THE BEST STRAPS FOR
VINTAGE WATCHES

Selecting the appropriate watch strap for your vintage watch adds a whole new dimension to its appearance.

In enhancing the overall appearance of vintage timepieces, the strap not only complements the watch’s design but also evokes a sense of historical context and personal style. A well-chosen strap adds to the watch’s character and expresses the wearer’s individuality. It frames the watch’s unique charm and craftsmanship.

Whether it’s a distressed leather band to evoke a bygone era or a retro-inspired metal bracelet to maintain authenticity, the strap serves as a conduit between past and present.

Before we discuss watch straps, let’s first review the various types of vintage watches for which straps are required.

Dress Watches

Dress watches are characterised by their refined, clean, good looks and minimalist dials. Their timeless elegance makes them suitable for formal occasions and executive office wear. These understated pieces often feature slender profiles and precious materials, reflecting a bygone era’s sophistication. Some will have sub-dials or complications such as a moon phase, date window or even a tourbillon.

Diver’s Watches

Diver’s watches are noted for their robustness and water resistance. Diver’s watches come with bold, easily readable dials, rotating bezels, and luminescent markers. These vintage treasures were designed for underwater exploration and adventure, combining style with functionality.

Pilot’s Watches

As for Pilot watches, these hark back to aviation’s golden age. They emphasise legibility and utility. Large, clear numerals and oversized crowns catered to aviators’ needs in the early days when thick gloves were needed to ward off the cold. Anti-glare coatings and rugged construction were also vital to withstand cockpit conditions.

Comfort and Durability

Choose high-quality materials like leather, canvas, or nylon that offer comfort for everyday wear. Always opt for durable stitching and hardware to withstand the test of time and ensure longevity.

Personal Style and Choice

Select a strap that aligns with your taste and complements your wardrobe, whether it’s a classic leather strap for a timeless look or a NATO strap for a more casual or military vibe. Consider the texture, colour, and finish of the strap to harmonise with your vintage watch’s character.

Authenticity and Watch Model Match

It always pays to research historical references to find the type of strap on which the watch originally came. Match the strap to find a style that maintains the watch’s authenticity.

You can carefully match the strap’s era and design to the chosen watch model’s production period for a smart and traditional appearance.

NATO and Perlon Straps: Casual Comfort

NATO watch straps, originating from military use, feature a single-piece design threading through the watch’s spring bars. They’re loved for their durability, versatility, and wide range of colours, including several regimental and old-school stripes.

NATO straps provide a causal and functional option. They work beautifully to offer both vintage and modern watches a distinctive look and a secure fit even in challenging conditions.

Perlon is an easy clean material developed in Germany that enables you to fasten your watch wherever it feels most comfortable. Hard wearing and soft to the touch it comes in a variety of colours. The Perlon watch strap has established itself as a lightweight, comfortable, and budget-friendly option, well-suited for an extensive range of sports and diving watches. Perlon has quickly become a popular choice among watch enthusiasts.

Rubber and Silicone Straps: Seaworthy Style

Rubber and silicone watch straps offer durability, waterproofing and versatility. Resistant to water and sweat, they’re perfect for sports and outdoor activities, especially diving. Their flexibility ensures a comfortable fit, while a range of colours and designs caters to diverse styles. Rubber straps seamlessly blend functionality with fashion, making them ideal companions for both casual and active lifestyles.

Beads of Rice Bracelets: Vintage Chic

Beads of rice bracelets are a mid-century favourite. Their vintage charm is down to their intricate, rounded links which resemble grains of rice, hence the name. Revered by vintage watch enthusiasts, these bracelets evoke a nostalgic elegance and enhance the look of classic timepieces.

Rice bead bracelets have become desirable options for both formal occasions and everyday wear, seamlessly complementing mid-century watch styles while providing comfort and a touch of timeless flair.

Proper watch strap care is essential to preserve the life of your watch strap, whatever the material.

Regularly wipe down leather and exotic skin straps with a soft cloth to prevent moisture damage, and avoid exposing them to water or sweat.

Remember to rinse rubber and silicone watch straps in fresh water after exposure to salt water.

Metal and rubber straps can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Rotate between multiple straps to reduce wear. NATO and Perlon straps just require a quick wash with soapy water.

Keep your watch straps stored in a drawer and don’t expose them to heat or moisture.