Mens Watches UK review some of the best watch straps (February 2020)
There are many different men’s watch straps to choose from in 2020. With there being so many it can make it difficult to choose the one that best suits your watch and of course, your style. A decent men’s watch strap can make a good watch even greater by providing comfort to your wrist.
We wrote an article a few years ago on what we thought were the best straps at the time, but a lot has changed since then and we would like to provide you with a few more of our favourites. If you are after a classic style, sporty or convenient strap for your watch then hopefully we will have something here for you.
Be prepared before buying a new strap
Before you purchase a new strap, always check the measurement between the lugs of your watch to ensure the correct size is purchased. Of the watch straps and bands reviewed below, many do provide straps to fit a vast selection of sizes so make sure the right one is purchased.
If you’ve never replaced a watch strap before and need a little guidance, then check out our Watch Replacement Guide.
Check out our top 3 men’s watch straps via Amazon:
Quick links to our reviews on this page:
- BARTON Quick Release leather watch strap (Leather)
- Black Leather Watch Strap With Clasp Buckle (Leather)
- Nylon NATO Watch Strap by Sniper Bay® (Nylon)
- Berfine Quick Release Black Solid Stainless Steel Watch Strap (Metal)
- Solid Stainless Steel Curved End Link Bracelet Band Strap by JSDDE (Metal)
- Fullmosa Leather Watch Strap (Leather)
- BARTON Silicone Watch Bands (Silicone)
Or just simply scroll down and check out each strap individually.
BARTON Quick Release leather watch strap
Overview and experience
As an owner of a BARTON leather watch strap, I can highly recommend them. The comfort they provide is both a relief and a pleasant experience. The particular watch strap I own is the Barton Quick Release - Top Grain Leather Watch Band Strap - Choice of Colour & Width - 16mm, 18mm, 19mm,.... I purchased this particular strap as a replacement for the silicone strap that came with my Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch. I checked out the width required and went for the 22mm. 22mm appears to be quite an industry standard. I wanted a replacement strap to suite more business wear as the one that came with it feels rather casual and more suited to the gym. The BARTON strap was a great addition.
Tough leather, quality stitching
The quality of the material used is superb. The leather was stiff and hard to begin with but over time and use I found it became soft and much easier to strap up. The particular strap I went for was black with red stitching and the neatness is pretty much spot on. Under close inspection I couldn’t spot any snags to the stitching or any significant gaps between the threads.
Easy to use quick release mechanism
As I was looking for a replacement watch strap for my smartwatch, I wanted something quick and easy to change. I didn’t want to have to use a specialist tools to start removing spring bars. The quick release, although a little stiff at first, was so easy to just pull to one side with a finger nail and slot in to the holes situated on the lugs of the watch. It took me less than two minutes to change from the silicone strap provided.
What do we think of the BARTON leather watch strap?
I was highly impressed with the strap and the overall build quality. It felt secure and I felt confident that it would last as long as a strap should. Having had the strap for well over 4 months now it still looks like new.
Black Leather Watch Strap With Clasp Buckle
- ★ FREE SPRING BARS AND TOOL - Every watch strap comes with 4 replacement spring bars and...
- ★ FASHION CLASSIC DESIGN - Made of top quality Assolutamente calf leather,...
- ★ WATCH BUCKLE - 316L high-quality medical stainless steel, allergy proof.After 4...
Overview of the crocodile embossed leather watch strap
If you want a luxurious looking black leather watch strap that has a classic crocodile pattern then this is a particularly suitable choice. Priced much lower than the BARTON watch strap this is definitely a steal. Not to mention getting a decent quality strap, you also get the free tool to remove and fit the new strap to your watch. The strap comes in 18mm to 22mm width sizes.
- Width sizes from 18mm to 22mm
- Crocodile embossed design
- Free tool to replace your existing strap
- Genuine leather
Is it a good watch strap?
This crocodile effect leather watch strap makes for a great replacement strap. The inclusion of the additional tool and spring bars makes this strap feel like an absolute steal. The price is great and definitely wouldn’t break the bank and makes for a good investment. The styling adds just that little bit extra and overall we think this leather watch strap is up there in terms of great value.
Nylon NATO Watch Strap by Sniper Bay®
- SELECT CORRECT WIDTH: 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, or 24mm (NOT SUITABLE FOR SMART WATCHES) Length...
- ONE PIECE NATO STRAPS: Wide range of colours and multi-stripes | Quick to interchange |...
- TOUGH QUALITY: Glued and stitched joints | Robust tight weave nylon fabric | Original and...
Overview of the Nylon NATO Watch strap
Traditional military style watchstraps are what Sniper Bay® prides themselves on. They provide a vast selection of different colours and patterns. Having such a huge selection means that you shouldn’t really have any issues pairing your watch strap with any number of outfits.
- Choose from many great colours and patterns
- Sizes vary from 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, and 24mm
- Military grade tightly woven nylon
- Free spring bar removal tool included
What do we think of this strap?
Military style watch straps are great for that instant feel of satisfaction. Unlike leather watch straps, there is minimal to zero need to wear the strap in before it becomes comfortable. With many different varieties in colours and patterns available it gives you the opportunity to match the colour of your own time piece with definite fluidity. Great alternative to expensive branded NATO bands.
Berfine Quick Release Solid Stainless Steel Watch Strap (Black)
- SIZE SELECTION: Berfine straps are only sold by "Berfine EU" and Fulfilled by Amazon....
- PREMIUM QUALITY & PERFECT DESIGN: Premium Solid Brushed Stainless...
- WRIST FIT: It is regular length. Band length: 85mm-165mm. Fit wrists approximately 4.8" to...
Berfine Black Stainless Steel Watch Band features
Our first stainless steel watch band on this list comes from Berfine. It is durable by design and is made from quality materials. Not all stainless steel watch bands build with links will fit everyone so adjustments may need to be made. Thankfully, Berfine have provided a link removal tool to help you do that. The task in itself may sound complicated, but following a useful guide will enable you to do it easily.
- Black stainless steel links
- Anti-fingerprint and corrosion resistant
- Quick release pins making it easy to swap the strap for a different one
- Fits most wrists from 13.7cm to 21.8cm in circumference
- Cheap alternative to replace standard smartwatch straps
Our thoughts on the Berfine watch band?
Value for money, check. Durable quality product, check. What more do you want? With the addition of the tool included, gone are the days where you need to visit the watch shop to get the links removed. The black stainless steel design is both classic and feels solid around the wrist.
NATO strap multi-pack 4 or 8 by MEGALITH
What’s so good about these NATO straps?
Why go for the one NATO watch strap when you can get a great value multi-pack from MEGALITH? You can go for a solid 8 NATO straps or for a pack of 4 straps. Having a large selection of watch straps is never a bad thing. The more straps you have, the more choice you have for any given day. You can swap them out with ease as there is no need to replace the spring bar once an alternative (leather, steel clasp) strap type has been removed.
- More choice to pair with your favourite watch
- Made from strong nylon
- Comes with adjustment tools
- Instructions provided to help fit the strap perfectly
- Width size 16mm to 24mm, can fit most watches
- Fits 5 inch to 7.5 inch wrists
Our thoughts on the MEGALITH NATO Strap multi-pack
When you consider the price of these straps and the quantity and quality you get we would definitely suggest them. For a similar price to our previously reviewed NATO watch strap, you get nearly 4 x the amount of strap. Great deal, and worth a look, especially if this is your first time purchasing a NATO strap.
Solid Stainless Steel Curved End Link Bracelet Band Strap by JSDDE
- Fit 20mm lugs: Strap Width: 20mm ; Length: 7 inch / 17.8cm Bullet point
- Wondeful replacement for your watch. (Note: Please check the width on your watch and...
- Adjustable Length -- The length can be cut short by the regulator tool if necessary...
Our thoughts on the Solid Stainless Steel Curved Watch Band
Before we begin, please be aware this watch band is particularly for round watch cases, not your typical square/rectangular edged types. Check the full description and compare to your existing watch strap/band before purchasing.
Like most of the watch bands available on this list a free adjustment tool has been provided to make it as easy as possible to get the band to fit perfectly. Despite the tool being provided, you may still find difficulty fitting it, depending on the watch you have.
The build quality is again superb and you can expect a premium product for a decent price. The only minor downfall we found, is that because the watch band is a universal curved watch strap, you may find it can be a little problematic to fit due to the variances in the curvature of watches. We suggest for the inexperienced person to perhaps consider popping to your local watch shop or jewellers and request they fit it on your behalf.
- Available in sizes 20mm and 22mm
- Fits wrists up up to 7 inches
- Secure butterfly deployment clasp
- Looks more expensive than it is
- Includes a watch band regulator tool
Final thoughts on the JSDDE Curved Stainless Steel band
The stainless steel band from JSDDE is great value for money and the perfect inexpensive replacement watch band. You’ll definitely be pleased with the build quality and stylish finish. The watch band looks like it is worth considerably more than it has been priced at and refreshes the appearance of any beloved watch.
Fullmosa Leather Watch Strap
- 【Size】: ONLY fit 18mm, NOT fit 17/19mm. So measure your watch lug width before...
- 【Burnished Leather】: Characterized by tough touch and natural luster, the burnished...
- 【18mm Watch Lug Width】：Compatible with most smart watches and traditional watches...
What do we think of the Fullmosa Leather watch strap?
This leather watch strap by Fullmosa is fundamentally classic in its design. You can see that great care has been taken to produce such an incredible looking watch strap.
Unlike other watch straps, the leather has a typically sandy slight worn appearance. The construction of this watch strap utilises waxed thread and the stitching has been done by hand. The leather has been conditioned with oil paint, painted around the edges to reinforce the build. The buckle is made from hypoallergenic stainless steel which helps reduce irritation that some might face from other materials.
- Various sizes available – 18mm, 20mm and 22mm
- Selection of colours available to choose from
- Quick release pin (efficient strap changing)
- Works great with most smartwatches including HUAWEI GT Watch and Fossil gen 5.
- Tool provided to help remove spring bar
Different styles to choose from:
Overview of the Fullmosa Leather watch strap
We think this leather watch strap is trendy and classic in its styling. It has a great selection of sizes for you to choose from. There is only one real major flaw that we could identity and that is its vulnerability to liquid spills including coffee, wine, oil and milk. These spills could potentially stain the strap.
However, with the leather watch strap having not been treated with a chemical coating you will probably find less irritation when comparing to straps that have been treated.
BARTON Silicone Watch Bands
- QUICK RELEASE: Buy multiple and change daily to compliment your entire wardrobe. Simply...
- SELECT PROPER WIDTH: Compatible with any traditional or smart watch that uses 18mm, 20mm...
- SMART WATCH WIDTHS: 'Product Description' section on this page lists proper widths for...
What do we think of these silicone straps?
You can get many different styles of watch straps that are constructed from many different materials. However, nothing quite beats a traditional silicone strap. The comfort from first wearing it remains throughout its life span. As with the leather BARTON watch reviewed above, you’ll find a quick release function for effortless switching. You can always expect quality assured when buying a watch strap made by BARTON.
- Great for using at the gym and moisture rich environments
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Quick release spring bars making it easy to change the strap
- Comfortable and durable
- Vast collection of colours to choose from
- Available in many sizes
- Suitable for smartwatches
Why choose a silicone watch strap?
Other watch straps can often be ruined by being soiled in certain environments. With a silicone watch strap you will find them easy to clean and maintain. Simply pop the straps off and give them a wipe down after use. They are also perfect for the gym due to the ability to wipe them dry after a heavy workout. BARTON silicone watch straps come in a huge variety of bold colours, so mix, match and enjoy.
Final thoughts on the BARTON Silicone Watch Band
These are some of the most fit for purpose watch straps you can get. You’ll be impressed (as we were) just from the quality of the build and variety of colours available. These watch straps are perfect for smartwatches or watches with vivid face colours. Due to their styling and boldness, we can imagine these would be highly sought after by those in athletics and those that love to work out. Fantastic watch straps.
Last update on 2021-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API