What is the history of watch straps?

The history of watch straps begins with the introduction of wristwatches during the 19th century. Early watches featured metal bands secured by pins or rivets that fit into drilled holes. By the late 19th century, watchmakers had discovered genuine leather to be a comfortable, more flexible alternative to metal, especially for soldiers who needed timepieces to wear on the battlefield. Gradually, throughout the early 20th century, this innovation became common in watches intended for civilians as well. During the 1930s, some designers revisited the concept of the all-metal watch, devising a slimmer, easier-to-fasten metal bracelet. As consumers became interested in metal watches, makers developed stretchy mesh expansion bands that eliminated the need for size adjustments. Then 1973 brought the advent of the NATO strap, a heavy-duty canvas band originally designed for the British military that would become popular for all types of watches. The scuba-diving craze of the 1990s led to the development of rubber watch straps that could withstand the effects of water better than leather. Watch designers have continued experimenting with new materials, such as straps crafted out of Perlon, a type of braided nylon, carbon fiber, silicone and more. Find a large selection of watches on 1stDibs.