A Complete Guide to Watch Straps: Everything You Should Know

Shop Watches: www.teddybaldassarre.com/coll...
Shop Straps: www.teddybaldassarre.com/coll...
Written Content: www.teddybaldassarre.com/blog
In this video, I'll share just about everything you could ever need to know about watch straps. We'll cover basic strap-related terms, how to change straps, and each of the most common and popular strap materials. In addition, towards the end, we'll take a few moments to talk about how to style your watch with different straps. This is a long one, but there is a lot of great information in here that can really help build your overall watch knowledge. If you guys would like to see more comprehensive
educational content on the channel, let me know in the comments what you'd like me to cover!
Teddy's Watch Strap Factory Tour: • Touring Our Watch Stra...
75 Watch Terms: • 75 Watch Terms You Nee...
Other Educational Videos from Teddy:
How to Tell if a Watch is Well-Made: • How to Tell if a Watch...
Third-Party Movement Overview: • Overview Of Third-Part...
How to Tell if a Watch is Poorly Made: • How To Tell If A Watch...
6 Things to Consider When Building a Watch Collection: • 6 Things to Consider W...
7 Things I Wish I Knew About Watches When I Started: • 7 Things I Wish I Knew...
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro and Organization
1:43 - 1. Basic Strap Knowledge
5:28 - 2. How to Change a Watch Strap
8:19 - 3. Leather Straps
16:44 - 4. Rubber Straps
18:31 - 5. Nylon Straps
20:46 - 6. Miscellaneous Strap Materials
22:26 - 7. Bracelets
26:14 - 8. Best Practices & Styling
30:54 - Concluding Thoughts
My List Videos Playlist: • Teddy's List Videos
Other Places to Check Out:
Instagram: teddybaldas...
Top Articles On TeddyBaldassarre.com:
50 Luxury Watch Brands You Should Know: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...
10 Affordable Watch Brands And Their Best Watches: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...
Best Watches Under $5,000 Complete Guide: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...

[@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%

[@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.

[@sandordelgado9812]

Bonded leather is the lowest of the low

[@MrDienkhanh82]

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. ;)

[@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

[@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.

[@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. 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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?

[@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!

[@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 !

[@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!!

[@Ballacha]

19:30 Teddy's heritage shining through XD

[@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!🇨🇦

[@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 :)

[@patrickglass9323]

Remarkable, Teddy. Brilliant succinct overview. Covered so much - and most helpful. Thanks a lot!

[@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.

[@edf2953]

Excellent video Teddy! Very good overview and discussion of what every watch owner needs to know regarding watch straps.

[@deanohit]

Love it, perfect video to fill in the time while I'm waiting on my strap order from you guys 😁

[@brentk9022]

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

[@panagiotisstamou6186]

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

[@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!

[@marcelblouin8104]

Fantastic video - high quality detailed video and content. Highly recommend Teddy for straight non-partisan information. Well Done!

[@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.

[@martinh9640]

Great video. I knew a lot of what was covered, but what I didn't know made it very much worth it. I also very much agree with those who commented on the Constellation.

[@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!

[@Brian-rq8hi]

Great video as always. Lots of info and no fluff. Keep up the great work!

[@ron1465]

Great video! You seem to always post topics that are in the forefront of my mind. Thank you very much

[@carlobighouse5434]

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

[@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

[@angelofaoro8888]

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

[@NicolasEstrada]

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

[@rasmuswittsell10]

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

[@Techshark001]

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

[@simon916sps]

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

[@mikeontherock]

Great subject and well covered. I would appreciate more of these.

[@craig2100]

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

[@anthonystevens8683]

A very informative and educational video Teddy, this is very much appreciated. Certainly the different leather grades I found very interesting.

[@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.

[@ashrobertson4585]

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

[@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.

[@lilfrank155]

Wow! didn’t realize there was so much detail to straps, awesome video!

[@dannysimenauer5745]

I learned a lot about the various types of straps. I had no idea about the trade name types of leather straps until I watched this video, and I now know understand why certain leather straps cost more. Thank you for sharing.

[@SpartX7]

Very well made. Thank you for your efforts. I know this video took much of your time and energy.

[@Timepiece_modz]

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

[@megasoid]

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

[@swfan1004]

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

[@martinwild9192]

Nice one Teddy and thanks for the hard work and lonvg presentation. I thought I knew all about straps but the HORSE and the thick French weave are new to me :-)

[@anthonyperry3699]

Absolutely just fantastic video. Great idea to provide the best pairings information.

[@liamli7546]

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

[@robertnjax1]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@markusbe.musicfromtheunder2497]

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

[@rohanleander]

Been waiting for this, thank you soo much.

[@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.

[@tiburonski]

Wonderful and although I thought I know a lot about straps and bracelets the different patterns between alligator and crocodile was new to me. Thanks!🤗👏

[@Zebrashark777]

Great video! Learned a lot about differing leather types I wasn’t aware of.

[@lukasz_zegarkowy]

What a great video! Hope to have more on watch related topics. Maybe something on the ways of decorating watch dials and movements?

[@markg7963]

I was blown away by the variety. Nice vid!

[@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

[@livedadyt10]

Thanks Teddy. Like the quick release straps from Ritchie & Barton, easy to change looks.

[@paulleigh7792]

An excellent and comprehensive tutorial.

[@cosmodoc]

Hi Teddy, really helpful video, thanks! I also quite like natural cork straps, because they comfortable to wear, environmentally friendly and have different individual patterns on them!

[@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. 👍🏾

[@me-cq7wv]

Thank you for posting this. Great pickup on something that been missed out a lot. Straps

[@baconfabian]

Great work, fabulous content here. Thanks Teddy

[@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?

[@MikeMcClary]

Thanks for doing this one, Teddy. I learned a ton!

[@Dreson45]

Thoroughly informative Teddy, thank you.

[@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!!!!

[@PlatypusAurelius]

Excellent video Teddy. I learned a lot today. Well done.

[@kingsford73]

Thanks Teddy, helpful video, I've just purchased Horween Chromexcel straps they are so soft 😍

[@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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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,

[@aaronrobins9953]

Thank you for the informative video. So many strap options; my personal favorite is salmon.

[@oscarlu1995]

Vintage Omega Constellation looks amazing with the exotic straps.

[@Miguel_GM]

This video is gold. Thanks!

[@Gasta1983]

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

[@burns0100]

I just swapped out my bracelet style band for a Nato on my Citizen Promaster Diver. It fits better for me without the need to be too tight or too loose and it adds more to the style of the watch being tough, utility styling. Plus I can swap it out a lot easier for a different colour If I need to change the look. Personally went with a black/stainless steel Nato to fit my Stainless steel watch with black details.

[@swizzmamba8912]

Very informative, well done Teddy!

[@philiploveswatcheswhiskies9832]

Great infoTeddy ..I find quick release strps are great for changing out

[@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

[@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.

[@banjopete]

Like the Sting Ray, class!

[@leesobel7541]

definitive strap video, thanks!

[@ritethumstik]

Loved seeing that clip from Rose Anvil. Weston does a great job!!

[@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!

[@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

[@davidborg5324]

Great content Teddy! Very informative video.

[@rons7555]

Teddy, good video. I learnt quite a bit. Thanks.👍🏼

[@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.)