Metal straps are long lasting, rugged and, when matched correctly with your watch, very, very stylish. Depending on what they are made from they can range from the functional to glamorous. A stainless steel oyster link can last almost forever and something in platinum or pink gold can be the vehicle for a few gems if you feel the need to up the glamour factor.
When choosing a precious metal, solid is always the best option. No matter how well done, plating eventually wears off and watch straps are particularly vulnerable to the bumps and scrapes that hasten its demise.
With these points in mind, we are pleased to offer you some advice on metal watch straps.
Oyster
Rolex’s Oyster bracelet has earned its reputation as one of the most rugged strap designs over the seventy years of its existence. It has evolved in increments over the years but still retains its signature look with chunky central links flanked by slightly more delicate ones. The central links give the Oyster its robustness but also make it slightly less snug fitting than some other designs.
Bead of Rice Link
Bead of Rice link bracelets offer the Oyster’s strengths and weaknesses in reverse. As the name suggests, the straps are made from small links that offer a wrist-hugging fit and great comfort. However, the number of links multiplies the number of weak spots, making the bracelet comparatively delicate. Bead of Rice link bands are best used on watches that are not likely to be exposed to the strains of sports or other vigorous activities.
Mesh or Milanese Bands
As one of this style’s names indicates, it was originally designed in Milan. They are made from woven wire and can be made extremely thin for elegance and a snug fit or slightly thicker for ruggedness and durability. Mesh bands seem to be undergoing something of a renaissance at the moment. They are the smartest of metal straps, the ones best suited to pairing with dress watches.
President
The President is similar in design to the Oyster, with three links running across its breadth, but the links are shorter so more of them are required. They are also more rounded than those on the Oyster. This makes the bracelet more elegant than the Oyster, and extremely flexible. More links are needed, though, which make it more prone to stretching and give it a shorter lifespan.
Jubilee
Jubilee watch straps feature five links across their breadth - two wider ones on the outer sides and three smaller ones through the middle. They are the most decorative of the linked metal straps – the smaller links often come in a metal with a contrasting colour to the larger ones.
What the Jubilee gains in looks it loses in durability. Like the President, the Jubilee can be prone to stretching and is best paired with a watch used for more formal occasions.