Watch Straps and Bracelets

Watch Straps and Bracelets

The subject of watch straps and bracelets is just as broad as the watches themselves. So often overlooked since the moment of manufacture, there is now such great interest in obtaining the original ones that an entire sub-market has developed. The correct bracelet can add thousands of dollars to the value of an Omega Speedmaster or a Rolex Submariner, whilst corfam straps made in the 1970s are now highly desirable pieces to complete the authentic look of a Heuer Monaco or other rally-racer.

References to Bonklips, 1171s, Jubilees, NATOs and Oysters must seem confusing to the uninitiated. It often very difficult to establish the correct item for an individual watch and this is where the close study of original brochures and adverts can prove invaluable. We hope that contributors will share their knowledge and allow this resource to grow -it will become an important source for collectors, present and future.

A Brief History of Watch Straps and Bracelets

The first watches as such were worn on chains and stored in a pocket on a waistcoat or jacket. The concept of it being on a wrist was for many years the preserve of females. It was the advent of war. motor vehicles and flight that made the ability to read time direct from the wrist more appealing (and masculine), as well as practical and useful. Form followed function and various strap options soon became available, along with the re-design of cases to include lugs for the securing of the time piece.

In 1873 Patek Philippe sold a wristwatch with a gold bracelet. In 1880 Girard Perregaux made a series of wristwatches for the German Navy. And in 1904 the Santos is made by Cartier for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont - suddenly a watch for the wrist is acceptable in polite society. It was the very action of the movement of the wrist that led to the next watch development - John Harwood and his automatic winding movement of 1922. And the move from pocket to arm was complete ( or leg in the case of those early aviators).

Getting the right strap or bracelet for your watch

Of course the easiest way to ensure the watch and accompanying wristwear match is to buy a new one, or a New Old Stock one (NOS) or an original unworn example. A relatively easy prospect for something made in the last 10 years or so, but what about older models? So often the strap or bracelet had little value and was discarded as soon as it became worn, dirty, frayed or broken.

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Watch Straps and Bracelets
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