Your watch is more than just a tool to tell time—it’s an expression of personal style, a reliable companion on adventures, and sometimes even a sentimental piece passed down through generations. 

But with so many options available—leather, nylon, rubber, stainless steel, 1-piece, 2-piece, and more—it can be challenging to decide which one suits you best. 

Whether you’re looking for something rugged and adventure-ready, sleek and professional, or simply comfortable for everyday wear, this guide will help you choose the perfect watch strap for your needs.

At Redwood, we offer a variety of strap options, each designed to cater to different needs, lifestyles, and preferences. Whether you’re gearing up for a rugged outdoor excursion, dressing up for a formal event, or simply looking for everyday comfort, there’s a perfect strap for you. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of watch straps we offer, their benefits, and which one best suits your lifestyle.

Understanding the Different Types of Watch Straps

Each watch strap has its own unique history, design, and best-use scenario. 

The key difference between 2-piece straps and NATO-style (1-piece) straps lies in their construction and how they attach to the watch. A 2-piece strap consists of separate sections for each lug, secured with spring bars, giving a traditional and streamlined look while allowing direct contact between the watch case and the wrist. In contrast, a NATO-style strap is a single, continuous piece that threads under the watch, providing extra security—if a spring bar fails, the watch remains attached to the strap. NATO straps also sit slightly higher on the wrist due to their layered design, making them popular for rugged and military-inspired timepieces.

Let’s break them down.

2-Piece Straps: Classic and Versatile

The 2-piece strap is one of the most traditional and widely used strap styles. A classic choice, they’re usually considered on the dressier side. They consist of two separate sections that attach to the watch’s lugs. These come in a variety of materials, including leather and rubber, making them a versatile option for all occasions.

Best For: Everyday wear, office settings, formal occasions, and collectors who appreciate classic aesthetics.

Classic Leather

A timeless choice, perfect for both casual and formal wear. Leather develops a unique patina over time, adding character to your watch.

• Best for: Everyday wear, business settings, dress watches.
• Advantages: Easy to swap out, available in many styles, comfortable.
• Ideal for: Someone who wants a timeless, go-to strap that works for both casual and formal settings.

 

Rallye Straps

Inspired by motorsports, rallye straps feature perforations inspired by vintage racing gloves that improve breathability while adding a racing-inspired aesthetic.

• Best for: Vintage chronographs, automotive enthusiasts.
• Advantages: Lightweight, stylish, breathable.
• Ideal for: Watch lovers with a passion for racing history and automotive-inspired design.

 

Rubber Straps

Ideal for sports and water activities due to its durability and resistance to sweat and moisture. Favored for their durability and water resistance, rubber straps are an excellent choice for sports and diving watches.

• Best for: Swimming, diving, outdoor activities.
• Advantages: Waterproof, sweat-resistant, flexible.
• Ideal for: Athletes, divers, and those who need a low-maintenance strap.

Mil-Spec Straps (NATO-Style): Rugged and Secure

Originally developed  for military use, Mil-Spec straps are famous for their durability and security. These durable, one-piece straps are usually woven from high-strength materials and feature a pass-through design that keeps your watch secure even if a spring bar fails.

Best For: Military-inspired looks, adventure seekers, and those who want a fail-safe security mechanism for their watch.

 

Nylon Straps

Lightweight, breathable, and highly durable. Perfect for outdoor adventures and everyday wear.

• Best for: Outdoor adventures, water activities, rugged environments.
• Advantages: Highly durable, water-resistant, lightweight, and breathable.
• Ideal for: Active individuals, adventurers, and military enthusiasts.

Ribbed Nylon Straps

A refined take on the standard nylon strap, ribbed nylon offers additional texture, giving it a premium feel while enhancing the durability and ruggedness of traditional nylon.

• Best for: Casual wear, sports, tactical use.
• Advantages: Extra comfort, enhanced texture, sweat-resistant.
• Ideal for: Those looking for a sporty yet refined strap option.

Seatbelt Straps, A luxurious take on the Mil-Spec

Seatbelt straps are a premium variation of the classic NATO strap, crafted from tightly woven, high-quality nylon that resembles the material used in automotive seatbelts. They offer a smoother texture, enhanced durability, and a subtle sheen that elevates their appearance.

• Best for: Everyday wear, adventure, and sports watches.
• Advantages: Extra soft and smooth, high durability, reinforced stitching for added strength, premium feel.
• Ideal for: Those who want a balance between durability, comfort, and premium look for dressier occasions.

Leather Mil-Spec Straps

A staple of watchmaking, leather straps add an element of sophistication to any watch. A unique blend of military toughness and refined aesthetics.

• Best for: Vintage and rugged looks, casual and semi-formal wear.
• Advantages: Classic and stylish, comfortable, ages beautifully over time.
• Ideal for: Someone who wants a military-inspired strap but prefers the warmth of leather over nylon.

Bonklip Stainless Steel Bracelet

First introduced in the early 20th century, the Bonklip bracelet was a favorite among pilots and military personnel due to its lightweight, adjustable design. Unlike conventional bracelets, it offers micro-adjustments for a perfect fit without requiring tools.

• Best for: Classic vintage lovers, collectors, dress and casual watches.
• Advantages: Timeless aesthetic, excellent adjustability, comfortable fit.
• Ideal for: Those who appreciate historical designs and want a breathable, metal bracelet alternative.

 

How to Choose the Right Strap for You

1. Consider Your Lifestyle: Are you constantly on the go? Do you need a strap that can handle extreme conditions? A Mil-Spec or rubber strap might be the best fit. If you work in an office and wear a suit daily, a leather or Bonklip strap could be a better choice.
2. Think About Versatility: If you like to change up your style often, consider investing in multiple straps. A classic leather strap for formal occasions, a rugged NATO strap for adventure, and a rubber strap for workouts can keep your watch adaptable to any scenario.
3. Comfort Matters: Some materials, like ribbed nylon and Bonklip stainless steel, provide superior comfort due to their breathability and adjustability. If comfort is your top priority, these may be the best options.
4. Match Your Watch Style: While most straps are versatile, some watches look better with certain strap types. A field watch looks natural on a NATO or ribbed nylon strap, while a dress watch pairs best with leather or a Bonklip bracelet.
5. Experiment and Have Fun: Part of the joy of owning a great watch is customizing it to suit your personal style. Don’t be afraid to swap out your straps regularly to see what works best for you.

 

With so many great options, the right strap depends on your lifestyle and how you use your watch:

• For daily wear: Leather, seatbelt, or standard nylon NATO straps offer great comfort and versatility.
• For adventure and outdoor activities: Ribbed nylon NATO or rubber straps provide durability and moisture resistance.
• For formal occasions: A leather 2-piece strap or a Bonklip stainless steel bracelet adds an elegant touch.
• For military-inspired or tool watches: A traditional NATO, ribbed nylon, or seatbelt strap enhances the rugged aesthetic.

Upgrade Your Watch Experience

The best way to ensure your watch is ready for any occasion is to own multiple straps. Think of them like shoes—you wouldn’t wear the same pair to the office, the gym, and a wedding. By having a few different straps in your collection, you can easily switch up your watch’s look to match your outfit, activity, or mood. 

Many of our customers love owning multiple straps to switch up their watch’s style and adapt it to different occasions. That’s why we also offer 50% off on any number of additional straps with the purchase of a watch (discount applies automatically in cart). And to make it easy, we designed all our straps in a way that they are interchangeable and can fit on all our watches. Whether you’re investing in your first extra strap or looking to build a full collection, we’ve got you covered.

Browse our selection of high-quality straps and find the perfect combination for your lifestyle.

[Explore Watch Straps]