Top 10 Best Quality Watch Straps For Your Seiko, Rolex, Omega + More

A watch strap can totally change the feel and purpose of a timepiece. It can also add a sartorial refinement and provide a brand new level of enjoyment for watch enthusiasts. Today I revive an original series from the very early days of the channel with a review of 10 of my favorite watch straps and brands that make them for 2020.
If you’ve ever wondered where or what to buy, and how to match a strap to the correct watch, this selection has all corners covered. Whether you’re into Audemars Piguet, Tudor, Squale, Rolex, Seiko, Hamilton, Dan Henry, Omega or any other number of brands, my strap selection applies to all watch types and levels.
From straps that cost as little as $13 to high end luxury selections at around $100, join me for a laid-back chat on all things strap related and what to look out for when it comes to buying a strap for the highest quality, greatest style, and best value overall.
To get $100 off $1000+ and then $250 off $2500+ on your next luxury watch, use the code "URBANGENTRY" at:
www.thewatchbo...
Most of the straps featured can be found on my Amazon store or the Holbens online strap store, click here:
www.amazon.com...
and:
holbensfinewat...
To buy the Person strap from Wrist Candy Watch Club, click here:
wristcandywatc...
To buy the Mil-Spec NATO straps by Phoenix, click here:
www.cwcwatch.c...
To buy rubber diving straps from Crafter Blue, click here:
www.crafterblu...
To buy from NDC the Marine Nationale Parachute strap, click here:
www.etsy.com/s...
To buy from Erika's Original, click here:
erikasoriginal...
To get your watch or Gentry related questions answered and engage with some of the community beyond KZbin, join us on Facebook: / 1503241666636531
To follow the official Urban Gentry Instagram click here: / theurbangentrychannel
Check out The Urban Gentry Amazon page here for items featured in my videos. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.:
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Thank you for watching The Urban Gentry channel, home of the #wristwatchcheck ! Check out my other videos for more watch and lifestyle content.

[@LukeVisinoni]

I wish I Cared about anything as much as this dude loves watches

[@kcgfy81]

IDK man if that is really your profile pic I'd say you doing a good job keeping those locks luxurious. I mean, that stuff would make Rapunzel envious.

[@Ossory88]

Hahah Rapunzel-Luke 😅

[@salty_terminal_civilian5374]

What's it like to have a full head of hair lol. Care about that.

[@LukeVisinoni]

lol u guys are funny. That is indeed me. That was taken about a year ago and I still haven't had a haircut. You guys should see it now. I'll have to update the profile pic soon...

[@vascosaldanha602]

@@LukeVisinoni how do I know if the profile pic is the updated one?

[@John-ch8go]

I never thought I’d get excited about somebody talking about watch straps, but here I am. Great vid.

[@xavierreprieto2809]

I would also recommend Barton Watch Bands, mainly the elite silicone rubber straps, they are very durable , confortable and have a variety of colors. They also have natos, leather natos, canvas, leather you name it, great quality.

[@kyoukotoshino5600]

Got a leather one on my sun & moon 3. Very good looking band

[@AltamashSayed]

Barton should have made the cut, ry good quality straps, specially the elite silicone ones..!

[@maximofenn3202]

@@kyoukotoshino5600 the leather is good? I’m considering buying one

[@kyoukotoshino5600]

@@maximofenn3202 Absolutely, I actually switched to a colareb venezia on one. But, those are like $50. The barton leather ones are really comfortable and look great. Still run it on my seiko chrono. Highly recommend it for the price.

[@louiscyfer6944]

@@kyoukotoshino5600 the barton leather is genuine leather which is the lowest quality leather you can get. stay away from anything genuine leather. you want full grain leather.

[@michaelsaia54]

I personally love crown and buckle. They have great customer service and different NATO straps in different quality ranges

[@klausm5460]

Changing straps frequently, especially the doddle of changing NATOs is one of the most fun aspects of becoming a watch guy. Even many people who do wear a watch everyday don´t bother to dress their watch corresponding to mood or attire.

[@theurbangentry]

I could not agree more! Excellent point my friend, Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@christophercutajar4020]

I agree... U have just 3 watches a casio a seiko and a citizen.... And i have 30 different straps 😁 it is like having 90 different watches hahaha

[@toml.8210]

Why bother changing straps constantly? I'm perfectly satisfied with the strap I select for each watch.

[@neilziesing7761]

Excellent topic! Plus one on Colareb and Holbens. I will also add Barton Bands, especially for their premium silicon straps and then Strapcode for their stainless steel bracelets.

[@jimmccaig7946]

Sir, you are a true watch guy 10/10 👌

[@chriscon8463]

I may be committing an unwritten watch foul: with my NATO straps, I cut them to fit by using a penny to trace a curve; then I trim them with scissors & burn the edges...

[@cuauhtemocmorisco3493]

I had never heard about this and i have nato straps but im used to tucking the extra length inside so it feels natural to me. Id be wasting money if i messed with my straps and the fit didn't turn out well.

[@ES-tr5no]

That’s not a foul, that’s smart. 👍

[@Rev-Counter]

A foul would be hacking the end off with a blunt knife and leaving it to fray! The penny trick is a good idea I’ve seen recommended before. Personally I just tuck the strap in though.

[@chriscon8463]

Owl29 I’ll have to try that!

[@SirKaldar]

I have a special technique for getting rid of the extra length on my NATOs, it's called having arms like Popeye :P

[@joshnival8529]

the blend of your voice, accent and background music is seriously calming

[@jacknewman45]

My stress levels dropped just watching a TGV video on watch straps. Thank you sir!

[@rkillalea6706]

Was just watching a longislandwatch video and was thinking haven't seen a tgv video in a while. Here we go!!

[@FINEST-uz9ek]

Excellent straps , I also like Barton straps they have a wide selection and are very reasonable priced . All their straps have the “quick release” spring bars imbedded into straps and they even give you two straps one shorter and one longer !

[@jamesscott3263]

Ray Caroli did a “well aware” NATO on my first diver, a blue citizen pro master eco drive. Excellent beater combo.

[@daspiper8941]

I prefer Vulcanized Caoutchouc (rubber) Straps as my daily wear; no Silicone for me. ~I still have my watch I received when I was in Viet Nam. It's a Benrus as well and is still running accurately after 50+ years of Service.

[@willskittles5544]

I like the choices the erikas strap give you. Her customer service was excellent when my straps got lost in the mail. Haveston straps are my favorite with their ww2 themed straps.

[@fuatyilmaz-hq9bs]

they are amazing but too expensive imo

[@nickbyrne1962]

A month or so back this channel introduced me to the Seiko Alpiniste, which I managed to pick up at a good price - leaving me sufficient funds to invest in a better strap (as mentioned in TGV's review, the factory-supplied strap is not that great). A few weeks later and Colareb straps were featured in one of the Urban Gentry videos, and one of their Sienna straps now resides on the Seiko. The difference is incredible and really has transformed both how I feel about the watch and the amount of pleasure I get from wearing it - so once again, many thanks for the recommendations.

[@Ray.J]

Love the Bonetto and the way the orange draws out the orange details in the Squale. The feature the strap has where you can create your own hole is something I hadn't seen before. Cool idea.

[@AdamVitali]

As someone new to watch collecting. And even though this is an old video, I have found it very informative. Thanks!

[@kevinmiller7184]

Excuse the mess? You mean, "Don't drool on my watches!" Nice variety of straps pictured. I'm basically trapped in a world on Bond NATOs, black leather, and silver bracelets. I'll try harder. Carry On TVG.

[@user-gi4oe4by9j]

TVG, lol

[@efreutel]

Terrific survey of watch straps. Many thanks 🙏

[@philipsutcliffe1610]

Love the Colareb Firenze I'm wearing one now in the same colour which I bought on TGV's recommendation and it was well worth it

[@watchreviews4k]

Interesting content. Keep up the good work. Regards.

[@bhysbest1565]

Great video, thinking about buying some straps to transform my watches so that I don’t get the urge to buy more timepieces 😂😂

[@theurbangentry]

Good thinking, it actually works, well for me, at least for a few days! lol Thank you my friend, Best regards, TGV

[@Holt333]

Great to see you on! Perfect video during these times to change up your watches for a “NEW” feel and excitement without shelling out hundreds if not thousands of dollars$$$. You rock, great ideas, keep it up TGV‼️👍

[@Long-nd8bq]

I used to only wear my watches on the original bracelets. Then after I found your channel a few years ago I bought a bond (the incorrect black and grey) NATO strap for one of my divers, then I bought a dark brown crocodile strap for my gold Seiko day/date to tone down the bling a bit, now I have all kinds of NATO's, crocodile, leather, and rubber straps. When I get a new watch the first thing I do is try a bunch of different straps on it. I even have bought a bunch of tools (case back, rolex case back, hand pusher/puller, press, vise,). My girlfriend says I have an addiction. I got my Vintage Tag Heuer 2000 the other day on a OEM rubber strap that was well worn, in the 3 days I've had it, it's been on 4 different straps. Found a nice brown leather rough grain strap with a stainless brushed buckle that matches the case perfectly. WK1112-0 silver dial. It's sharp. Cheers!

[@AB-kg6rk]

I wish what this mans expertises were mine and I could forget about slaving for a living. But as he recognises, all of us are and can be collectors. His take on higher priced watches is quite enlightening.

[@Silver-st2zq]

Barton elite silicone watch straps are good especially the two tone colour combo ones.

[@SignifiKent]

I absolutely love Barton, I've purchased like 12 of them, the only problem is their "army green" is more a forest green and definitely not olive drab.

[@drjenschn]

Now that they are more established than 2 years ago: Lorier Nato and Regimental options are also quite good, but come in 20mm only. On the plus side, they are very affordable and you can order them with a spring bar tool fitting their watches (albeit, not Rolex, their springbar access is legendarily finicky).

[@JJherne]

Talk about coincidence - not only have I just bought 3 watches (including my first Seiko) for my diver collection, I'm hunting for new straps as well. I may try a "sailcloth" strap for a change and perhaps something from Colareb for my Black Bay. Great timing old chap, I'll be watching this with interest !

[@brbw.7484]

I’m sorry but I prefer Erica’s Originals over NDC. Erica’s are outstanding and are sized. The fit is as outstanding as the measurements you gave, and she does a military discount. Respectfully.

[@ndcstraps]

No need to be sorry. We are all free to like what we want to. FYI we can size the straps no problem.

[@Rohrkrepierer]

My personal recommendation for another honorable mention: Used ISOFRANE straps. You can get them from around 50-75 and up, and they are definitely the best rubber dive straps.

[@tunokies]

Or a new borealis ISO copy. Just as good IMO. I have both.

[@ericb8888]

tunokies yep ! They are quiet a bit thinner though and don't have the vanilla scent . The Customer service from Borealis is miles better than ISO , miles ;)

[@Thexaios]

I tell ya, those Vulcans really know their rubber straps.

[@dgrantreiter]

This was helpful, I'm obsessed with details in anything (my cross to bare) and that includes straps . There is so much junk out there, so proper navigation through the maze is cost saving in the long run ! Ciao

[@johnnybgood7812]

Great review as always, thanks TGV. I hear what you’re saying about the authenticity of the elasticated NDC versus the Erika’s Original “homage” but the extensive choice of colours, lug widths, buckle finish choice and crucially, the fact that Erika’s tailor the band to your wrist size is a huge plus point in their favour for me. And they’ll add a flag of choice too, if that’s your thing!

[@ihatesweeping]

Hi TGV, love your contents. Because of you, i've rekindled my love for mechanical watches, for that I thank you good sir. By the way, can you please create a spin-off session with Hugo reviewing watches? Would love to see that..thanks again. Onwards and Upwards!

[@everydaypatriot1083]

Thank you, good sir. As a charter member of the strap-of-the-month club, I really appreciated your thorough review.

[@theurbangentry]

Lovely to hear from you EP! Thank you my friend, Best regards, TGV

[@orwellknew9112]

I own a legendary Citizen watch with a 24mm lug width and I love it. It makes the watch to bracelet or strap connection feel so stable. Just the opposite of how a big, heavy watch feels on a narrow bracelet.

[@claudehiramsclassics6477]

I really liked this video. It was enjoyable to see all the different watches with the different watch bands. good video.

[@coryames1170]

Im thinking of replacing the straps on my Casio Duro and one of my Timex Expeditions. Don't hate either strap they have currently but I think both would look great on leather straps.

[@SpartacusDog]

A great strap follow-up to your “2016” video, bravo.. That Melange strap is a must. I personally love switching off my alligators & crocodiles occasionally, on my dress watches, with fine Holbens suede straps to restyle and extend their use for a bit less formal wear. Thank you once again.

[@viggenguy4411]

Love the video. I've been wearing NATO straps for years, and recently got into MNs. Just in case you didn't know, Erika's Originals offers a "vintage" series of straps that is also claimed to be made from rolls of NOS Marine Nationale elastic webbing, both yellow stripe and red stripe variant. I have one each of their newly-made "Original" straps and NOS "Vintage" straps, and it's easy enough to tell that the weave pattern and even the coloration are slightly different, so I believe the Vintage is truly military surplus material. Decent enough excuse to get another watch and an NDC strap to go with it in order to compare and contrast!

[@Bust4]

That’s a really lovely watch collection my good sir, and also a great video that gave me a few ideas. Thanks for the quality content you produce, it’s really something.

[@dennisdusing7847]

Thank you , very informative for this rookie

[@mrbacchus6127]

I have so many straps laying around from buying for a specific watch and then not quite being satisfied. You have some great picks here and I also like Haveston straps.

[@christopherjensen5007]

This is what we want! The old formula! Watches and straps!

[@qazifaisal5]

This is the video i needed thanks for making it.

[@cristian0661]

as Hugo commands---> like "immediately"

[@TheHallberger]

Holy smokes this video is now a year old! I'd really like to see a video about strap etiquette (what you can match, what you shouldn't match and why, and when of course) Side note, I'm so close to buying the Superman but can't really get over the 19mm lugs. All the best André

[@VisedMonk]

Apparently a little late to the party, but my go to NATO-style straps are Chevron and Supreme NATOs from Crown and Buckle and straps from Haveston. The Chevrons are similar to perlons and NATOs from both companies have single pass options, which I adore so as to minimize the addition of thickness to the watch.

[@tomdufour1134]

I missed these strap video's, one of my favourite segments of the channel back in the days 😉

[@theurbangentry]

You are a true OG (original Gentry), I love it thank you Tom, I always appreciate the loyal support, it speaks volumes about you in such a fickle age unfortunately. Onwards and upwards! Best regards, TGV

[@tomdufour1134]

@@theurbangentry thanks Tristano content now is great, but I still like the early days of the channel to look for some great recommendations 😄. Onwards and upwards my friend and stay healthy

[@killerterreur25]

I tried Colared a few months ago, thanks to you, and now I'm absolutly fan of the brand ! This brand is amazing value for money. Kind regards from France, Hugo.

[@playascap]

Love your watch channel! I bought a seiko, gshock, casio, guanquin, and tissot within 2 weeks, not mentioning the straps, after watching videos here.

[@isaiasrivas7431]

Most of my watches are on Crown & Buckle chevron style straps...they are the bees knees!! I used Watchbox to purchase my first foray into lower level luxury by purchasing a watch I have been desiring for a long time...an Oris Divers 65. Watchbox was really cool to work with and I was able to get the watch for $100 less than the listed price!

[@glennharris3862]

Didn’t even finish the video and I bought the rubber strap for the SKX. Great recommendations! Thank you so much.

[@luigib2307]

Based on strength of this video, I just pulled the trigger on a Hadley Roma Cordura in navy blue for my Citizen EcoDrive diver with a navy bezel and dial. You're a trusted source of excellent information. Thanks.

[@jgolfer12]

For me BluShark NATOs are my favorite. I haven’t tried the Phoenix ones yet tho

[@vicentelopez4738]

jgolfer12 theyre customer service is awesome too

[@DavidHukill]

Totally agree - I have about a dozen BluShark straps...very happy with them, and awesome customer service!

[@harcotelindert]

Concur on BluShark, esp. the seatbelt NATOs

[@richardbrown8099]

Hemsut NATO's are great value and quality.

[@joem5140]

So glad to see crafter blue here. First thing I did was put a crafter blue on my tgv squale and they go great together.

[@j.burgess4459]

Hugo should launch a new range of ultra-luxury straps in T-Rex skin...oh wait! :-D

[@theurbangentry]

LOL, genius! I guess he could use goat leather? ;-) Thank you Jay, Best regards, TGV

[@captaincopconner2663]

As Hugo wishes!!! The like is pressed! Love seeing your videos pop up on my phone, and stay safe!!!

[@jeep2221]

@theUrbanGentry no... NDC is almost half the price of Erika (79 euro before any customization, and shipping)

[@heikowallauer]

Good evening TGV, watch strap tips are always welcome! Straps can change the character of a watch in an instant. Great choice of straps! The Yema is just a great piece! Have a great evening!

[@davidmichienzi101]

I love when you do strap video's, I've tried most of the straps. Colareb are the best. 😊👍🇮🇹

[@richardsalinetrojr1957]

Bought my father a 1970s Bulova accutron since he loves the brand and more vintage type styles but bought a black crocodile hersh strap to go with the Bulova and just the strap alone cost me $89.was only a 17mm lug but had to be extra long(think it fit up to 8.5" wrist)since father has bigger wrist.guess I hit a hovering with that Christmas gift 5yrs ago cause he wears it constantly.im just happy the thing still runs so he can enjoy it.

[@motaman8074]

Just because Hugo says to hit the like button, doesn't mean I have t.. aahhhhh.......

[@witendias5200]

What happened to him??? Hugo....kkkk

[@oklahomahank2378]

Mota man is not a goat, Hugo.

[@MACKHAWKSS]

just got in to watches this year and this was the perfect video for strap ideas for my skx007

[@koen8844]

And just like that I've ordered 4 new watch straps. Thanks for the recommendations TGV. I can't wait to breath a little new life in my collection without spending big money. I would like to mention Watchgecko. I've bought several handmade leather straps and NATO's from them, and I think the quality for the price is pretty good. Looking forward to the next one. Regards, Koen

[@jonas_kupper6455]

Could you do a Top-List about your favourite strapmonster watches? I Love those kind of watches as they feel like a new watch every time you change the strap and still look awesome! Greetings from Germany

[@alexb2773]

Crazy, I just realized I wasn't subscribed. Been watching for years. I took the liberty to rectify that.

[@jameswconforti4248]

TGV, Based on your recommendation, just installed my black Crafter Blue rubber strap on Seiko SKX , and have to say , it's likely the most comfortable bands I've ever worn. Thanks for recommendation!

[@ErickdeHollander]

Dear Hugo, I will hit the like button!

[@ndcstraps]

Dear TGV, thank you very much for this solid review. It is useful to dispel some myths about whose came first. Gradually people will finally realise that NDC was first way before the other imitations. Please give my best to Hugo. Thanks again.

[@mitchaelhollingsworth1698]

crown and buckle has excellent perlons and natos, i love the denser weave and color options on those . i love wrist candy watch club too because their keeper rings will lay flat and their classic bond straps (and tgv valor strap) are excellent. the great thing about nato/perlon straps is that you can throw one with a 1mm different width onto an inconvenient odd sized lug and it really does look normal, helps you not go mad when you find a really nice mesh or bracelet or leather strap but not in the size you need

[@summerlinpublic5673]

It is amazing how a watch band can change the whole look of a piece. Great collection.

[@patryka11]

I tell you what. I have a few watches, Tag, Grand Seiko, Omega and ..... I just bought a Casio G-Shock 5610. And guess what? I have not put it away since. I do not say you need one watch only, not at all. Now we have crazy time with the virus, I am at home and going out only with my dogs and so on and do not have any business meetings ect ect but I started thinking that having full collection is waste of money. Maybe 3 watches like dress and classic, maybe gold or something, beautiful diver and G-shock and that is it.

[@elgatto3133]

I bought a strapcode milanese mesh with polished ends for a vintage longines 6264 (think angular 1957 design, double domed acrylic), and I'm very happy with it.

[@paredair]

Awesome- I’ve missed your strap roundups TGV! You’ve given me a few ideas for my incoming Raven.

[@LeeGilbert925]

Raaaah!! Hi TGV and of course Hugo! Hope you are both well. Thank you for sharing another fascinating video. I recently purchased a mesh strap for my SKX013K2 off ebay. £25 delivered, a real bargain and I'm over the moon with it, but I will definitely be looking at these other alternatives in the near future as well. Thanks again for sharing your wisdom and knowledge. Take care sir and look forward to the next one. Ciao 👍🏻

[@007jjr]

Love the review of the straps. All great ideas and sources. Thanks!

[@bronco1199]

Best watch channel on KZbin!!! Love this topic.

[@righton1]

Always more informative then others. Thank you. Truly enjoy your videos.

[@billmedic1995]

I’ve always loved Colareb. Great addition to any watch. And I think that was Philadelphia’s bravest (fire dept) in the background! Stupendous job as always.

[@markgiacoletto5952]

Excellent video TGV, with a few straps I need to look at.

[@gabepereira2622]

Brilliant video as always TGV! Not sure if anyone's mentioned him but Nick Mankey Designs deserves such praise for his Hook Straps. They're probably my favourite fabric strap, and I've tried them all. I strongly recommend you take a look if you want a cross between a Marine Nationale and a NATO. Plenty of love from Canada!

[@el_puma_real]

The piled up watches in the background makes me anxious. Crafter Blue straps are bomb. 👍🏼

[@jlemus1975]

I just purchased a NATO from crown and buckle and am very happy. Good quality product. Huge variety.

[@just-inedc2381]

I really like Barton straps. I have a canvas and elite silicone, both are great straps with very good quality. They have quick release spring bars as well, which makes it easy to change!

[@emiliocolon6158]

Hirsch makes some awesome straps and I have been surprised with Fluco as well. Good looks and excellent quality.

[@alanwagner3406]

Loving the Micheal Jackson one glove treatment to this video. You wanna be a starting something?

[@echochambers8418]

That’s how the fake Posh “Beat It”.

[@jc944t]

Good variety and review. One of my favorites for NATOs is Haveston. Especially the Parade and Service series. Love Colareb straps!

[@shubhradipmandal]

That Seiko with green leather strap is so elegant !

[@reginaldbowers161]

The Superman, I do believe I felt my heart skip a tick-tock. 😳 it might be my next purchase 😎✅

[@Tommystankar]

thank you for an eminent video about straps! i have really been waited for this one!

[@richgarc84]

Cool to hear a shout out to cheapestnatostraps. I went and bought five straps to keep them open. I saw the IG post saying that they needed sales or else they would be forced to close.

[@ES-tr5no]

Another great informative and entertaining video. I did go to the Holden’s website after viewing this video. Very nice straps. Had never heard of this company until watching your video. Oh, I did follow Hugo’s instruction and hit that liked button. TGV I’ve purchased several Blue Shark straps and have been pleased with all of them. Stay safe, stay well.

[@williamray2988]

Just bought a Glycine combat sub...looks like now I need to buy a strap...I will take my time deciding and use this video as a guide

[@morgan97475]

I'm a fan of Blu Shark straps....NATO and leather straps. Easy folks to work with.

[@Jeff-mv4yy]

Great video ! Thank you

[@cuauhtemocmorisco3493]

I have nato straps and already have some cool rubber straps for my casio mdva which you had reviewed and that got me into starting my first watch collection. Already planning on buying my first Cartier Santos in Gold anyways so i love watching your videos and you provide so much information for beginners and advanced watch collectors. Love you TGV #nohomo 🤣🤣🤘🤘🤘

[@GabrielGGabGattringer]

This video was absolutely enjoyable, thank you! One can never have enough straps! My favourite source for NATO straps is cheapestnatostraps (best bang for buck imho), but I also buy at Watchgecko from London, UK, or Wristcandywatchclub (I love their red Seiko Monster Nato!).

[@SlotsSlotsSlots1]

They have great genuine mesh straps on ebay! 😍 love mine i just received only £19

[@Sebastian85]

The Colareb straps are just awesome. Recently I purchased a strip strap. I love the quality. I have a lot of colareb straps now. :) Thank you for your tip years ago, TGV! Greetings, Sebastian

[@deonlecointe4185]

Hi TGV. Great video! Thanks for continuing to post such great content. I know you made this video a very long time ago, but I wanted to know the make and model of the dress watch that you showed with the Hirsch lizard grain style strap. It's skeletonized and shown at 18:01. It's a beautiful watch that caught my eye and was hoping that I could track it down. Thanks in advance and keep the great content coming! We appreciate it!

[@davidcordes9283]

Absolute class!

[@troyclements806]

Great timing, the last three weeks I have bought the SKX007 SKX009 and the SRPC97J1 and want new straps for all of them. Tristano you've read my mind.