Balenciaga sneakers. Gucci fanny packs. Supreme tracksuits. What do all of these have in common? They are all absurdly priced, and what we like to call, “casual luxury” items. Working definition: Luxury things that are casual, and casual things that are luxury. The recent rise of this trend has revolutionized the way that high fashion statements are made. It lets you say in a subtle and sleek way, that even the casual things in your life are luxurious. And that, is the biggest statement of all.
So, if you're still under the misconception that watches with straps don’t scream luxury loud enough, we are here to tell you… think again. Strappy watches have been soaring in popularity, along with the rise of other casual high-end items. Diamond studded bezels and dials are no longer the only way to show how many commas you have in your bank account. In fact, true watch lovers and real experts know that strappy sports watches are usually more expensive than dress watches in the same league, because they have highly complex functions and advanced mechanical movements. Not to mention inherent good looks…
This Patek Phillipe Aquanaut exudes class in a fun, carefree, and obviously pricey way. It’s something that Jason Statham might wear while vacationing in the Maldives, and that Sylvester Stalone and Drake have both actually worn on a leisurely occasion or two.
With straps, you have lots of variety. From the opulent nature of a leather strap, to the more sporty and modern look of its rubber counterpart, you have an infinite range of styles and colors to choose from.
Leather gives a sophisticated and vintage feel to the elegant classics, much like the retro aviators they were originally made for. Leather will also wear faster than a gold or steel bracelet, but it will age gracefully, like a leather jacket. Alligator and crocodile straps are grown -up and refined, and they add a certain… je ne sais quoi to any watch.
Now let’s talk rubber, the most popular of the strap family. Whether you are suiting up for work or play, rubber gives off a ready-for-anything vibe. These watches are made to get down and dirty if need be… Think Bond, James Bond. If you have plans to be suspended mid-air with a parachute on a top-secret mission anytime soon, a rubber strap is the way to go. If not, it’ll also be a perfect fit for when you’re just carting around the golf course with your millionaire friends.
The durability and functional nature of rubber straps is also noteworthy. They are usually waterproof, scratch resistant, and can take a knock or two — just in case you need to take someone outside for arguing that Michael Jordan isn’t the greatest of all time…
Most of all, a watch should be an extension of your personality and mood. But it also has to fit in with its surroundings in order to shine. Just because you own a Rolex presidential, doesn’t mean you should wear it to every kind of event, or worse yet, pair it with your laid back attire. Time and place for everything. Assuming you’re not at a royal ball every day, we would advise you to save the fancy pieces for fancy occasions. That’s what your safe is for. And for daily use, pick a favorite from our Collection, “Straps of The World”, which features our top picks of Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Patek Phillipe watches with straps.