Are Metal Bracelets Worth The Money and The Right Option For You?

Metal bracelets are sold on over 60% of all watches sold across the world making them more popular than leather, nylon, rubber, fabric, and any other strap material combined. Their popularity cannot be due to the fact that they are better value, as watches on metal bracelets almost always command a premium over their non-metal strap equipped counterparts.

So, why are metal bracelets so popular and are they worth the extra money? To find out, I have created a pro and con list of these steel straps.

Make sure to check out our other guides on metal bracelets to help you decide if metal bracelets are worth the money and the right option for you!

Metal Bracelets are incredibly tough, robust, and stand the tests of time. Almost every vintage watch you see with all original strap and watch will be on a metal bracelet. Leather degrades over time, rubber peels, and nylon unravels, but steel will always survive (unless you store it in salt water but that would be silly). A steel bracelet will last you and your watch a lifetime making them great value propositions in terms of never having to replace straps. They will stand up to anything you can throw their way and are far less likely to break or fall off during intense activity.

Metal is notoriously waterproof. Think of boats, submarines, pipes etc; all often made of metal. These same properties apply to metal bracelets. So, if you’re a person that has an active lifestyle, such as myself, you’ll appreciate these waterproof properties. Whether it’s swimming, sweating, or even cooking with sauces that splash all over the place a metal bracelet will be your watch’s best friend. The other great thing about the waterproof capabilities is that metal bracelets can be washed. If you do happen to sweat into them after a 20-mile hike or splash your bolognese sauce on it, no worries. Just rinse under a tap with some hand soap or gently scrub with an old toothbrush (definitely not one in current use for cleaning teeth). Just make sure your crown is screwed or pushed in properly before doing this!

Metal bracelets have and never will go out of fashion. They look premium, well-crafted and shiny making them a great option for those that like their watch to look premium at events, social gatherings, or just day-to-day life. Their professional and stylish look allow them transition seamlessly from casual wear to formal occasions. 

Metal bracelets are very secure. They have been tested over many decades by divers, pilots, astronauts, soldiers, and even people working at desks. The strong link design and end links that integrate into the case improve security and reduce the likelihood of the watch coming off its strap

The high density of metal does make it heavy, no matter how little you actually use. A metal bracelet of similar length and thickness will always be heavier than the leather, rubber or nylon alternatives. Some people may like this but for others, it can be too heavy and uncomfortable. This weight is especially noticeable when you start looking at precious metals for bracelets. For example, I have been lucky enough, or unlucky depending on your preferences, to try on the full yellow gold Rolex Sea Dweller Deep-Sea 136668 and I have it on good authority that the current owner wears it daily! This watch weighs 320grams. Doesn’t sound like a lot to you? That’s nearly a third of a bag of sugar on the end of your arm and for reference, the stainless-steel variant is 211 grams.

Scratching your metal bracelet is one of the sad inevitabilities of life along with taxes and, well, you know how the saying goes. No matter how hard you try, any regular wear will increase the risk of scratching your watch. You may not even notice how you did it. I often look at my clasp after another month of wear and wonder ‘how the hell did I do that?’. If you’re a fan of your watch looking as pristine as the day it was born, then a metal bracelet is probably not the best option for you.

Some metal bracelets, often those on more watches at the lower end of the price range, can pull hair and pinch skin. Not what you want from something that sits on your wrist for many hours a day. My advice would be to try bracelets on before buying no matter how little or much they cost. Even a quick try on will tell you everything you need to know about the comfort of a metal bracelet.

Metal Bracelets, being made up of links, will require more work to adjust than simply finding the next pinhole on a strap. This does require tools and some patience which is not ideal for times when you don’t have said tools or patience. Luckily, some styles of bracelet like our Milanese Mesh bracelets can be quickly adjusted without adding or removing links, and we have a wonderful guide on how you can quickly and confidently adjust metal bracelets of all types.

Metal straps are best for people who prioritize longevity, a premium look, and a "set-and-forget", low-maintenance, waterproof option. They are not ideal for those who prefer lightweight, soft, or highly adjustable, flexible straps. But ultimately I can't decide for you which properties and features you weigh higher than others. Bear these pros and cons in mind when looking to buy your next watch or strap, but you have to do what feels right for you. If you just love the look of metal bracelets above all else, then that’s the right choice for you.

Before choosing the perfect metal bracelet for you, make sure to read our other guides on metal bracelets and other straps to be fully clued-up.