Leather vs Metal Watch Strap; Which One Works For You?
Before other materials are considered to use as watch straps, leather and metal are ones that have been used since the watch was invented sometime in the late 15th and early 16th centuries in which during that time, it was not popularly worn for fashion and luxury.
Brief Facts on Leather Watch Strap
The origins of the first leather watch straps can be traced back during the Boer War happened in South Africa. The Boer War was fought between the British Empire and Dutch colonists. The weather was extremely hot where the fighting took place. Soldiers used to wear their pocket watches inside their jackets, but due to the heat, a new technique was required. As a result, the troops have thought a method of attaching the watches to early leather bands and strapping them to their wrists. When watchmakers saw this approach, they tried it out on their own watches with tremendous success.
Brief Facts on Metal Watch Strap
The metal strap was the other primary strap to emerge around the turn of the 20th century. Women wore the first wristwatches on bracelets. These kinds of wristwatches were accessible as early as the early 1800s. Many watchmakers were experimenting with exquisite bracelet watches by the middle of the 1800s. Men's watches were originally pocket watches. This was not entirely out of need; the technology existed to put a watch on their wrists; rather, it was the fashion at the time to have a watch in one's pocket. Metal straps began to proliferate alongside the leather strap in the second half of the 19th century as fashion evolved due to the influence of wars.
It is very important that you have knowledge about watch straps before you choose what to put on your wrist.
The Differences Between Leather and Metal Straps
- The leather strap is comfy, light, and sits well on the wearer’s wrist but the metal strap has a heavy feel.
- Sweat and water make the leather strap easy to deteriorate while the metal strap is not easily affected its appearance by sweat or water, nor have a bad smell.
- Both straps are good for dress watches however leather straps pair well with vintage watches.
- Leather straps can be easily replaced by purchasing a new one to update the look of the watch.
- Both straps are durable and sleek in appearance. Metal straps may look expensive when gold and silver straps are used and affordable when stainless steel is used.
- Leather straps can become smelly caused by sweat during hot days while metal straps can get scratched by rubbing to other objects or surfaces.
- Some metal straps can pull arm hairs but can be effortlessly cleaned using a wet cloth when they get dirty and stained.
- The leather and metal strap can both be worn out and discolored with use but the metal strap can simply wipe off using a cloth with a metal cleaning solution.
- Fitting a metal strap on the wrist is complex and it needs to be adjusted by removing the strap’s links for optimum length.
Is There A Better Strap For Your Wrist?
There is no good or bad material for a watch strap. It is entirely up to you to make this decision. You may prefer one material over the other depending on your style - the colors you wear, how formal or casual you choose to dress, and so on.
Both materials go well with certain clothes and colors, but you may purchase a watch with a strap made of either in a variety of colors and styles. It's up to you to choose which one best suits your particular style and personality. Remember, your looks, your style!
References:
Pros and Cons of Watch Bracelets and Straps
