Best watch straps in the UK (2026)

The strap's width must match the gap between your watch's lugs, measured in millimetres. Common widths are 18, 20 and 22 mm. A wrong width either won't fit or will look odd. Measure with a ruler or check the maker's specification. If you're between sizes, don't force a wider strap; it can bend the spring bars or scratch the lugs. Some straps taper towards the buckle, so the width at the lugs is the one that matters.

A NATO strap threads under the watch through both spring bars, with a second layer under the case. If one spring bar fails, the watch stays on your wrist. They're cheap, tough, washable and come in endless colours. They add a little thickness under the watch. Archer and WatchGecko make NATO and similar straps in the UK market, with heat-sealed edges and solid hardware. Cheap NATOs often have rough edges and thin keepers that wear quickly.

Like a NATO but without the extra layer, so the watch sits lower on the wrist. They're comfortable and practical for sport and everyday wear, but don't have the NATO's security against spring bar failure. BISONSTRAP and ANNEFIT one-piece straps are popular cheap options. They're good for watches with thick cases, where a NATO's extra layer would make the watch sit too high.

Leather looks smarter and suits dress watches. Calfskin is soft and smooth; oil-waxed leather is rugged and develops a patina; alligator-grain is embossed calfskin with a dressy look. Leather dislikes water and sweat, so it's not for swimming. A new leather strap is stiff and softens with wear over a week or two. Oil-waxed leather marks and darkens easily, which some people like as it ages; smooth calfskin stays neater. Keep a nylon strap for summer and sport so your leather lasts longer.

Many straps come with quick-release spring bars, which you can change without tools by pulling a small lever. They make strap swaps easy. Standard spring bars need a simple tool. Quick-release bars are the easiest way to own several straps and change them to suit an outfit or activity. Check that the strap includes them before buying.

Check the strap length suits your wrist. Most straps fit wrists of about 15 to 20 cm. Small and large wrists may need short or long versions. NATO straps are long and have extra tail on small wrists; tuck it under the keeper. Leather straps come in short, regular and long lengths from some makers.

A solid stainless steel buckle lasts longer than plated alloy. Matching the buckle colour to your watch case (silver, black, gold) looks neat. Brushed hardware hides scratches better than polished. A matching buckle makes a cheap strap look more expensive.

Nylon is comfortable in heat and water; leather breaks in over time. If you have sensitive skin, nylon or a hypoallergenic strap may be better. In summer, nylon is cooler and dries quickly. Leather can feel sticky in heat and should come off for exercise.

Wash nylon straps in soapy water. Keep leather dry and away from heat; let it air dry if wet. Replace straps that crack or fray before they fail. A spare strap is useful for holidays, sport and swimming, so the main strap lasts longer.