640 articles · 13 videos found · page 3 of 22
Time+Tide
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
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
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
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
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.
Video
At Watches and Wonders 2026, Cartier presented a Santos de Cartier Chronograph with refined, tamer dimensions that brought the design down from Cartier's XL sizing to its large size – in line with the popular time a...
Teddy Baldassarre
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
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
There’s something satisfying about handling a watch that feels like it knows exactly what it is. The Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 (L3.803.5.53.6) landed on my wrist with that kind of confident presence-not shouting for attention, but quietly competent in the way good tool watches should be. At 39mm with a mix of steel and 18-karat rose gold, it’s Longines’ centennial nod to their 1925 original, the world’s first dual time zone wristwatch. The question isn’t whether it’s historically significant-it obviously is-but whether it actually earns its place in today’s crowded GMT field. Longines, GMT Watches, and the Inevitable Tudor Question Let’s address the elephant in the room: if you’re shopping GMT watches around this price point, you’ve probably looked at the Tudor Black Bay GMT ($4,675). It’s the obvious comparison, sitting at roughly the same price with similar functionality. But where Tudor leans into its diving heritage with a rotating 24-hour bezel, Longines approaches GMT complications from their aviation roots. The Spirit Zulu Time 1925 isn’t trying to be a dive watch that happens to track time zones-it’s purpose-built for travelers and pilots who need to know what time it is “there.” The other natural competitors include the Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT ($6,900), the Raymond Weil Freelancer GMT Worldtimer ($3,175), and the NOMOS Zürich Worldtimer ($6,100). But it’s worth noting these watches solve the multi-timezone problem...
Worn & Wound
The post How To Use The Anachronist Zero Pass Strap appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Hodinkee
With strap tech that punches above its price tag, a new Grade 5 titanium case vies for attention alongside Nordic dial art.
Video
The luxury watch industry has a dark side. Big conglomerates like LVMH don't just sell watches; they market to human insecurity, trying to fill what collectors know is a "god-sized hole." Today, we talk about the brut...
Worn & Wound
Longines continues to expand their Zulu Time collection with the new Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925. Never one to shy away from an anniversary, the latest version of the Longines travel watch celebrates the 100th anniversary of the brand’s first watch to display dual time zones. These early dual time zone watches featured colorful representations of maritime flags referencing the letter “Z”, a nod to the time at the zero meridian in Greenwich. The “Z” designation ultimately led to pilots referencing “Zulu time” when referring to time at the zero meridian, an important concept when traveling across time zones. The modern renditions of the Zulu Time watches are completely distinct from their historical counterparts in terms of their design and aesthetics, but for Longines their intent seems to be to recreate the adventurous spirit of those watches in a modern package. All of the Zulu Time watches to this point have straddled the line between a clear vintage inspiration and contemporary design tropes, resulting in watches that have a classic everyday appeal. Last year, I reviewed the Spirit Zulu Time Titanium, which simply by virtue of the material used felt like the most contemporary iteration of the Zulu Time yet. I really enjoyed my time with that watch and felt that Longines really nailed the proportions, with a case just under 40mm that was also not too long from lug to lug. The new 1925 version of the Zulu Time is perhaps best thought of as the inverse o...
Time+Tide
Longines celebrates the 100-year anniversary of its first dual time wristwatch by unveiling three new colourways for the Spirit Zulu Time.The post Longines expands the Spirit Zulu Time range with the 100th anniversary-marking 1925 collection appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Teddy Baldassarre
Longines introduced the Zulu Time models to its aviation-influenced Spirit collection in 2022, and the watch’s dual-time complication, stylishly bold design, and undeniable value proposition have made it one of the brand’s biggest hits of the 2020s, spawning additional models in an array of sizes, materials, and color executions. The Spirit Zulu Time is now such a fixture in the Longines portfolio that it almost seems like it has always been there, despite being a relatively recent addition to the lineup; it doesn’t even precede the Covid pandemic, which, of course, somehow seems like it happened only yesterday and yet also in another time and dimension entirely. However, all of that said, Longines’ history of making dual-time or GMT wristwatches like the Zulu Time reaches back much further - 100 years, to be exact. And it is that century milestone to which Longines pays tribute with the latest member of the family, unveiled today: the Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925. Longines Zulu Time History: Longines produced its first “Zulu Time” wristwatch in that eponymous year of 1925, in the heart of the Art Deco era. Very dissimilar to the round-cased modern descendant, that watch had an angular, square case and ornate hour numerals, along with a third hand to indicate a second time zone and, most notably, a Zulu flag emblem with a red letter “Z.” Where did this iconography originate? In military jargon, “Zulu” is the radio transmission articulation for t...
Fratello
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
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.
Video
It’s been a wild 24 hours. From an unexpected invitation to appear on NBC's Today Show to discuss the highly controversial new AP x Swatch collaboration, to hunting for vintage Americana at a local estate sale, and...
Worn & Wound
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.
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
The post [VIDEO] Our Favorite Strap Options On Two Watch Strap Monsters! – Shop Chat appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Fratello
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
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
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
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
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
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
The post [VIDEO] How To Change Your Watch Strap appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Time+Tide
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
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.
Question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Drop a note.