Straps and Bracelets
Everything that fastens a watch to the wrist: NATO and leather straps, metal bracelets, lug width and spring bars.
The right strap or bracelet transforms both how a watch looks and how it feels on the wrist. The same watch can read sporty on a steel bracelet and classic on a leather strap.
The terms in this section explain strap and bracelet types, lug width and the basics of changing a strap.
- Bracelet
- A bracelet is a watch band made of interlocking metal links that fasten to the case. It is usually stainless steel and closes with a clasp at the wrist. Unlike a one-piece leather or fabric strap, you size it by removing or adding individual links.
- Jubilee Bracelet
- A Jubilee bracelet is a five-link metal watch bracelet known for its smaller polished centre links set between larger brushed outer links. It is more flexible, more refined and dressier than an Oyster bracelet, so it drapes comfortably on the wrist and suits both daily wear and smarter occasions.
- Leather Strap
- A leather strap is a classic, dressy watch band made from genuine animal hide, most often calfskin, fine-grained boxcalf, or printed alligator-grain leather. It softens, takes the shape of your wrist, and develops a patina with wear over time, but it remains sensitive to water, perspiration and prolonged humidity.
- NATO Strap
- A NATO strap is a one-piece woven nylon watch strap that threads under the case. It has a military origin, is very secure and is washable. Even if one spring bar fails, the watch stays on your wrist. You size it by the case lug width.
- Oyster Bracelet
- An Oyster bracelet is a sporty three-link metal watch bracelet made from broad, flat links. It is known for its durability and everyday comfort. Rolex introduced and popularised the design, patenting its version in 1947 and building on earlier flat-link bracelets rather than inventing the metal bracelet outright. Today it is one of the most common bracelet styles on dive and sports watches, and many brands produce their own variants.
- Rubber Strap
- A rubber strap is a water-resistant watch strap made from rubber or silicone. It is the natural choice for sport and dive watches because it shrugs off sweat and water, wipes clean in seconds, and sits comfortably against the skin. It is also lighter than a steel bracelet. Whether you can swim or dive in it depends on the watch's own water resistance, not the strap.
- Spring Bar
- A spring bar is the small metal pin with an internal spring that holds a strap or bracelet between the watch lugs. Its sprung tips compress and seat into the lug holes, and a simple spring-bar tool lets you press them in to change a strap at home.