How to choose the perfect watch band

In the past, wearing a watch was necessary to remain on time. These days, most of us rely on our phones to keep time. This makes wearing a modern watch more of a fashion statement than ever.

So if you’d like to add a stylish watch to your collection, you’ll want one that matches your taste and accompanies the rest of your wardrobe. This includes getting your watch band right.

Here’s a guide to selecting the perfect watch band for you.

What is a watch band?

A watch band (also known as a watch strap, watch bracelet or watch belt) is the bracelet that holds a watch onto a wrist.

Watch bands are an important part of fashion, serving both a practical and stylish function. They can make or break how your watch looks, and how it goes with your ensembles and other jewellery.

Watch bands vary greatly so it pays to follow these steps when choosing the perfect watch band for you and your treasured timepiece(s).

Step 1 – Pick the Right Watch Band Size

A watch strap should fit the watch piece and should also have an appropriate length for the diameter of your wrists. You can normally find sizing information on the back of any strap, measured in millimetres.

The width is just as important, as this ensures your watch face looks in proportion, and affects how sturdy and stylish your watch will look in general.

If you’re planning on swapping your straps on a single timepiece, making sure the strap is the right length and width is essential.

Step 2 – Pick the Right Watch Band Material

Watch bands are generally made of leather, plastic, rubber, cloth, or metal. Certain watch brands are associated with different styles and materials. Knowing what they’re synonymous for will help narrow down your choices.

For example, dress watches for high-end watch brands such as Daniel Wellington, Armani Exchange, Michael Kors or Pierre Cardin normally have elegant straps in leather or in dazzling metals such as silver, yellow gold and rose gold.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to watch band style. Having said that, certain watch faces suit certain watch band materials. For example, a chunky metallic watch will likely suit a stainless steel or silver metallic watch band, while a classic, chic watch may look better with a simple leather or cloth strap.

Given that you’ll likely be wearing your watch every day, another key consideration is comfort. It might look slightly odd but fitting out your watch with, say, a durable rubber strap, a la those fitness trackers, might help your watch feel much better on your wrist.

Take the time to consider which material you prefer. And of course, if your timepiece allows, you can always opt to get several styles and interchange them as per the style you intend to wear.

Step 3 – Pick the Right Watch Band Colour

Watch bands are available in every colour imaginable, so you’ll want to make sure you get a watch band colour that matches your personal style.

Opt to keep things casual with a canvas or leather watch strap in a neutral colour like brown, black or grey. Add a touch of bling and pizzazz to your everyday ensembles with a silver or gold metallic watch band. Or go practical with a durable rubber watch band in a vibrant colour.

When thinking about watch band colours, make sure they complement your watch face, as well as your other jewellery and clothing.

Step 4 – Pick the Right Watch Band Detailing

When it comes to picking a watch strap, the beauty lies in the details. You might have a favourite colour and material in mind, but don’t forget details such as stitching, clasps and buckles.

Are you going for a bold and eye-catching look or would you prefer something more subtle? You can go for matching stitching and discreet, vintage matte clasps and buckles for a more conservative look. On the other hand, if you’re keen to attract attention to your wrist, experiment with bold colours and oversized clasps and buckles.

You’ll also want to pay attention to comfort and convenience, especially with the clasps and buckles. Some people much prefer those old school buckles that you fit through one of the corresponding holes, while others like the butterfly clasp mechanisms commonly found on metallic straps.

We recommend you try a few on before committing, so visit us at one of our many stores across South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, and speak to one of our friendly watch experts.

After all, your watch can be just as much an expression of style as practicality, and Bevilles can accommodate this with a wide range of gorgeous, high quality watches and watch bands in an array of sizes, materials, colours, and detailing.

Browse our watch collection online now. Or contact our friendly team with any watch or jewellery queries you may have.