Time+Tide
Is rubber becoming the superior strap choice?
Andrew O'Connor makes the case for rubber's supremacy over other watch strap materials.The post Is rubber becoming the superior strap choice? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Results for Tropic Strap
596 articles · 4 videos found · page 2 of 20
Time+Tide
Time+Tide
Why the Grand Seiko SLGW007 “Moonlit Birch” is the Evolution 9 that finally makes sense on a strap
Jason loves bracelets, but the Grand Seiko SLGW007 made him reconsider his stance, with this manual-winder joining his collection.The post Why the Grand Seiko SLGW007 “Moonlit Birch” is the Evolution 9 that finally makes sense on a strap appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Teddy Baldassarre
Rolex Oysterflex: The Watch Strap That's Really A Bracelet
Among all of Rolex’s bracelet options, the Oysterflex is perhaps the most unconventional and arguably the most misunderstood. Now marking 10 years on the market, and encompassing attributes of both a sturdy steel bracelet and a supple rubber strap, the Oysterflex has gone from being a curious, one-off outlier on a niche Yacht-Master model to an integral element of some of the Crown’s most buzz-worthy timepieces of recent years. Here’s what you should know about it. History of Rubber Watch Straps The road to the Rolex Oysterflex bracelet really started with the invention of vulcanized rubber in 1839, attributed to chemist Charles Goodyear (below, whose name is now immortalized in the automotive world as a leading manufacturer of tires). Vulcanized rubber - a compound of natural rubber with other compounds, which offered enhanced resilience and pliability - was originally used in mostly industrial areas, as in the manufacture of o-rings, gaskets, and (of course) tires. The discovery of fluoroelastomers as an alternative to the difficult-to-source natural rubber led to the rise of synthetic rubbers that had even more advantages, such as resistance to water, oils, and temperature extremes. These rubbers found their way into more everyday products such as shoes, belts, and flooring, while also expanding further into applications in the automotive industry, for door seals, hoses, and other parts. Synthetic rubber first emerged as an alternative for wristwatch straps in...
Time+Tide
Why a watch with an animal‑skin strap shouldn’t be your only watch
Jason Lee argues that across most situations, a watch with an animal‑skin strap is rarely the smartest default.The post Why a watch with an animal‑skin strap shouldn’t be your only watch appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
SJX Watches
Strap or Bracelet? Ming’s Laser-Formed Titanium Mesh is Both
Ming has unveiled the Polymesh strap, described by the brand as the world’s first 3D-printed titanium watch bracelet. Blurring the line between bracelet and strap, it’s comprised of 1,693 articulating grade 5 titanium components. Designed to fit any Ming case with 20 mm lugs, the Polymesh strap reflects the brand’s growing ambitions. Initial thoughts The Polymesh strap illustrates the important function that independent brands like Ming play in the watchmaking ecosystem; they can explore concepts that big brands cannot. Large industrial brands are, to some extent, locked in a cage of their own making. On one hand, they have scale and distribution, but on the other, any innovation must be tested exhaustively to ensure it won’t complicate service channels. Ming exists in a sweet spot, with enough market traction to confidently invest in the development of new ideas, and the nimble size to take decisive action. In this context, it’s not surprising to see the first 3D-printed wristwatch bracelet come from a brand like Ming rather than an industrial powerhouse like Rolex or the Swatch Group. The concept itself is inherently interesting. It might be called a bracelet or a strap, but regardless of the nomenclature, it’s intended to offer both the dense, draping feel of a bracelet with the supple flexibility of a strap, made possible through additive manufacturing. As with any truly novel concept, the Polymesh strap likely needs to be experienced firsthand to be fully...
Time+Tide
MING unveils the super-slinky Polymesh, the world’s first 3D-printed titanium watch bracelet-strap hybrid
Ultra-light, ultra-supple and ultra-flexible, it could be the most comfortable way to wear a watch ever devised.The post MING unveils the super-slinky Polymesh, the world’s first 3D-printed titanium watch bracelet-strap hybrid appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Teddy Baldassarre
The NATO Strap: A History And 10 Best NATO-Strap Watches
Once a style that appealed mainly to a small but diehard niche, watches with NATO straps have moved from their original realm of military utility to become a popular option in the mainstream world of watches, even at some of the highest echelons of sporty luxury. If you're considering adding a NATO strap to your collection, or are simply curious where they came from and what your choices are on the market today, we tackle all your questions below. Why Is It Called a NATO Strap? One would assume, from the strap’s plainly utilitarian, military look, that the name is derived directly from an association with the North Atlantic Treaty organization (NATO), the intergovernmental alliance of 30 European and North American nations for mutual military defense. However, this is not exactly the case. Essentially, a so-called NATO strap is any one-piece strap, made of nylon or some other fabric, that loops under the watch’s case and through its spring bars to hold it securely in place on the wrist. Like all inventions that originated for a military purpose, its design emphasized utility, practicality, and secure use on the field of battle: such a strap construction would hold the watch in place, albeit dangling precariously, even if one of the spring bars were broken. Armed forces in both the United States and Great Britain used these types of fabric straps as early as the mid-20th Century (predating the formation of NATO in 1949); at one point, they were referred to in shorth...
Fratello
Hands-On With The Rubber MoonSwatch Strap On My Mission To Saturn
Whenever I see a MoonSwatch in the wild, and there are many of them, it’s likely no longer on its original strap. Many people have changed it out for something more comfortable, like a rubber or textile strap. I also wear my MoonSwatch on an aftermarket strap, because even though it’s easy to adjust, the […] Visit Hands-On With The Rubber MoonSwatch Strap On My Mission To Saturn to read the full article.
Worn & Wound
How To Use The Anachronist Zero Pass Strap
The post How To Use The Anachronist Zero Pass Strap appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Hodinkee
Hands-On: The Straum Jan Mayen Titanium, Now Featuring The Brand’s First Integrated Rubber Strap
With strap tech that punches above its price tag, a new Grade 5 titanium case vies for attention alongside Nordic dial art.
Fratello
Fratello On Air: The Strap Episode
Welcome to another installment of Fratello On Air. This week, we respond to a listener’s request for a strap episode. Today’s show covers how to choose, which brands we enjoy, and pairing specific watches. Enjoy it! For our listeners, the watch content begins after approximately 21 minutes. This podcast player is blocked because you did […] Visit Fratello On Air: The Strap Episode to read the full article.
Fratello
Artem Expands Its Flagship Loop-Less HydroFlex Strap Range With A More Pronounced Taper
Covering watches offers me an excellent opportunity to witness the evolution of products. While turnaround times for major watch upgrades can be years or decades, accessories such as straps evolve before your eyes. It feels like only yesterday that Artem achieved its zenith with the Loop-Less Sailcloth strap. But taking that design and producing it […] Visit Artem Expands Its Flagship Loop-Less HydroFlex Strap Range With A More Pronounced Taper to read the full article.
Worn & Wound
Introducing the StrapHabit x Worn & Wound Ride to Conquer Cancer Strap
We’re excited to share something special today: the StrapHabit x Worn & Wound RTCC Strap, a limited edition release that supports our 2025 Ride to Conquer Cancer team. This project is close to our hearts. In June, a team led by longtime Worn & Wound collaborator Matt Smith-Johnson will be hitting the road for a 200km, two-day ride to raise money for cancer research and care. We wanted to find a way to bring the community in, and what better way than through a great piece of gear? Built on StrapHabit’s super comfortable, premium sailcloth design, the RTCC Strap comes in a bold colorway inspired by the Ride to Conquer Cancer and features a custom-woven label showing your support. It’s durable, lightweight, and ready for anything - whether you’re clocking miles on a bike or just heading out for the day. Sizes? We’ve got you covered - available in 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22mm widths. Best of all, 100% of the profits from every strap sold go directly to support cancer research. Grab yours here while they last. Thank you for helping us make a difference. The post Introducing the StrapHabit x Worn & Wound Ride to Conquer Cancer Strap appeared first on Worn & Wound.
W
Worn & Wound
Worn & Wound
Lookbook: Level Up Your Watch Game with Boundary Layer Studio’s Latest Strap Collections
The post Lookbook: Level Up Your Watch Game with Boundary Layer Studio’s Latest Strap Collections appeared first on Worn & Wound.
![[VIDEO] Our Favorite Strap Options On Two Watch Strap Monsters! - Shop Chat](http://windupwatchshop.com/cdn/shop/articles/Untitled_design_70.jpg?v=1744144284)
Worn & Wound
[VIDEO] Our Favorite Strap Options On Two Watch Strap Monsters! - Shop Chat
The post [VIDEO] Our Favorite Strap Options On Two Watch Strap Monsters! – Shop Chat appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Time+Tide
Alpina turns back the clock with its retro-inspired Heritage Tropic-Proof Handwinding
A handsome callback to Alpina's heritage department and the 1960s.The post Alpina turns back the clock with its retro-inspired Heritage Tropic-Proof Handwinding appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Worn & Wound
Alpina Re-Issues a Classic with the Heritage Tropic-Proof Handwinding
The original Alpina Tropic-Proof, released in 1965 under mysterious origins-even the Swis brand itself can’t pinpoint the exact date-was emblematic of the newfound adventurous spirit ushered in by the now-accessible boom of transatlantic air travel. With a case designed by François Borgel and a handwinding movement, the Tropic-Proof was meant to be a watch-of-all-trades that could travel the globe with ease, rather than a specialized tool. Six decades later, Alpina is reissuing that design with key nods to the model’s history and future. Appropriately dubbed the Heritage Tropic-Proof Handwinding, the watch is enveloped in an understated stainless steel case that measures 34mm in diameter. Both dial options-shiny-finished white or black-contrast well with the applied silver indexes and polished silver hands, and the dial design excels in its simplicity, without conceding elegance. The hour and minute hands, as well as the dotted minute track, are coated in beige Luminova to give the Tropic-Proof ease of use in darkness. A beige Alcantara strap with a pin buckle adds a touch of sophistication, but not overzealousness, keeping the watch within the boundaries of subtle class. A threaded solid caseback with an engraved Heritage pattern hides the handwinding AL-480 caliber movement, which touts a 42-hour power reserve. Capping off the simple but elegant design is an anti-reflective glass box sapphire crystal, which curves downwards to maintain viewing ease at all an...
Fratello
Video: The Best of Both Worlds - Artem’s Loop-Less HydroFlex Strap
If you’ve been keeping up with Fratello, you might remember Mike’s recent article introducing the Artem Loop-less™️ HydroFlex™️ straps. Well, they’re back in the spotlight, and for good reason. We just dropped a video showing you these awesome straps in more detail. After all, if a picture says a thousand words, how about a video? […] Visit Video: The Best of Both Worlds - Artem’s Loop-Less HydroFlex Strap to read the full article.
Time+Tide
The Artem Loop-Less HydroFlex is the luxury rubber strap that looks at home on expensive watches
Artem's line of luxury watch straps expands with a new Loop-Less Hydroflex variant that does away with pesky, flapping ends.The post The Artem Loop-Less HydroFlex is the luxury rubber strap that looks at home on expensive watches appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Quill & Pad
Here’s Why a Watch Strap is More Than Just an Accessory
A watch strap is the ubiquitous “accessory” to a wristwatch that can completely change a person’s feeling about said timepiece. A strap is the single most functional component on a wristwatch that you interact with. Joshua Munchow takes a closer look at why that is true.
Time+Tide
What is a strap monster, and why do you need one?
A common phrase watch collectors throw around is "strap monster". We decided to take a moment to break down what it actually means.The post What is a strap monster, and why do you need one? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
7 of the best strap monsters that will eat on any NATO, leather, or rubber strap
Whether you're working with a limited budget or want a versatile piece, a strap monster is always a plus.The post 7 of the best strap monsters that will eat on any NATO, leather, or rubber strap appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
Strap Check: Boundary Layer Studio Signature Straps Made Of Premium Loro Piana Fabrics
You may not know this, but in the Netherlands, we celebrate Christmas on the 25th and 26th of December. This means many Dutch people still have one fancy dinner tonight before Christmas is officially over. What do you do for such a nice occasion? Exactly - you dress up nicely, which means you also wear […] Visit Strap Check: Boundary Layer Studio Signature Straps Made Of Premium Loro Piana Fabrics to read the full article.
![[VIDEO] How To Change Your Watch Strap](http://windupwatchshop.com/cdn/shop/articles/Untitled_design_520x500_3218e989-7032-4e23-8434-649ffbf05ca0.png?v=1734385822)
Worn & Wound
[VIDEO] How To Change Your Watch Strap
The post [VIDEO] How To Change Your Watch Strap appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Time+Tide
Artem expands its HydroFlex strap range with fan-requested pops of colour
Australian strap brand Artem has expanded its HydroFlex range for the holiday season with new green/orange strap and navy blue/white straps.The post Artem expands its HydroFlex strap range with fan-requested pops of colour appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
Strap Review: Testing Out The New Delugs Sailcloth Straps
The new Delugs sailcloth-patterned rubber straps are a refreshing addition to the brand’s repertoire, especially for collectors looking to add a more refined version of the sailcloth strap. First things first: these are not your typical ultra-modern, sports-performance sailcloth-style straps. They’re made with a nod toward traditional aesthetics and construction. A few things stand out […] Visit Strap Review: Testing Out The New Delugs Sailcloth Straps to read the full article.
Time+Tide
To change things up on the fly, these are the best watches with quick-change strap systems
Being able to change out the strap can make your watch feel brand new, but not every brand offers these innovative quick change systems.The post To change things up on the fly, these are the best watches with quick-change strap systems appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Need a strap for your Panerai? Don’t PAM-ic: Artem has you covered
These premium 24mm-wide straps are perfect for those looking for an OEM-quality strap for their chunky dive watch.The post Need a strap for your Panerai? Don’t PAM-ic: Artem has you covered appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
The Wren Diver One Snow is sub-$1k, with a sandwich dial, Sellita movement, and both a strap and bracelet
Wren shows you how to make a winter-themed diver at a respectable price point.The post The Wren Diver One Snow is sub-$1k, with a sandwich dial, Sellita movement, and both a strap and bracelet appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
A Bold Pairing: The New Artem HydroFlex Khaki Green & Orange Strap
Adelaide, Australia-based Artem creates some of our favorite high-quality straps. The brand is known for offering sailcloth straps with a rubberized texture. These straps combine leather or rubber with synthetic materials to make a luxury product. Now the Artem HydroFlex presents sportier sailcloth looks and more flexibility. We took a look at the version in […] Visit A Bold Pairing: The New Artem HydroFlex Khaki Green & Orange Strap to read the full article.