The Right One
An elegant watch is more than just the watch’s face. The strap is of almost equal importance and is often criminally underrated or under-considered for the effect it will have on the entire look. This complete guide to everything watch straps will cover how to select the right strap for you, weigh the benefits of different styles and materials, and even teach you the proper method of cleaning your watch strap.
Watch Straps: How to Choose the Right One for Your Style
A watch strap is more than just a method of safely attaching your watch to your wrist. It is an extension of your outfit, style, and even your character. There are a plethora of different styles of watch straps that we will explore later on, such as leather watch straps or even metal watch straps, that all have their benefits and complement different styles and looks.
If you need to be in your dress clothes, you might not want the same watch strap you would wear when playing a sport. The best method to figure out what kind of watch strap you like is by testing it out. Have fun with it and see what you prefer!
Different materials can also affect how a watch strap feels and looks. For example, a metal watch strap will give off a different look than a leather watch strap. A meta watch strap looks better with a formal outfit, while a leather strap might look better with more casual clothing.
The colour of the watch strap is also something to consider. Different colours can be matched with different clothes and different occasions. For example, you might want a black watch strap for a formal event but a white one for a summer party.
The width of the watch strap is also something that can impact its look. A wider strap will look better with a larger watch face, while a thinner strap might look better with a smaller watch face. When choosing a watch strap, it is important to keep all of these factors in mind to pick the best one for your outfit, style, and occasion.
Lola Rose has an incredible selection of watch straps for every occasion, so choosing the right one for your style must consider when and where a watch will be worn as well as if the look is right for you.
Types of Watch Straps
There is a multitude of watch strap varieties available. Still, they can broadly be sorted into five categories: silver metal, gold metal, stainless steel metal, black leather, or brown/tan leather.
Each type is suited to a different outfit, setting, or event style. A tan leather watchstrap goes great with beige and neutral colours and is perfect for summer cocktails. A stainless steel watch is professional and sleek, perfect for the workplace. Either way, understanding the different types of watch straps will help you make the best decision for your needs.
Leather Watch Straps
Leather, or animal hide, watch straps are a great way to improve an outfit subtly. Animal hide straps are far more likely to accompany various outfits or styles without becoming a critical focal point of the outfit.
An effortless black leather watch strap, for example, can tie together almost any outfit and is suitable in every setting. It doesn’t draw looks, but it does accompany nearly every outfit colour and never detracts from the overall look of a style. Leather watch straps are also far more comfortable and supple, which is perfect for everyday wear.
Lola Rose Malachite Textured Watch with Genuine Black Leather Strap is the perfect example of a versatile leather watch strap that can go with any outfit. This watch has a black leather strap with a buckle fastening and is made from genuine leather.
The Porcelain Enamel Watch with Black Cowhide Strap is a beautiful and unique watch that would be perfect for a more formal occasion. The black cowhide strap is made from high-quality materials, and the porcelain enamel dial is a work of art.
Another great watch is the Mother-of-pearl Watch with Brown Cowhide Strap, which has a brown leather strap and a mother-of-pearl face. This watch is perfect for those who want a more sophisticated and timeless look. The brown cowhide strap is made from high-quality leather and is very durable.
Stainless Steel Watch Straps
While leather has its time and place, stainless steel is often the star of the show. If you are looking for a smart-casual watch, then stainless steel watch straps might be for you. A stainless steel watch strap is a great accompaniment to a business casual look or for an everyday watch.
Stainless steel is easy to maintain, rust resistant， not a skin irritant (as some watches can be), and can take much more wear and tear than a leather or precious metal watch strap. Lola Rose has an exceptional talent for turning a stainless steel watch strap into a work of art.
For example, the Malachite Textured Watch with Rose Gold Tone Milanese Steel Band creates wonderful patterns and textures that can build on the look of an outfit. This strap is made from rose gold-tone stainless steel and has a malachite textured dial. The watch is also water resistant up to 30 metres, making it perfect for everyday wear.
The Blue Sandstone Watch with Rose Gold Tone Milanese Steel Band is another example of a stainless steel watch that is perfect for everyday wear. The blue sandstone dial is unique, and the rose gold-tone stainless steel band complements it perfectly.
Another excellent choice is the Mother-of-pearl Watch with Zircon Rose Gold Tone Strap. This Lola Rose Watch has a Mother-of-pearl dial and is set with cubic zirconia. The strap is made from rose gold-tone stainless steel and is also water resistant.
Tips for Cleaning Watch Straps
A watch strap is an integral part of the watch, both physically and aesthetically. Therefore it is of the utmost importance that you keep your watch strap clean and learn how to care for it. Over its entire life, your watch strap will go through some rough and tumble; without proper cleaning and maintenance, it can start to lose its quality and even break down completely.
Here is a step-by-step guide for cleaning every sort of watch strap:
First, using a DRY hand towel, gently wipe your watch straps. This removes any solid grit or grime that will build up on your watch strap over time.
Second, it is important to discern whether or not you are cleaning a metal or leather watch strap. If it is metal, you’re in for an easier time. Simply soak the watch strap with lukewarm water and just a little soap, and use a toothbrush to gently scrub the metal until you feel you have cleaned the strap enough.
When cleaning a leather watch strap, avoid getting it too wet by using a damp, somewhat soapy hand towel and carefully rubbing the leather clean. Ensure you rinse the towel frequently to avoid re-depositing the dirt you’re trying to remove.
Third, regardless of what type of watch strap you have, it is always important to rinse your strap with clean water to remove any soap residue that may be left behind. Simply holding the strap under a running tap will suffice.
Lastly, you must dry your watch strap to ensure the material is not damaged or corroded. With a stainless steel watch strap, you can dry your watch by hand or leave it to air dry (once most of the moisture has been wiped away). With a leather watch strap, you must quickly pat dry the leather material with a dry, warm hand towel until all of the moisture has been absorbed. Leather can be easily worn down by prolonged exposure to water, so that is best avoided.
The right watch strap can help to bring an outfit together and make it look more polished.
Stainless steel watch straps are a great option for those looking for a more sophisticated look or an everyday watch. Leather or animal hide watch straps can be used for a more casual look.
Check out the Lola Rose website for more great gift ideas (and maybe even a treat for yourself). Lola Rose is a premium place to find watches, jewellery, and even clothing to suit any occasion.