Watch Straps: That New Watch Feel!

Watch straps were not remotely on my mind when I started getting into watches. I liked the artwork. I liked the fact that this was technology that’s been maintained for centuries, and I just had an appreciation for the package that led to this cool thing on my wrist or in a feed somewhere. I have that appreciation that I know you all do too.

As I went on, I started seeing the fun side of straps, and like many of you, I got into the various options that come from nato straps. So many that I had to buy an organizer to help keep track of them by width and color—18, 20, 22, etc. But the simplicity in changing a nato: just leave the spring bars in place and wrap another color or style on the watch, and voila! A new watch look and feel.

It was really unexpected, but when a brand asked to send me straps, I took them up on it, and now several brands in, it’s also led to me purchasing even more. I won’t go into details of what was free or what was purchased, but most of the brands that sent something, I also ended up buying from because I wanted to support them and try other things they sell. I have no agreements with any brand to just say nice things. I can be subjective here and still post cool-looking straps on social media.

So I won’t spend more time on natos other than it’s a very common place for folks to start their strap journey. They’re fun and will always be in the rotation, but I have a lot of other straps to try and wear and discuss, so I’ll spend more time here discussing them.

Here’s a list of recent brands that I’ve been wearing:

• Delugs

• North Straps

• NorthStar Straps

• Montreux

• WIS

• Artem

My guess is you’ve seen most of these in your own feeds, and if you haven’t tried them out, then I’ll offer my opinions, but they’re all readily available when you are, and all have been easy to get here in the US, though not all are US-based.

I should add that I’m not going to pick on price points here. I know that I have more straps coming too, and since some were given and most were purchased, I think, like me, you’re aware that prices vary. What I will say is that while some are more expensive, if I were to try them without knowing the price, I’d think they were the upper end. Perhaps it is because Delugs uses great leather that is incredibly soft, and some of the other more affordable brands need to use less malleable leather or lesser quality. Artem is another example where they put time into the HydroFlex design and feel, and it shows. As an aside, I have their loopless version coming, and I cannot wait to try it out! Delugs has so much to offer, and if you can’t find it on their site, it’s because you haven’t spent enough time there. No one will have a leather strap that has the same quality, comfort, and design/color options. I haven’t found it yet if it’s out there. I also love their new clasp that snaps into place, which will quickly become the new “fidget spinner” for me!

I want to give a special mention to StrapsCo, which recently reached out and is sending some pieces to explore. They have a great selection, and I’m curious how they’ll stack up. They have a cut-to-fit rubber that is really intriguing, and I’ll have to follow up with how it goes. I have high hopes as they’re well-known, and competition seems to weed out those that can’t cut it in this market. I like their styles, colors, and customer-centered approach.

NorthStar Straps has another great sailcloth strap. Looks and feels like most others in the market but without the quick release spring bars. It’s the only fault, but when the competitors have it, I usually lean that way. It’s why I went in for more from North Straps. Similar names, but they had the quick release that I personally prefer, and so I purchased more sailcloth there. While I was at it, I also picked up some of their tropic straps. They are slightly long on the tail but very comfortable, and as most straps are close in length, it’s likely something I’d run into with other brands as well. They look great and had good color options. I’ll also add that I would like to try the Serica version as the team at The Grey Nato mentioned they were superb. I’ll try them out sometime.

Montreux was a brand that reached out recently, and I’m seeing more and more of their offerings online. They also recently got into stock their new leather straps that will be for sale soon. Their rubber straps are very soft and flexible. Something that’s important when wearing these straps since it’s more challenging to get rubber to break in when compared to the leather counterparts. I’ve also been very impressed with their responsiveness, as the owner is answering questions and participating in their social media presence. I think they’re one to watch, and as they grow, I think others will find they are a brand that not only uses the Swiss cross on their logo, which adds a cool factor to their straps, but they are genuinely comfortable and also include the quick release function that I so appreciate.

WIS Straps is another brand I’ve recently discovered. They’ve been great to work with and very responsive on their social media channels. I’ve enjoyed their straps as well. A bit thicker than the Montreux but they are also a slightly different style. They’re comfortable as well, and while the curved version does not have quick release, it also lacks the gap that friends like Lobsterbags so loathe!

Artem is a brand that I want to spend a little more time with. I’m excited to try their loopless model that’s coming in a couple of days. I love the look of this strap, and I think it’s going to be a hit for me. While they have pricier options, they are well-made, and I believe they will hold up. I also have a very special place in my heart for Australian brands. I think ever since having such great conversations with folks in the Aussie watch community, I’ve just found the fondness that is well deserved. There’s no sleeping on the effort that comes from the cool brands in #Straya, and Artem is no different!

So takeaways with my newfound fondness for straps. There are so many good options, and most are affordable. It’s worth trying a few from a variety of brands and seeing how they fit on your wrist. Most also have reasonable policies for returns, so it’s little risk in the long run. I’ve also found that customer service is incredible even with the smallest companies. Maybe more so with the small ones. They are so responsive and want to provide answers, samples, help—whatever they can to ensure you have a good experience. After all, you have a lot of options, and repeat customers and help with getting the word out is always a positive. The variety of styles is also impressive.

I’m not moving away from the stock bracelets, nor am I moving away from nato straps. I’m merely adding to the repertoire and including rubber and leather, which have more options than ever and more modern looks and feels than some of the old school leather straps I’ve had in the past. It’s been a great experience getting to know these brands better, and every time I place on a new strap, I feel like the watch has a renewed energy to it…it’s not just the winding that makes this happen. That new watch feeling is so nice to have without the need to buy more pieces. I do enough of that as it is, and I know someone who wishes I’d slow down with that. Since that seems likely, I’ll be responsive (mostly) to maintaining a happy home life. I have new straps to help enhance the love I have for my collection. And even better when they’re comfortable and easy to swap out at the ready!

I’d love to hear what your favorite brands have been or styles that weren’t mentioned here. This doesn’t go into great detail, but I’ve included some shots so you can see what I’ve been picking up. There are so many more out there, so what’s been your favorite?

Send a comment or reach out on the socials!

Thanks for another read! I really value your time and hope these are entertaining for you as they’re a passion for me to write them for you.

Thank you,

Adam