By Miriam Isakasvhili (Watches Off 5th)
Balenciaga sneakers. Gucci fanny packs. Supreme tracksuits. What do all of these have in common? They are all absurdly priced and what we like to call “casual luxury” items, i.e., luxury things that are casual and casual things that are luxury. The recent rise of this trend has revolutionized how we make high-fashion statements. It lets you say in a subtle and sleek way that even the casual things in your life are luxurious, and that’s the biggest statement of all.
Strap Watches: The Next “Big Thing” in the Luxury Watch World
So, if you’re still under the misconception that strappy watches don’t scream “luxury!” loud enough, we’re here to tell you: think again. Strappy watches have been soaring in popularity, along with the rise of other casual high-end items. Diamond-studded bezels and dials are no longer the only way to show how many commas you have in your account balance. True watch lovers and real experts know that sports watches are usually more expensive than dress watches in the same league because they have highly complex functions and advanced mechanical movements… not to mention inherently good looks.
Watch straps provide great variety: They come in all colors, materials, and sizes. From the opulent feel of a leather strap to the more sporty and modern look of its rubber counterpart, you have an infinite range of styles and colors to choose from.
Watches With Leather Straps: The Classic
Leather gives a sophisticated, vintage feel to elegant classic timepieces, much like the retro pilot’s watches they were initially made for. Although leather will wear out faster than a gold or steel bracelet, it will most likely age gracefully, as seen with a leather jacket. Alligator and crocodile straps are grown-up and refined, and they add a certain je ne sais quoi to any watch. Take this Patek Philippe World Time Chronograph, for example – a blue masterpiece in every sense of the word. Also, you can choose from the whole spectrum found in the watch world if you like watches with leather straps. From a Tudor Black Bay to an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or a Rolex Daytona: What would you pick?
Rubber Straps: For Special Agents and at the Country Club With Your Millionaire Friends
Now let’s talk rubber, the most popular of the strap family. Whether you’re suiting up for work or play, rubber gives off a ready-for-anything vibe. These watches are made to get down and dirty if need be. Just think Bond… James Bond. If you have plans to be suspended mid-air with a parachute on a top-secret mission anytime soon, a rubber strap is the way to go. If not, it’ll also be a perfect fit for when you’re just carting around the golf course with your millionaire friends.
The durability and functional nature of rubber straps are also noteworthy. They’re usually water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and can take a knock or two — just in case you need to step outside with someone for claiming that Michael Jordan isn’t the greatest of all time.
Case and point: This Patek Philippe Aquanaut exudes class in a fun and effortless way. It’s something that Jason Statham might wear while vacationing in the Maldives and that Sylvester Stallone and Drake have both actually worn on occasion.
Of course, Patek Philippe is not the only watch brand to offer sophisticated rubber strap watches. Rolex also produces some interesting watch models with this band type. Obviously, the most important of these is the ever-stylish Rolex Sky-Dweller on an Oysterflex band, which sits on its own special throne in the class of rubber strap watches. It’s ever-so simple and yet versatile enough to be your travel companion anytime, anywhere.
How to Choose Your Strap Material
A watch should first and foremost be an extension of your personality and mood. But it also has to fit in with its surroundings if you want it to shine. Just because you own a Rolex Day-Date “President” doesn’t mean you should wear it to every kind of event or, worse yet, pair it with your laid-back attire. There’s a time and place for everything. So assuming you’re not attending a royal ball every day, we would advise you to save the fancy pieces for fancy occasions. For daily use, you should instead pick a favorite from our extensive collection of watches with straps. There’s no shortage of our top picks from Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe – the best of their kind.
