Metal straps, or bracelets as I like to call them, are as popular on watches as they’ve ever been. Their versatility, durability and design have solidified them as a go-to for watch enthusiasts looking for the perfect all-rounder. Bracelets can be dressy, sporty, water resistant, rugged, and comfortable all at the same time.
But how do I know what requirements I need for a metal bracelet? In this guide I’ll be taking you through my top considerations when purchasing a metal bracelet to help you find the perfect match for your favourite watch. Let’s get into it.
Consideration No. 1 - Know Your Measurements
The first, and arguably most important consideration when choosing a metal bracelet, is will it fit both me and my watch. In order to determine this there are two simple measurements you’ll need to take.
The first measurement is the lug width of your watch. This is the distance between the two lugs where straps and bracelets attach to the case. On the WatchGecko store we have a very handy lug measuring tool that allows you to quickly and easily determine the lug width of any watch you own. If you don’t have this tool then not to worry, using a set of digital callipers or even a ruler will suffice. Simply line up the ruler, measuring tool, or callipers in-between the lugs and record the measurement. Most watches will be between 18-22mm, but as always there are some outside this range so always make sure to double check your measurements. Once you know the lug width of your watch you can confidently choose the right width of the bracelet you want using the lug width selection that can be found above the price on all WatchGecko listings.
The second measurement you will need is your wrist size. Again, we have a handy tool for measuring the circumference of your wrist. But if you don’t have one then a measuring tape or piece of string can be used to mark your wrist circumference. If your wrist size is between the strap length range on the listing, then you can confidently say that the bracelet will fit your wrist.
Consideration No.2 - What will the metal strap be used for?
Now that you know the bracelet you like will fit, the next consideration is what you will be using the bracelet for. The beauty of bracelets is that they can be incredibly versatile and suit a wide variety of social and physical activities. Some bracelet designs will be better suited to certain use cases than others. For example, a five-link ‘Jubilee’ style bracelet will always appear dressier than a three-link ‘Oyster’ style bracelet. And a mesh bracelet with an adjustable clasp will suit someone that regularly goes diving better than one without.
Before deciding on a style of bracelet it is worth spending some time thinking about your use-case and what features you need for your bracelet to become your watch’s perfect companion.
Consideration No.3 - Choose Your Favourite Style
Metal Bracelets are not one and the same. There has been over a century of innovation in design, style and functionality. Knowing which style you like and what suits your watch is key to making the best choice.
There are no wrong answers here, some people love certain styles that others would never consider having on their own watches. I’ve seen everything from vintage mesh bracelets to modern three link sports bracelets look brilliant on a wide range of watches.
My suggestion would be to find as many images as possible of watches you own on different styles of bracelet to help you choose your style. The WatchGecko website is certainly a great place to start your search!
Consideration No.3 - Adjustability
Finding the perfect fit is a key part of metal bracelet wearing and ownership. It can sometimes take a bit of time to find this, but once you get it right where you want it to be it’s worth all the effort. Something that you may want to consider is whether a bracelet has adjustment beyond just adding or removing lugs. Many modern bracelet designs, including many of our own, offer on the fly and adjustment using a spring-bar tool.
As humans we regulate our internal body temperatures, meaning that our veins and arteries expand and contract depending on our surrounding environment. That means that our wrists are constantly changing size and shape. The benefit of having adjustment is that it allows you to modify the fit of your bracelet so that it is always comfortable no matter the outside temperature.
Consideration No. 4 - Comfort and Weight
One final consideration you should make is how the comfort and weight affect the wearing experience of metal bracelets. When you’re dealing with straps made entirely of metal it’s easy to add a lot of weight to your watch and strap. Watches that are on a bracelet often weigh double, if not more than the same watch on a leather or nylon strap. Therefore, it is important to make sure that your metal bracelet has been designed with comfort in mind.
We have spent many years refining our bracelet designs so that they are well-balanced and ergonomical while maintaining the classic aesthetic expected by enthusiasts. Our buckles have been streamlined for comfort and weight saving. We are confident that any WatchGecko bracelet you choose will be well balanced and comfortable.
It’s also the style of the bracelet that affects the weight. Our calibre mesh for example is extremely tightly woven and very slim making for a very light bracelet design.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best bracelet for your watch and style is easy. All you need to know is your measurements, how you like to wear your watches and how you want them to look. The right metal bracelet can often be the best companion to your favourite watches and I am confident that when you find the right one you won’t look back.
We have sizing guides, video tutorials, reviews and many more resources across the WatchGecko website and YouTube channel so make sure to check back in if you have any more queries.
