Metal or leather which watch strap and why to prefer

Before we see which is the best watch strap, let us explore a little history of watches, their importance and need in our daily life.

Every living being on this planet Earth understands the value of time. We all have the routines that we follow, for work, sleep, eat and almost every activity that we perform daily. Therefore, time telling machines has always been a fascination to the intelligent life form i.e. Humans.

The timekeeping machines, popularly known as watches, is a necessity for most of us, as it helps us to keep a track of time and so that we can stay focused on our goals, and follow the schedule. However, they have been a symbol of status and pride since the watches were discovered.

Watches have a long history, and they have been a part of human life for centuries. Although, It was the 16th century in Europe when the wristwatches started evolving from their earlier spring-driven mechanism. Later, several technical developments took place, and the watches became mechanical, operated with the wheels turning the gears and so much more going inside the little machine.

It was in the later middle of the 20th century when the first electric clock was made. It used a vibrating crystal of quartz. The quartz crystal helped to track time with every vibration it produced. Soon, the electric watches took over the mechanical watch market (also known as the quartz crisis). The mechanical watches were outrun by low-cost electric clocks. However, the mechanical clock never lost its charm! The mechanical clock admirers still prefer the luxury of a handmade chronograph watch.

The first band for the watch was introduced for wartime usage by the British government. It was a nylon strap that helped the wristwatch stay on the wrists of the soldiers. It is also popularly known as the Nato strap.

Soon the straps evolved, and people started wearing the watches on their wrists tied with the leather straps and metal straps. Some preferred the metal as it was more robust and long-lasting and some like the comfortable leather comfortably matching the texture of their skin.

However, there is always a debate on which watch strap is best? Well, we will discuss the pros and cons of both and leave the final decision with you! Fair enough?

Leather strap for watches

Pros

I am myself an admirer of leather straps and love the comfort it provides, especially when you have to wear the watch daily to office or work.
Leather straps are preferred by a large number of consumers, and there are several reasons related to it. Some of them are listed below:

Firstly, the leather watch straps are comfortable to wear, these straps don't add extra weight to your wrist. Secondly, it comes in different colours and textures, and you can choose the strap of your watch matching your attire or accessory like your phone cover, belt, shoes, shirt or maybe whatnot. It gives a lot of options and space to be comfortable.

The best part about these straps are, the older they get, the more comfortable they become. They blend in with your skin, adjust themselves according to your comfort and make themselves a part of your daily life. And you can not deny the fact that they look extra stylish.

Cons

We all know that the leather straps have their downsides attached to them:

No matter how much you try to take care of a leather strap, sooner or later it betrays you! You have to replace the leather band every year or maybe in two years depending on the kind of conditions you expose them. For example: when exposed to water or sweat.
You will not be able to match the colour of the strap with every outfit that you wear. Until, and unless you wear a uniform every day.
They are prepared using the skin of animals, which is not environmentally friendly.

Metal strap for watches

Pros

Well, I prefer a leather strap on a routine office day but that does not mean I do not like to shine some shiny metal while I am in a party, club or having a candlelight dinner with someone special.

Metal has its reputation and a legacy that it carries! From an old gold coloured metal bracelet watch strap to shiny grey, black, golden black heavy metal best watch straps; the metal watch straps have seen their fair share of evolution.

The sturdy metal tied to the wrist gives a more dominating feeling when compared to a comfy leather strap. There was an era when the metal wrist straps outran the leather straps and declared their dominance. They still feel luxurious, and maybe this is why it is the first choice of brands like Omega and Rolex.

Cons

You can not adjust them according to the size of your wrist on your own( If the metal strap is loose or tightly fitted to your wrist.
The locking mechanism of a metal watch is usually the issue that a person faces during usage.
The additive weight of the wristwatch is an issue for many.
The metal is a good conductor of heat and cold makes the wristwatch hard to wear in high-temperature areas as well as in cold areas.