How to Select the Right Watch Band or Strap Material for You?

How to Select the Right Watch Band or Strap Material for You?

At a glance

  • Understand the key factors while selecting watch straps: durability, style, and comfort.
  • Explore main watch strap materials
  • Learn how to select the right width and style to match your watch.

 

 

The perfect watch band or strap material will complement your style, put up with your daily rigours, and be comfortable on your wrist. With so many options available, it may be difficult to decide which material best suits your needs. In this guide, we'll explore the various watch strap materials available from Stone & Browne.

The Importance of Knowing Watch Strap Materials

Your watch strap is a vital part of your timepiece, affecting its durability, style and comfort. Understanding these factors is key to making the right choice:

  • Durability: Some materials are more resistant to wear and tear, making them ideal for an active lifestyle.
  • Style: The material of your watch strap greatly influences its overall appearance, adding either a casual or formal touch.
  • Comfort: Leather or stainless steel straps provide a more structured fit compared to flexible options like silicone.

Types of Watch Band Materials

Leather Band

Leather bands give that timeless, sophisticated look. Comfortable and soft, they take the shape of your wrist over time. They are available in different finishes and colours to suit both casual and formal wear. With proper care, leather straps can be durable and develop a unique patina, adding character to your watch. This is the most common band at Stone & Browne, with a large number of colour options available for each watch face.

Metal Brand

Metal bands provide strength and durability while maintaining a sleek, polished appearance. Resistant to scratches and tarnish, they are perfect for those seeking both style and longevity. The hypoallergenic properties of the metal also make it a good option for those with sensitive skin. Whether you're at a formal event or enjoying a casual day out, metal band watches add a touch of modern style to your look.

Choosing the Right Width for Your Watch Band

Cut to the right width for a secure watch fit. Here's how you can do it:

  • Measure the Width: Use a ruler to measure the distance between the lugs of your watch. The width of men’s watch straps typically ranges from 20mm to 22mm.
  • Standard Widths: Most men’s watches, like Stone & Browne's 40mm and 44mm series watch collections, feature a 20mm or 22mm strap width.

How to Choose and Replace Your Watch Strap

When it’s time to update the look of your watch or replace a worn-out strap, following these steps ensures you get the perfect fit and style. Here's a guide to help you make the right choice and easily switch your watch strap.

Removing Your Old Strap

Before you can add a new strap, you'll have to take care while removing the old one. Most watches' straps are attached via spring bars, which easily pop off. With Stone & Browne watches, no tool is necessary! Simply use your fingers to dislodge the bars inserted into the strap holes to remove.

Determining the Correct Size

The most important thing in choosing a new strap is making sure you've got the right size. To find your width, you'll have to measure across the lugs of your watch. For most men's watches, including Stone & Browne, this is usually 20mm or 22mm. A correctly matched lug width ensures not only a secure fit but a comfortable one as well.

Choosing the Material

The type of strap a person uses depends on his life and purpose for wearing that watch. Leather straps boast a timeless, formal feel. The metal strap is extremely durable and has a very polished finish, which serves well in both casual and formal settings.

Choosing the Best Strap for Your Watch

Consider the design and the purpose of your watch in choosing the strap. A sleek, minimalist watch looks best with a metal strap, while a sports watch will go well with a strong leather strap.

Shipping & Exchange Policy Importance

Whenever you buy anything like a watch or strap, shipping and exchange policies need to be considered. The brand offers free standard shipping across all orders above $100 in Australia, shipped out of Brisbane. What's more, with Stone & Browne, there is a 7-day exchange policy for peace of mind. You can return or exchange your product if it does not meet your expectations, provided it is in its original packaging and condition. This is a great policy, especially when buying online because it is a safety net if the product isn't a perfect match.

Tools Required

Your hands! No tools are required to remove the straps, these can be done simply using your fingers to dislodge the connection between the watch face and bands.

Useful Accessories

When changing your strap, consider adding some useful accessories like a watch storage case or a cleaning kit. These maintain your watch’s appearance and extend the life of your strap. If you enjoy switching up your look often, having multiple straps will let you change your style quickly and easily.

Variety of Dials and Case Sizes

Stone & Browne offers several colours for the dials. They are Olive Green, Mustard, Crisp White, and Emerald Green. The watches have contrasting sub-dials in Gunmetal, Black, or Gold. These watches are made in two general case sizes-40mm and 44mm-allowing the wearer some latitude regarding size and style of the wrist.


Choosing the right watch strap ensures your watch withstands daily activities, complements your style, and remains comfortable for years. Explore Stone & Browne’s collection of watch strap replacements and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.