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Complete Guide to 12 Types of Watch Bracelets Available Today

Are you looking to add a new watch bracelet to your collection or need help figuring out where to start? This article will be your complete guide for everything you need to know about the various types of watch bracelets available on the market today.

We know that picking the suitable watch bracelet for your watch can be overwhelming with all the different types available today. Which one will fit your style best? In this article, I’ll take you through the twelve main types of watch bracelets and their characteristics to help you pick the perfect one!

What is the watch bracelet?

A watch bracelet is any portion of a watch that helps keep it attached to your wrist and is constructed entirely of metal.

Complete guide to 12 Types Of Watch Bracelets Available Today

These bracelets are mostly made of stainless steel, although other materials, such as gold or titanium, are sometimes used. Watch bracelets come in a variety of different styles, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks.

The links in a metal bracelet can be connected using a clasp, or they may be hinged so they can quickly be taken on and off.

It is worth noting that when the section that holds the watch to your wrist is made of plastic, nylon, leather, or fabric, it is referred to as a band or a strap, while a bracelet is exclusively made of metal.

Materials of watch bracelet

There are many different types of watch bracelets available on the market today. The most popular materials used in watch bracelet construction include stainless steel, titanium, and gold. 

  • Stainless steel is by far the most popular choice for watch bracelets, as it offers a high level of durability and resistance to corrosion. 
  • Titanium is another popular choice for watch bracelet construction, as it is solid and lightweight. 
  • Gold is often used in high-end watch bracelet construction, as it adds a touch of luxury and elegance.
  • Silver is perfect for everyday wear and special occasions, but it is rare these days.

If you’re looking for a classic, sophisticated look, then the bracelet is definitely the way to go. The bracelets are often seen as being more formal than other types like nylon or leather, so they’re perfect for work or special occasions. And, because they’re made from metal, they’re also durable and long-lasting.

Types of watch bracelets

There are many different types of watch bracelets available on the market today as we said. Here is a breakdown of all available types:

 Types of Watch Bracelets

Oyster

Oyster bracelet

The Oyster bracelet, which Rolex developed in 1947 and released to the public for the first time in 1948, is perhaps the most recognizable one ever used with a timepiece. Beginning with riveted links, the Oyster later morphed into one that made use of folded links before settling on the solid links still in use today. 

The Submariner and Sea-Dweller were designed for underwater sports like Scuba diving. Therefore the bracelet’s clasp has changed through the years to maintain a snug fit on the wrist.

Jubilee

Jubilee bracelet

The Jubilee bracelet is a popular type of watch bracelet. It was first introduced by Rolex in 1945 and is characterized by its five-piece link design. The Jubilee bracelet is made from metal and is available in various sizes and colors. It is a popular choice for those who want a classic look that is also comfortable to wear.

Bonklip

Bonklip bracelet

The Bonklip bracelet is a classic watch bracelet that has been around for centuries. This bracelet has two loops attached to the watch case with a pin or clasp. The Bonklip bracelet is adjustable and can fit any size wrist. This bracelet is also very comfortable to wear and is perfect for everyday use to the point that it was standard equipment on British military wristwatches during World War II and the following decades.

Milanese

Milanese bracelet

The Milanese watch bracelet is a classic and timeless style worn with any outfit. It is made of high-quality stainless steel and has a mesh design that is both unique and elegant. The Milanese watch bracelet is also adjustable to find the perfect fit for your wrist.

Originating in Milan in the 19th century, it was refined in early 20th-century Germany. The 1930s and 1940s saw its widespread use on dress and tools watches, and the 1960s and 1970s saw its thicker iteration return to fashion. Several fashion-forward companies, including Apple with the Apple Watch chief, have helped revive this kind of bracelet.

Read: These 21 Italian Watch Brands Make Fantastic Icons

President 

President bracelet

The President’s watch bracelet is often used on dress watches. It is a smooth, elegant, and classic bracelet style. The President bracelet consists of three flat, interlocking links. This bracelet style is comfortable and easy to wear.

The President’s design falls in the middle between the Oyster and the Jubilee in terms of formality. 

It’s also a three-link bracelet, like the Oyster, but its links are much thinner and semicircular, giving it a much more complex appearance and a curved shine.

Royal Oak 

Royal Oak bracelet

Although designed expressly for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, this steel bracelet has subsequently become a fashion statement in its own right.

The Royal Oak bracelet is made of stainless steel and has a deployment clasp. It is also available in various colors, including black, white, and gold.

The Royal Oak bracelet is an excellent choice for those looking for a stylish and sophisticated watch bracelet. It is also a good choice for those who want a durable and long-lasting watch bracelet.

Beads of Rice

Beads of Rice bracelet

The Beads of Rice Bracelet is a popular type of watch bracelet. This bracelet gets its name from its resemblance to a string of beads. The beads of a rice bracelet are made up of tiny, round beads connected by a small metal ring. This type of bracelet is very lightweight and comfortable to wear.

Pearlmaster 

Pearlmaster bracelet - types of watch bracelets

A five-piece link bracelet with gently rounded sections. The central link is the widest and is surrounded by thin links often blinged out. The Pearlmaster is often used for diamond and precious gem-set faces.

The President’s exact shape is often crafted from precious metals to lend a touch of extravagance. The Pearlmaster is a complicated design that is best matched with stainless steel. With its intricate design and dazzling material, it doesn’t hold back.

Ladder

Ladder bracelet - types of watch bracelets

A ladder bracelet is a watch bracelet consisting of two or more rows of links attached to each other by small bars or pins. They are typically made from metals such as gold or silver and can also be adorned with gemstones or other adornments.

Ladder bracelets have a vintage feel and are often seen in antique or vintage-style watches.

Expansion

Expansion bracelet

This bracelet comprises a series of links that expand and contract as you move your wrist, making it very comfortable to wear. 

Expansion bracelets are available in various metals, including gold, silver, and stainless steel.

Expansion bracelets are comfortable to wear and are often preferred by people with larger wrists. They are also adjustable, so they can fit any wrist size. However, they can be more challenging to put on and take off than other watch bracelets.

Super Engineer 

Super Engineer bracelet

This bracelet is about 5mm thick, making it noticeable when moving your wrist. It consists of five interconnected pieces, each cut in a hexagonal pattern that gives the bracelet a centipede appearance when bent.

This bracelet’s checkered pattern completely changes the look of whatever watch you pair it with since so many lines are packed into a bit of space.

Shark Mesh

Shark Mesh bracelet - types of watch bracelets

This type of bracelet comprises a series of tiny, interlocking metal links that resemble the scales on a shark’s skin. It is similar to the Milanese bracelet.

Shark mesh bracelets are usually made from stainless steel or another type of solid metal, which makes them highly durable. They are also often adjustable, so you can find a comfortable fit no matter what your wrist size may be. And because they are so lightweight, they are very comfortable to wear for extended periods.

A watch bracelet is an essential element of any wristwatch and may make or break its appearance. Now that you’ve learned about the different types of watch bracelets and the characteristics of each type and design, let’s look at how you’d pick the perfect bracelet.

Choosing the perfect watch bracelet

When choosing the perfect watch bracelet for you, there are a few things to consider. 

  • First, think about the style of bracelet that you like. As we have seen, there are many different styles of bracelets, from classic link bracelets to modern mesh bracelets. 
  • Second, consider the material of the bracelet and your budget. Watches with gold bracelets are typically more luxurious, while stainless steel bracelets are more affordable. 
  • Think about the size of the bracelet. If you have a small wrist, choose a thinner bracelet, while someone with a larger wrist may prefer a thicker bracelet. 
  • Think about the style and type of the watch itself. If you have a dressier watch, then you’ll want to choose a bracelet that is also on the more formal side. There are plenty of options for casual, or sports watches in terms of style and material.
  • Take a look at the clasp of the bracelet. This is an important feature, as it needs to be secure enough to keep your watch from falling off but not so tight that it’s difficult to take off.

With these factors in mind, you can narrow your choices and find the perfect watch bracelet!

Conclusion 

With so many types of watch bracelets available on the market, it cannot be easy to choose the perfect one for your needs. However, after reading this article, you should now understand what each type has to offer and which would best suit your lifestyle. 

Be sure to do some research before purchasing to find one that looks stunning and is comfortable and durable. Good luck in finding the watch bracelet of your dreams 🙂

Sarah Salimah

Sarah has been interested in watches for as long as she can remember. She loves watches and writing about them and enjoys experiencing the feeling of high-end models. She was born in Ohio, went to school for art history, and has a genuine enthusiasm for reading literature, walking, and sometimes playing padel.

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