Watch Bands, Straps, and Bracelets
When you are ordering or discussing watches, you should be sure that you have your terminology right, especially when it comes to ordering or asking questions online. There are important differences between watch bands, watch straps and watch bracelets.
The watch band is a generic term that does not distinguish between the two essential types:- A bracelet is made of metal. The metal is joined together in links, and the metal piece that holds the band together is called a clasp.
- A strap is any watch band made of cloth or any other softer material. This can include leather, lizard skin, alligator, rubber, plastic and others.
Can I switch from a strap to a bracelet or vice versa?
That will depend on the make and model of watch that you have purchased. With respect to a number of luxury watches, you may in fact be restricted in materials available. For many watches, the strap connection is relatively standard, and you may be able to find a suitable replacement on your own.
Increasingly, watch companies are aware of allergies (to rubber or to various metals, for example). In turn, they have adapted to the demand for more choice between straps and bracelets.
Cautions
Do not buy an integrated watch (a watch where the band is a single piece with the watch case) unless you are sure that you are not allergic to the material.
Some women's watches come with a loop bracelet that cannot be changed to a strap.
What you need to know to buy a band
You can simply go down to a jewelers and get them to replace the band with one that fits exactly.
However, if you see a band on the internet that you simply must have, you will need to measure the distance between the lugs, on the watch case. A cloth or leather strap will allow you a bit of leeway, but a metal bracelet will need to be measured quite closely. You will be able to size it no more than two millimeters short of the width.