always filled to the brim with helpful info. Keep up the great work!🇨🇦

[@itsQP]

What’s great about the world of watches is that no matter how deep you think the well is, it keeps going.

[@theexcaliburone5933]

@@orlandopockets6372 welcome to consumerism

[@najjimohammad9124]

Super facts

[@karvast5726]

It litteraly goes all the way from $10 to $1M +

[@0b100]

We've got all the time down here. 🐇⏱

[@TTGTanner]

Illuminati

[@j.m.5917]

No apology is necessary after giving us the most exhaustive and useful instruction on watch straps to be found anywhere. Thank you, Teddy.

[@mdunawaym]

Uncommon, but also available are wool flannel straps. I have a few, and I love them! Vario makes some that are very comfortable, leather backed, and water resistant. Strap Bandits makes them as well. Nice patterns, leather backing, and I don't know about the water resistance there. Thanks again for another fun video!

[@uffa00001]

Also worth mentioning the "Marine Nationale" kind of nylon strap, the "Velcro strap" which is an effective and simple strap although not extremely refined, and the "Engineer" bracelet. Very well realized video, thanks for the content which is helpful especially for the beginner. One learns more with 1 half-an-hour well made video than with 100 5-minute videos which don't say anything.

[@uffa00001]

The real advantage of Perlon is that the pin enters in "any" place in the strap, there is no need for prepared holes, this can make the strap more comfortable in those instances when, in a traditional nylon strap, a hole is too tight and the next hole is too loose. Many Perlon executions have a very fine grain and allow great freedom in inserting the pin.

[@J0hnny8ravo]

Good to know, thanks! It’s me you were talking about. 😂

[@tomsk2]

"Deployant", not "Deployment"... THIS!! A thousand times, THIS!! Thank you, Teddy!! :D

[@MrPasqual1]

It's "déployante" , a french word

[@gabecastillo1634]

@@MrPasqual1what’s the translation

[@MrPasqual1]

@@gabecastillo1634 in English it's "deployant" it means it can unfold.. as far as my English and Google translate go

[@gabecastillo1634]

@@MrPasqual1 so the original comment was correct?

[@KD-dl5gv]

Great new set, great production value, actual content, hands-on with the watches. Teddy and his team are killing it.

[@D_Rm]

Couldn’t agree more

[@josefsbeach]

Just ordered myself one of those "spring bar pliers" tool. Basically tweezer like tool that can access both spring bars at the same time to safely remove them without scratching the lugs on the way in/out. I've never tried one though, curious to see how it'll work out!

[@tonycobb4562]

Hope it does for you. I struggled using the one I got.

[@sinjon]

Did you get the Burgeon ones or another brand?

[@josefsbeach]

@@tonycobb4562 might have a learning curve to it? Will know soon!

[@josefsbeach]

@@sinjon got a generic brand first to try it out

[@josefsbeach]

@@brinkmanship interesting, I'll try it on my cheaper pieces first. Tired of scraping my lugs accidentally haha

[@mariankucharik2021]

I put a shark-mesh on my kamasu and it's a killer! However it took me three hours to perfectly tailor it for my wrist size and finishing it so it fits the original tampered Orient clasp :X

[@ItsRawdraft2]

You just gave me a great idea for mine!

[@baoloc1160]

Finally the best guide for watch straps has launched, thanks Teddy for always bringing out the helpful contents for watch enthusiasts.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

The best video I’ve seen on breaking down different straps. The Teddy B. Team is killing !

[@993mike]

Great video Teddy! I’ve been a watch enthusiast for a long time, but your video opened my eyes to some pairings I would have not thought about doing. Keep up the good work!

[@sledge6693]

I just changed out my first watch strap, these instructions were very helpful & ensured that it went smoothly. I added a strap from your store (Red leather croc grain) on a rose-gold seiko dress watch. Really makes it come alive & pop. Soo much more comfortable too.

[@d.kashani]

straps are a rabbit hole just as much as watches. thanks for this thorough video Teddy. I personally love dive watches and on those type of watches, I find rubber to “dress” up and make the watch look more expensive. Tropic straps are also versatile and durable. Nato straps for a casual and more rugged look. And then there Erika’s original MN strap which makes it a mixture of casual, sporty, comfortable, durable, and versatile with various colors and stripes.

[@panagiotisstamou6186]

This is the best youtube Chanel for watches i have ever see. Congratulations.....!

[@thefront5871]

Wow! The A to Z of watch band materials! Anything you want to know is right here I think! LoL! Half way through your video and I'm like dang, so much info on straps alone! Trying to stick with your video for the next 15 minutes as I try to digest the first half of a boatload of info! LoL! Thanks!

[@TyreAlmasri]

Picked up a MAMACOO's watch as my first watch last month and I’m absolutely in love with it. Perfect size, looks elegant, very comfortable. Now my only problem is holding off from buying more watches so quickly!

[@sinjon]

This video couldn’t have come at a better time. Looking for a nice strap for my new 1957 Railmaster Trilogy. Thanks Teddy. Well done informative video Anyone have any suggestions?

[@swfan1004]

Rediscovering how to wear different watches with different straps, what strap is best for what watches and this video helped a LOT

[@ianmedium]

I have been a long term user of Hirsch straps. I have always found them well made, easy to get hold of and not crazy priced for what you get ( hello Hodinkee and your crazy prices for what I found in my one and only purchase and never again as they are soo expensive for what you get!). I have tried many brands over the years but now pretty much just stick to Hirsch. I know what i´m getting, I know they will last and I know they are comfortable.

[@tomasz8296]

Communists

[@pinikpikantv3555]

What not to like with this guy. Really great channel. No. 1 watch enthusiast persona by mile far. No wonder, Kevin was a fan of yours. Pure class.

[@manuel8205]

Teddy, your videos are great, no matter the length. I started thinking you were just an influencer speaking about watches. Learned that you are an expert in timepieces & shop owner. Now when I am assessing to buy a watch, a search to see if you have made a review of it. This video is certainly great.

[@busterb11702]

That gold Constellation Pie Pan is absolutely gorgeous! I owned one back around 25 years ago. I paired it with a green lizard strap. Just stunning. These days I thank goodness for quick release bands. At 77 I just don't have the detexterity which makes using a warch tool difficult,

[@spg5658]

Expansion band is the best. Very rarely seen but by far the most practical and comfortable. Perfect fit in every situation. Can't beat it.

[@aidengonzalez615]

My favorite straps at the moment are Ericka's Originals MN straps. They're expensive, but they're ultra comfortable, they dry extremely quickly, they're low-profile, and they have infinite adjustability. I've worn them in extremely tough environments for long periods of time, and they hold up very well.

[@avimisra1312]

Smart way to advertise , from mn so I’ll leave a like. Good luck !

[@aidengonzalez615]

@@avimisra1312 Lol, I'm not affiliated with any brand whatsoever. I just like their straps a lot, particularly on my divers.

[@DemiochMD]

Hey Teddy, been watching for a while. I unsubscribed a while back because i didn't get the content that i was interested in. But now it looks like your videos are of much better quality in terms of content and production and i subscribed again. Congratulations on everything. I'm guessing here but if Mr. O'leary invested in your company then he has made a good decision. Keep up the good work and I hope you become as successful as you want to be. It's been great seeing your brand improve since the first video I watched. Have a great day!

[@Verlie-o6l]

It always amazes me how much beauty and precision are added to the parts of amzwatch's watch 99% of people will never see.

[@BezelsandCrown]

Great information, I’m in the process of starting a strap and battery business and this answered quite a few questions! Thank you!

[@angelofaoro8888]

Thank you, l have learned more from you about watches than any other videos out there, professional descriptions with knowledge of the industry.

[@DavidSchwartzjr]

I just recently experienced obtaining Bespoke handmade straps and I gotta say every collection needs at least one! Great in depth video Teddy! 😎🍻👍

[@tristandauod]

Any makers in particular?

[@tristandauod]

@@DavidSchwartzjr thanks!

[@juniorjohnson5961]

👊

[@Stanjara]

@@tristandauod qorn.leathergoods, also Colareb

[@Midwestclassics1958]

Great video Teddy! Watch straps come a long way. Back in the day manufacturers used lots of different leathers like shark, Buffalo, pig and other options. The 1980s made Speidel “Genuine Leather” straps were well made but now a days genuine leather isn’t quite good. I have tore apart one genuine leather strap to find lots of different materials inside. In my opinion it’s not leather. Anyways well done on the video.

[@europeinvasion3057]

Cause theya re very elaborated, in the past they had real leather straps, made from one rela peice and believe me they last a life time. i ask a guy to make them to me from real leather no china bulshhit , and they last a life.. Cheers

[@arnaldorodrigues5556]

Hi, Teddy. You missed mentioning the quick release pins. I've been prefering these lately, for obvious reasons. Another thing to be careful when buying a watch is to see if it has a common fit or a specific one, like the Oris you showed in the video. Some designed and exclusive bracelets can be difficult to find for replacement many years later, depending on the watch brand or the country you live in. Congratulations, man. You've created the ultimate watch strap guide. An exceptional video that worthy of being saved to favorites.

[@richardmcginnis5344]

i just started getting into watches, had a few automatics, bought one that worked but needed cleaning so i took it down got it done and it cost me around 400 bucks just to be cleaned and serviced so i been sticking with quartz watches, i work outside most of the year so a leather strap just rots away in a few weeks a month or so metal pulls hair and pinches and the settings on them usually leave the strap to tight or to loose, so i have been putting nato straps on all the watches i have. usually ritchie or barton straps are what i buy, not to expensive and they don't rot, pinch or pull hair, the best i think is the ritchie brand straps because they are really soft feeling on my skin

[@liamli7546]

this video is a prime example of a good content marketing campaign, well done Teddy!

[@benjovic7498]

@Teddy Baldassarre Do you have a video going over some of the best watches with easy strap change? On the top of my head, I can only think of my Santos and my crazy hours. But Santos bracelet is sooooooo well designed.

[@Gasta1983]

You have become the walking encyclopaedia of watchtube, thank you Ted!

[@Conundrum191]

Didn't see it mentioned in straps, but what is your take on sailcloth straps? Debating maybe trying one in future (I know Barton makes one).

[@ashrobertson4585]

Really enjoyed this one teddy. Especially the pairings section at the end. Would love to see more of that.

[@Rhal63]

This is a video that needed to made. All this info that would have taken me forever to find. Well done teddy. I’ll be shopping your site. Thanks

[@wramarante]

Great stuff. Couldn't imagine that amount of hides and skins used as straps. Leather grading was a found to me. Just missed some talking about other bracelets materials beyond stainless steel. Thanks for sharing knowledge.

[@yourmom-fx4sw]

Cancers use leather

[@deedee8568]

Wow, comprehensive. Suggestion: video on signs of quality(?)...sealing at edges; stitching that continues through top and bottom layers etc...

[@murph8411]

Sealing at the edges is also done on cheap straps as the sealant they use is like acrylic paint and you can’t see the cut of leather used so easily then. Watch straps aren’t always more difficult to make than belts. I’d rather have a full grain leather strap made from one piece of leather than a strap made of multiple pieces sewn together, often with cheap leather or cardboard padding inside a very thin outer layer of leather. Some of the nicest straps I’ve made have been made from one piece of vegan leather just thinned down where it’s folded over and sewn to hold the buckle and spring bars or with a fairly thin piece of deer leather lined with very thin kangaroo skin.

[@brentk9022]

Best watch content out there. Nice work Teddy and TEAM.

[@billkallas1762]

I just picked up a dive watch (Casio Duro Marlin) and replaced the rubber strap with a "vintage Bond" type NATO band. I didn't like the extra third hold down, so I cut it off to turn the strap into a single pass through, with the buckle and loops, out of sight, under my wrist. I have a 7-5/8" wrist, so the watch fits well. (44mm case dia.)

[@emmour9288]

Great informative video Teddy!! Could you please make a video focusing on the Seiko Lord matics?

[@martynsmith5374]

Great video, the only thing I think you could have added is which way up the strap should be (i.e. buckle end goes at 12 o'clock). It would have been good to see some guidance on which way up a bracelet goes?

[@amoschoo6108]

Thank you for posting this Teddy! Currently looking for a new strap and this helped so much in deciding which strap to go for! Thank you Teddy!!

[@gmwilliams4314]

This was a cool video. Determining the width between the lugs on my Grandpa's old Benrus Watch has been difficult. The replacement straps never seem to fit correctly. Any advice you can share will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@carlobighouse5434]

Another hitter of a video. Thanks Teddy. This was quite needed

[@NicolasEstrada]

I am new to the watch world; I have found your videos extremely wellmade, informative and helpful. Thank you very much!!!

[@rolandthomasset1713]

Thank you, great comparisons I did not know. Right now, I’m wearing my divewatch because of nice memories and I stick to the genuine diveband.

[@kwonshim8109]

Thanks for the extensive and informative video! It was an opportunity to gain some residual information that I didn’t know about straps to complete my knowledge :)

[@danieltaylor1494]

Having moved from bracelets to straps, I have tried a few but something I happen to click to is the deployment buckle, as it's both classier and doesn't seem to mess up your strap from having to take it off and putting it on regularly.

[@es-jayjones6595]

Great episode, Teddy. Thank you. Short, regular and long straps. For those with smaller wrists, short length straps are great. Why are they so hard to find?

[@RetaHenard]

This is now my favourite watch channel on KZbin , such great content and done superbly, well done sir and I got my favourite watch at amzwatch， it hasn’t left my wrist for weeks

[@Leeleonardosmith]

I'm trying to find a good matching strap for the Brown dial Alpinist.

[@markg7963]

I was blown away by the variety. Nice vid!

[@adamareid]

Teddy! I picked up a Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic - thank you for introducing me! I was wondering if you could link the dark brown Horween full grain leather strap you have showcased in this video at the 10:00 mark. Love that pairing. Thanks again.

[@michaelniemer4449]

I was looking forward to a little more on the end links, such as male vs female. I know there was a LOT to cover, and you did one heck of a job!!!!

[@TomJones-tx7pb]

Very helpful video for leather straps. I found that mesh stainless steel collects grime and gets very stinky and is hard to clean. I would not dive with a nylon strap because I would have to rinse and dry it. Rubber is OK, and I have used that on wrist dive computers, but for a dive watch I like mat black titanium as it is not shiny and does not corrode. To me, faux dive watches just seem to say that the wearer is clueless.

[@gordonfreeman4491]

THIS is the best video I have seen on this topic. So useful and comprehensive. Thx!! Only thing I miss, is how to change a bracelet and remove links. (I know it vary from brand to brand, but just to see one example would have been nice.)

[@ritesideofthefence5857]

Bought a beautiful leather strap from your sight . It has made a complete change and brought new life into and older watch in my collection. Good stuff here, thank you for sharing.

[@CYC_JP]

Which one is longer lasting? Double side alligator skin (with top side using belly, bottom side using either tail or scute), or top side alligator (belly) and bottom side calf skin?

[@Techshark001]

👍🏼thank you for all the information. I watch this one video a total of three times this morning

[@tjjoy6]

Question about bracelet adjustments. My PRX needs one more link taken out which will make the two sides uneven. Should I remove that link from the 6 o’clock side (inside) or the 12 o’clock side (outside)?

[@megasoid]

One of your best segments, I learned a great deal. Thanks Teddy.

[@ericgrace9995]

Thanks. You answered a question I was going to ask, in your opening statement. I'm thinking of buying a Doxa 200.. 19mm lug width. There's a new White/ Grey dial (not silver) and a Hirsch rep. told me she often fitted 20mm to 19mm watches.. Natural materials,, but obviously not bracelets.!

[@rasmuswittsell10]

You do have exceptionally good taste in combining straps with watches. Very good styling tips all around!

[@fawawi371]

That Omega with the alligator strap is just pure beauty!!

[@wagsbass]

This video deserves a million views.

[@JulesHancockShow]

Hell yeah! Great video Teddy 🧸

[@roycropper420]

Do you have a review on a fabric strap with clasp?

[@quinnray4721]

Hey i got a dress watch, royal blue dial, chronograph, copper finish around the dial with a cross hatching pattern, im thinking of changing my metal strap, any idea what sort of strap should i go with?? I wanna try nato strap but i dont think it will go well with the watch... My first choice is a blue leather strap... Please tell ur opinion

[@carlosalbertogasparsilva907]

I love these watch straps. Various types of materials and elegant styles. I think 40% of the beauty of a watch comes from the finish on the strap.

[@craig2100]

Great job Teddy! This one will be a long time keeper.

[@franksantos3418]

Teddy, a perfect video but just wanted to say thank you for the knowledge. One question I do have, I have a large wrist do straps come in big man sizes?

[@simon916sps]

Don't apologize, it was a very informative and thought provoking video. Great work!!

[@justintonation9726]

Unrelated to watches, what gear are you using to film your videos? Camera, lighting, mic, etc. The shots I’m front of the window looks great!

[@lucypiplucy]

With regard to bracelets it would be useful to hear about the types of clasp. I have just bought a Vostok and the bracelet supplied is fine apart from the nail-stripping clasp.

[@mehmetorun6377]

Teddy, thanks for all these details. Learnt a lot. One kind you didn't call out that was common especially in 30s/40s watches such as Hamilton lady's watches was the rope style. İ know you know much about Hamilton. Can you share any knowledge or resources you know of re history, pros, cons of rope straps?

[@dominicdism]

I would be great if you could do a deeper dive on leather treatments and nomenclature, e.g. oil tanned vs vegetable tanned and so on.

[@msbrownbeast]

What are the ideal lengths of the parts of a leather watch strap? It seems that most sellers make the buckled portion of the strap at 75 mm . But at that length it places the buckle off-center on the wrist. And if someone has a larger wrist, then it would off-set even more.

[@JuanHenao144]

Great video! I’m surprised though you didn’t mention straps that have little spring bar handles on the inside of the strap making it it way easier to change the strap without needing a spring bar tool.

[@droid1appmkr]

Probably because those (called quick release) have an added failure point with the same quick release mechanism. I like them too but have been in situations where they've failed on me and the watch is half off my wrist. The traditional springs don't have that style problem unless the spring head is damaged upon insertion.

[@spankyharland9845]

thank you for such an educational video on watch straps. I've change many straps on my favorite wrist watches- I noticed some rubber straps just break down into pieces if not worn that often. I used an X-acto blade to unpin the spring bars, but now I own a real spring bar removal tool.

[@tarunj2431]

Just wanted to know which looks more premium leather strap or steel bracelet in office or formal environments?

[@robertnjax1]

This was very informative. Thanks for taking the time for creating this video.

[@edwardmclaughlin7935]

The Omega at 1:36 - anyone please, what is that model? I really like the classic old style Omega watches, which they seem to have cast aside in their contemporary collection.

[@nbkqjcc]

What is the omega at 15:00? One of the most beautiful watches I ever done seen!

[@leesobel7541]

definitive strap video, thanks!

[@markusbe.musicfromtheunder2497]

Really excellent video Teddy. Thank you.. totally found it entertaining and educational.

[@foesfly3047]

I just went to your online store. Nice aesthetic and navigation. I don’t see any deployant clasps on offer. That would be a great addition to your product lineup IMO.

[@jasonlax4112]

love the video.... but cant help see the Bergeron tool with a slight bend to it...

[@benburgess9428]

I’ve had some “genuine leather” straps last until the stitching gives out, I’ve had others separate between the layers, and I’ve had a couple that deteriorated from years of hard use

[@guystuff_tv]

I’ve hated straps for years, but I’m slowly falling in love with them now that I’m starting a collection. Thanks for the video. 👍🏾

[@BossMan_Jerm]

The only watch KZbinr I trust 🙌🏼