Leather Vs Metal Vs Rubber Straps | Which Watch Strap Is Best?

What is your favorite type of watch strap? In today's video, I give you the ultimate guide to 5 types of watch straps and which is the best for you.
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Timestamps:
0:00 - 5 Types Of Watch Straps & Advantages of Each
0:21 - Stainless Steel Straps
2:53 - Titanium Straps
3:42 - Precious Metals Straps
6:21 - Leather Straps
9:55 - Rubber Straps
10:39 - Nylon Straps
12:00 - xxxx
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[@RealMenRealStyle]

www.realmenrealstyle.com/watch-lover-ytc - Join the new watch community to get FREE courses and prizes. Excited to see you there! 🔴www.realmenrealstyle.com/best-watches - Get up to 78% on the finest watches for men at my favorite discounter. This deal is ending soon. WATCH NEXT: My $67,173.02​​​​​​​ Watch Addiction (50+ Watches) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnLEq2yqirihp6s What's your favorite watch strap? Comment below!

[@cowboycody8094]

Are you sure you know what genuine leather is because typically genuine leather is not near as good as top grain leather genuine that there is basically the particle board of the leather world.

[@ariefsatriyo]

Both my watch use stainless steel. And I don't want any other materials (I'm good with titanium IF there is option for it)

[@100mcreations6]

I like Titanium

[@hmx_mrx]

Are PU straps good for watches??

[@hmx_mrx]

@@100mcreations6 I too

[@robertrenner5661]

I believe you have top grain and genuine leathers backwards. I think genuine leather is more affordable and top grain is thicker and nicer.

[@chrisbloem6639]

Yes was about to say, genuine is the most common. Fine grain and top grain are the most expensive.

[@CMB2310]

You are right, genuine leather is most often cheap trash

[@eyeforaneye87]

Well he doesn’t know shit about watches so I’m not surprised

[@octopusonrye7335]

Yeah I was thinking that too

[@salsa5948]

I heard him say that and I was like, wait a minute.. 🤔

[@m.a.haidar9653]

When it comes to details,Antonio is the man,this is what you call a detailed explanation.

[@AstroVanTribe]

I'm a blue collar guy and find metal bracelets far more comfortable especially in the heat and humidity - I find they breath much better and may even help dissipate the heat. All the straps I've tried end up smelling because of the grime from the workday getting trapped under them and I find I have to keep taking it off to wipe it down or continually move it up and down on the wrist because of hot spots - I forget I even have a metal bracelet on during the workday. When I get home I wash my hands and the entire watch/bracelet in cold water and use a toothbrush or fingernail brush on the whole thing

[@renatofrancorosas1397]

Much respect to this guy, so much detail and effort went into making just this one video.

[@davep2999]

Great video on the different choices. For every day, I am pretty much addicted to the one piece military style straps similar to a Maratac or those found on Marathons etc. They are light, comfortable and easy to adjust if they start to feel tight. I had an accident with a watch years ago when a spring bar broke and the watch simply fell to the floor suffering damage. The one piece nylon strap also gives a margin of safety where that is concerned.

[@walkerb1734]

My favorite?.....Platinum. Stealth wealth at it’s finest!

[@raigner]

For my watch straps I usually prefer stainless steel in general (links, milaneses meshes, etc.), due to the durability and look, for casual dressing and somewhat formal attires the combination looks great (depending on the watch style of course), but, I do have some leather strap dress watches too, because when it comes to actual formal attire nothing can beat a quality leather strap.

[@007-bourne]

Such an enlightening video. I’m a huge leather strap fan but after watching this, I realize my next purchase has to be a stainless steel strap. It’s clearly necessary for every man to own one.

[@vernonpaigejr.1517]

so hard shopping for watches. I want all my bands to be metal.

[@dominicburrows7317]

Your watch collections are amazing!!!

[@jasonackerman9453]

I have watches with leather straps, but I keep reaching for my Swatch with an olive face and an olive silicone band. It's so clean and I don't have to worry about matching leathers because it's so different.

[@DontPanicDear]

I have a Breitling-Strasse B1, which has an amazing stainless strap, which I used for over a decade. I now use a black leather / deployment most of the time, as I prefer the lighter weight and the slight give. I also do use a diver strap / tang. I know it’s wrong for a B1, but it’s great for the summer due to being impervious to sweat.

[@guganesan.ilavarasan]

Please make a sperate video on NATO straps and their interesting combinations. Along with best watches suitable to go with NATO, eg. Seiko 5.

[@OneTalaw]

Excellent!👍 It’s nice to see someone with style/fashion sense (you) speak about watch straps AND the formality of what is acceptable to wear with certain clothing. All too often I see people believing that it is perfectly acceptable to wear a metal bracelet or NATO style watch strap with formal attire (tuxedo). It’s also nice NOT to see you giving praise to those cheap fashion watches (Vencero, MVMT to name just a couple). I’d like to see more on this, perhaps you can speak about some of the high quality microbrand watches out nowadays.

[@crusader6232]

Great information Antonio..... love it..... 👍

[@peterodwee2701]

This man has all the information he's the goat of men's fashion

[@CMB2310]

My best watch is a Rado, Made of hightech ceramics. Very hard, hard to Scratch, nice shine and lightweight. I love this watch.

[@mathewazzopard8100]

New to the channel and very impressed with the amount of detail in the review. All in all when it comes to straps/bracelets : s/steel all year round, no need at this point to get into bracelet/clasp preferences. Titanium, if well made, a great steel alternative with greyish look, hate cheap made with that ultra light weight. Good Titanium will be lighter than steel but will have a good weight. Rubber, great but wears out easily in terms of appearance. A few months of use will shine, especially in high friction/contact areas and will appear old. That's not the best, for me on a new or well kept watch. Leather, if well made, a great material and unlike rubber, as it will age/mature will look amazing but a no go on diver watches or anything that water contact isn't an issue. Some manufactures do release divers on leather ! NATO, a nice option but to me the folding of the end part gives an unnecessary bulk. Canvas, similar to leather but an extremely pleasant feel on the wrist. Let's keep in mind weather conditions as well. Thanks for the review, keep up the good work.

[@Shamimfarsi]

Leather is my favorite strap. The most stylish and elegant in my opinion. Specially if it has roman numbers inside the case.

[@rmarquezbusse]

What an intro! Love it

[@RajeevKBhardwaj]

Love you and your work man you are one of the most logical knowledgeable person in this genre love from india

[@salvatoredigrigoli3210]

phenomenal video thank you

[@fauzanhernowo9071]

this guy knows his metallurgical stuffs nice.

[@vfp16]

Titanium is my favorite, all the benefits of steel, plus it doesn’t feel as cold to the touch when picking up from a cold room than steel.

[@baileycontreras3673]

You have a great time analyzing or comparing the styles of Ghost from Power and Tommy from Peaky Blinders. Similar characters to ones you've done before like mad men and suits the show, may even bring you more views from their audiences they have a huge following!

[@josephcampese5347]

outstanding content and presentation.

[@KRW628]

I got a new NATO strap just yesterday. Most of my watches are on NATOs; and I often change the straps to change the look of the watches (new look = new watch). Most of my (slightly) more expensive watches are on steel.

[@sak1339]

Nice explanation of the pros and cons of the variety of materials available.

[@shanecoony]

I like steel bands the most but my second choice would definitely be dark brown leather straps another great video by the way cheers

[@riaanackerman6372]

A man with many watches on his arm has a lot of time on his hands

[@Defrap22]

I get it. 😂

[@Chelsea2009FC]

🤣

[@joelstatosky1817]

I got to say I love my vintage watches on a leather strap. It has been my most beneficial hobby because my collection is actually worth more then what I paid. A lot better investment then my other favorite thing sports cars lol.

[@nickporter9264]

For me it's leather at the office and formal occasions, steel for the pool and the summer, and NATOs for my more casual watches.

[@nickporter9264]

@Selim Sultan Akbar Steel casual watches are fine, one of my favorite chronographs I never take off the bracelet. My issue with NATOs in the pool is that the chlorine will seriously degrade the nylon.

[@alexthomson7465]

That seiko is nice!

[@armaankaloty1384]

Man that intro music never gets old mate 👌

[@D__Lee]

Good informative video! My preference is leather or canvas. The worst is silicone. My skin sweats wearing silicone and I end up with a rash.

[@Hissatsu5]

Love nato straps partially thanks to bond but also for practical reasons

[@ForTheLoveOfSuits]

Antonio Genuine Leather is the worst quality of leather. It’s bottom grain leather and it won’t last long. Naming it Genuine Leather was a marketing con. Never buy Genuine Leather.

[@atifghafoor6258]

How long do genuine leather straps last if you already have them, but not sure if you should use them or nato straps

[@ForTheLoveOfSuits]

@@atifghafoor6258 In my experience I would expect to get about one year before it starts to fall apart. Less if you live in a hot climate where your wrist will sweat. You can expect 6 months.And it can't replay be cleaned.

[@atifghafoor6258]

@@ForTheLoveOfSuits that's fine I brought a bundle about a week ago of 10 different straps for £25 and about 6 of them where these genuine leather ones so will get a decent amount of time out of them for the price paid.

[@artwerksDallas]

Thanks. I need this info. Keep listing your insights

[@grmcall]

It is simply not true to say that people don't have to worry about reacting to stainless steel. It still contains nickel, regardless of whether manufacturers claim it's 'surgical', 'hypoallergenic' or otherwise. You definitely *should* still worry about reacting to stainless steel, including Rolex's 904L, Omega's bracelets and all others.

[@robo2606]

My favorite is a fine woven Milanese strap. Wears comfortable and doesn't tear out hairs.

[@martintanz9098]

I have tried just about every type of watch strap (except wood). Honestly, the type of strap or bracelet depends on the watch. This is my take. Leather - Pretty much my default for vintage dress watches. I have tried metal milanese bracelets, and one summer I put my vintage Omega on a nylon perlon strap, but in general, a brown or black leather strap is the way to go. I also have a strong preference for leather straps on Pilot style watches. Bracelet is OK too, but historically, a pilot style watch looks best on leather. Feels better too. Metal - A good choice for an every day watch. Dressy enough to wear with a suit, but not out of place with casual attire.. A good summer choice for an every day watch as it can deal with moisture and sweat better than leather. Rubber and silicone - A good choice if you work or play in a wet environment on a sports or casual watch. But be careful. Not all rubber and silicone straps are created equal. Some are contoured and wrap around the wrist, others not so much. Because it is so casual, not really suited for business. Nylon and canvas - There are different types of nylon and canvas. I am not a fan of the canvas watch strap. I find my watches flop around on my wrist, and the look is cheap. I have a sailcloth strap that is leather lined that I really like on one of my field watches. Because of the leather lining, it is not waterproof, but mine got wet a few times and seems to be water resistant. IMO, a nice compromise for a sports watch in that it looks sporty, but has the comfort of a leather strap. NATO straps are interesting alternative to rubber for sports watches. I prefer the single pass style to the NATO style, which has an extra loop of fabric for extra security, but than makes the watch sit up higher on the wrist. Finally, there is the stretchy parachute cord type watch strap. I have seen then in recent years but haven't tried them. They look very comfortable. Maybe I will try one in the next year or two.

[@guganesan.ilavarasan]

Can you recommend some good NATO companies, I'm aware of a Singaporean based Sardine straps, and can you tell what kind of watches looks good on a NATO?

[@martintanz9098]

@@guganesan.ilavarasan I bought some NATOs from US based Blu Shark. I also have several single pass style straps, namely a Chevron strap and a Perlon from Crown and Buckle that were very nice. German based Eulit makes some nice single pass style Perlons. In general, because of all the hardware, sports watches such as divers or field watches look decent on a NATO. You can put a Perlon on a somewhat dressier watch if you want, but it will take the dressiness of the watch down a notch or two.

[@YuriYeleyko]

Thank you for this video! I really enjoy switching straps for same watch. Of course, you won't put rubber strap on pure dress watch, but it is amazing how i.e. my Seiko SKX dive watch looks different with NATO nylon, rubber, metal and leather strap. Most recent awesome combination is NATO brown leather with bronze buckles for my YEMA Superman Bronze!

[@leosigman7239]

I prefer a metal bracelet with deployant clasp for durability and the tongue not catching on things. A little harder to adjust, but for me that is infrequent and worth the effort.

[@vatsalsanwaria537]

This is first time i have seen A Wood Starp. Thanx

[@zeekzeekman8043]

My favorite is the NATO strap. I have actually taken high end watches, and put this type of strap on it. Granted I'm a retired USAF Major, that always enjoyed the look, but honestly it has been the most comfortable. Stainless steel with a NATO strap, is my preference 😊👍 😮

[@tankt13]

At the beginning of the vid Antonio is wearing what looks like a Seiko Samurai "Save The Ocean" then as it cuts he's got a Rolex Yacht Master on the wrist. I change my watches multiple times within the hour as well....the struggle is real

[@SEBliesner]

James Bond in a tuxedo would like to have a discussion with you about NATO straps being "casual" ;-) Great content, as always!

[@Kondi2100]

Great topic - great video. But a small point; some leathers, like sharkskin, are waterproof. I love a diver on sharkskin myself🐬🤿

[@J17_BT62]

Got a G-Shock and a SF Pilota Evo steel strap and I’m new to the watch scene so far the g-shock strap is making me prefer it solely because you can adjust it super easy

[@brendonschupp1722]

I think nylon might be my favorite watch strap

[@-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-...]

I have the omega sea master 300m 😍😍😍

[@reimaxiusco4373]

For me is stainless and nylon strap. Rubber is a bit long and for sport activities. Leather for formal looked but not for everyday for me because of easily get wet by water.

[@andrew1212w]

I like all watch straps my titanium strap is over 15 years old and still OK 👍

[@al-fayeed]

I love leather bands. Especially handmade. Super chic on a smartwatch!

[@u.u.upatreonrequests8679]

A Jubilee or Presedent style bracelet is my #1. A dressy rubber like Omega Aqua Terra is my #2.

[@kaiochanx3348]

Resin straps too, I find they’re pretty practical (I’m a g shock wearer)

[@yakumotatsuro4886]

White gold, steel, titanium, platinum, rubber, leather & nylon straps I have on my watches I like the nylon best due to its flexibility

[@PlanI8skate]

My friend you have got the leather facts wrong. Genuine leather is basically one of the cheaper options. Not bad but not great, definitely NOT the best. If you are looking for the highest quality of leather straps, then you will want to get Cordovan Leather. It’s cut from the actual top of the muscle fiber of the ass section of a horse hide. It’s by far the most durable yet also the thinnest. It’s also by far the most expensive. It is worth it tho as it is the most comfortable, water resistant, durable, and it will last far longer than any other leather strap.

[@jg8263]

Stainless milanese loop mesh on all watches for me. I have small wrists and traditional straps cannot easily get small enough for me, whereas the mesh is nearly infinitely adjustable.

[@jg8263]

I neglected to add they also look fantastic and are comfortable due to flexibility.

[@Rch_P]

I love their adjustability. That’s the selling point that gets me. It’s the perfect fit.

[@hectorp.3746]

Just a recommendation, RIOS make great affordable leather straps. They are also made in germany and a family owned buisness.

[@noobfl]

rios1931 are the best affordable leather straps

[@lukajanusic440]

Tnx broooo I wanted to bay a lether strap and plan go go svim because it was going on my go 2 watch I have a casio edfice ecb-20

[@prpapas]

I love Zulu straps - all the benefits of NATOs (water friendly, washable, and they retain the watch on your wrist if one springbar fails), but without those big loops. And agreed, I'm not a fan of nylon on dressy watches but they look awesome on sporty/field/military watches. One note - Genuine leather is indeed better than bonded, but typically a lower quality than Top Grain. Full grain is the best quality, assuming the material is labeled honestly. So, Full>Top>Genuine>Bonded.

[@americanpaisareturns9051]

Personally I like seeing all the scratches, dings, and dents on my watch. Why? Because it reminds me of all the bullshit I’ve been through with it. 😂

[@willday990]

What straps do you recommend with an Apple Watch? I have the black and brown leather straps, sport bands when working out or swimming, but I’ve never found a metal one I like.

[@shikharrpal333]

I love ♥️ silver or silver +golden bracelet watches....

[@sorenherr6412]

My favorite kind of watch drops price has to be silicone and rubber because they're the most comfortable on my wrist

[@ryandaverayla4910]

My preference = Mesh bracelet. Shark mesh for Divers and Pilots; Milanese weave for Dress and minimalist watches.

[@kenneth7826]

Love to watches with nylon and nato straps for the summer only..why?? Because its the warm season..did i wear them with more expensive watches...No..its a wonderful change of pace..enjoy 😉

[@glauroo.junior83]

I prefer metal straps. Leather straps are fine when dressing smart, but not on a daily basis. They tend to absorb sweat and stink as time goes by.

[@palashchoudhury5565]

Acrylic Glass & Nylon Strap Watch It luks Trendy & Casual

[@jcm9698]

I like Zulu straps better than Nato. It doesn't raise the watch much on the wrist compared to a Nato. I like a nice leather that compliments the watch dial when you want a little bit of a dressy look.

[@johnjames218]

I prefer the stainless steel and expandable straps which fit nice and snug

[@oriyomilewis644]

Brown leather wristwatches I wear.

[@stevennicholas5472]

Where do i find the shoeshine box videos he is doing with Steve from Woodworking for Mere Mortals?

[@-----REDACTED-----]

Leather or Nylon, either as a two-piece or as a NATO or Zulu strap. Metal bracelets are nice and all but a high quality two-piece leather strap is just infinitely more elegant. And if it’s about robustness then the NATO or Zulu setup outclasses metal bracelets there simply due to the fact that those single strap configurations have an added safety measure in case of spring bar failure. The metal bracelet may tough out your adventure with ease but it suffers the weakness of all two-piece strap/bracelet configurations: if the spring bar goes you can kiss the watch goodbye while the single-strap configuration keeps holding on if one spring bar should fail..

[@yaeljimenez4051]

what is the watch you are holding at 6:29 I watched your watch collection but couldn't find it

[@John-fb2mi]

I have a Casio edifice efv-100d (Metal) , Casio Illuminator (Rubber) and Seiko Kinetic ska791p1 (Lether) :D But i prefer lether and if you are using daily parfume like i do, it is going to smell for a long long time like your parfume wich i find cool!

[@phaedoncouniniotis2183]

Although I like leather strap stainless steel is the best option for all times of the day night or year.

[@djzrobzombie2813]

Or titanium ! I use it and it's the best material

[@anotherwatch]

I prefer stainless steel straps overall and one of the main reason is the ease and speed of putting the watch on. One major drawback is that low quality metal bracelets can spoil the enjoyment of wearing a watch due to the way it jingles and feel on the wrist. With my cheaper watches, I swap out the metal bracelets for curved end rubber or silicone straps. My least favourite is leather as I am a sporty person and they don't last long on me. I only use natos as a temporary measure when I cannot seem to find the correct rubber strap or a better quality metal band. Great video. Thanks for upload.

[@BlueJayWaters]

Most watches I feel work best with a simple leather strap. However, with silver face watches, I love a mesh strap. Feel it really accentuates the dial

[@giovannibucio]

i love brown leather on my all gold omega aqua terra with gold strap sedna gold and brown leather on my omega seamaster300 chronograph all gold i think smart watches are for little kids.

[@mwatkins0590]

rubber is the most comfortable for sure, but it also looks goofy. 2 piece seat belt is my favorite, it can look both classy or casual depending on colors and the watch, and its comfortability is only 2nd to rubber. bracelets without microadjustments are the worst!

[@paullondon5332]

NATO and rubber are fun but don't go the distance my go to is steel I am wearing a Milanese woven at the moment, leather doesn't look right on a diver. I also like to swap it round to change the look

[@RolandoMichael]

looks like you're about to snap the half of population with those watches

[@JoJo-xp6wr]

I think that Mr. Centeno is the only guy who can wear like 5 watches on one arm and still make it look good

[@RealMenRealStyle]

😍

[@lms9278]

I like to carry around a grandfather clock. It doesn't wrap around my wrist. Instead I wrap my arm around it

[@DialsandCrowns]

Stainless Steel for sure!!

[@chendakala]

Which strap matches brown skin wrist . I want to buy a stainless steel rolex, i like the look of the watch , but don't like how it looks on my wrist . Any suggestions

[@bearallen852]

I like wood lol. I have a wooden watch it’s pretty cool.

[@Manuel421]

I had a couple pocket watches since I'm a fan of the classics but gave them away which I regret now lol..I didn't know how to wear them though are you suppose to attach them to a vest like how they did in the past? Maybe I'll purchase a new one someday.

[@RealMenRealStyle]

Love pocket watches! When did you start your collection?

[@Manuel421]

@@RealMenRealStyle It was several years ago they were cheap though from Walmart probably around $40 each. Not sure if they would have any when I go shopping again at the thrift store? I guess we have to wait and see. I'll keep you posted on my future wardrobe upgrade as well when things have calmed even further. We can all make an effort to dress better but hey I don't judge others keep up the good work.

[@jtlk3568]

What is that seiko watch with the leather strap?

[@samjep2]

Stainless Steel all the way!

[@cakraparindra4659]

When you have a Rolex and also a Seiko in your collection, you know you're a watch enthusiast.. And for my favourite straps ... I don't know I have a dedicated drawer full of leathers, natos, zulu, MN, canvas, rubber, bracelet, you name it.. It's a joy that you can choose a strap for every occasion. *Edit: and he has a Yema 👌 *Edit: and also microbrands 👌

[@guganesan.ilavarasan]

What NATO companies do you prefer mate ?

[@cakraparindra4659]

@@guganesan.ilavarasan for now locals only.. Had imported few from Vario and Straposphere, but they're all gone on shipment.. Oh I bought BluShark once, and i have to say it's easy to recommend.

[@djzrobzombie2813]

You forget he also got CASIO !!!

[@andrewcooper7256]

What is the name of that beautiful brass cased watch?

[@shawnverizonverizon2598]

A softe rubber strap on my everyday watch and an oyster bracelet steel band on my dress watch

[@danielvanemmerik9823]

What watch is that your wearing in start of video ?

[@Aman_Singh285]

Which is good silver or steel strap?

[@4120306]

Nice vid. Thank you. It's "hypoallergenic" by the way.

[@ironman2326]

I like leather and stainless steel straps

[@brianbongbk]

Is there a vid about how to properly to strap and unstrap leather straps?

[@gregshanor669]

A black stainless steel is awesome but also had to fine. Especially if ur looking @ daily watch to wear. They can get chipped over time lose the black finish on the watch it self. Making it look cheap