[Hebrew Barrister]

Gentlemen, what are your thoughts on watch band colors? Does a leather band need to match the same general color of your belt/shoes? Does a metal band need to match the same general color of your belt buckle/any rings you wear?

I have always cringed a bit at a black leather band with brown shoes, or vice versa.

However, when it comes to other leather colors, or NATO colors, I've always felt like if it doesn't match your shoes, it's fine as long as it complements a color you're wearing. Navy blazer or navy tie and a navy leather band? Cool.

I have always held grey (any kind of band) apart from all others because grey is so neutral, and have felt that a grey band goes with literally everything.

What say you? Am I nuts?

 

[SG_67]

There is no need for the leather or the metal to match anything else that you may be wearing.

 

[Flanderian]

I only wear and aesthetically prefer leather straps for watches.

While I don't try to match the leather color or metal color to anything, I prefer to wear darker straps with darker shoes, and lighter straps with lighter shoes.

About 5 or 10 years ago sourcing quality replacement leather straps became somewhat problematic, many now were garbage. I'd always purchased the once ubiquitous Hirsh brand, and could no longer find it in stores.

But I've found an English retailer that sells on-line, and have purchased from them. For any whom it might interest -

https://www.hirschstraps.com/collections/hirsch-straps

 

[DaveTrader]

I disagree. A brown leather band does not work well if you are wearing black shoes and a black belt.

I try to keep coordinated when wearing leather bands, but feel either a gold or silver watch bracelet can go with anything.

 

[DaveTrader]

I agree Flanderian. Watch strap quality has gone down the drain. I found a gentleman in Italy that custom makes straps that aren’t too pricey. He made me a blue alligator and a black calf strap that are sublime. They are super high quality and quite luxurious.

Don’t know if it’s okay to link his website here, but the man’s name is Mario Cavallari and his company is Orloff Straps.

 

[Hebrew Barrister]

No available quality watch straps?

I believe the Hodinkee straps to be of very high quality. Am I incorrect? I assume they're overpriced, but at least quality is up there I believe.

 

[DaveTrader]

Prices at Hodinkee are insane

 

[RogerP]

Matching your watch strap to belt/shoes is fine, but not necessary. I do it as often as not. It's more important that the watch itself compliments the overall outfit.

 

[Hebrew Barrister]

Matching your watch strap to belt/shoes is fine, but not necessary. I do it as often as not. It's more important that the watch itself compliments the overall outfit.

You'd wear a black leather band watch with a tan leather belt and shoes?

I can see, for example, a black leather band with a dark chocolate pair of shoes, or the other way around.

 

[SG_67]

You'd wear a black leather band watch with a tan leather belt and shoes?

I can see, for example, a black leather band with a dark chocolate pair of shoes, or the other way around.

I would and I have. Again, it's purely up to you. There no general consensus.

I'm sure the B&WBAA (belt & watch band association of America) would have you think otherwise.

 

[RogerP]

You'd wear a black leather band watch with a tan leather belt and shoes?

I can see, for example, a black leather band with a dark chocolate pair of shoes, or the other way around.

Probably not. But I'd wear a mid to dark brown leather band with tan shoes without a second thought. They wouldn't match, and that would be just fine by me.

I said matching wasn't neccessary. That doesn't imply that ANY mismatch, no matter how extreme, is recommended.

 

[Mute]

I don't think it's an absolute necessity.

 

[RogerP]

Watch strap does not match shoes and belt - but compliments coat and trousers quite nicely.



Watch strap does not match shoes and belt - but still works quite harmoniously with the outfit as a whole.



Watch strap does match shoes and belt, because that's okay too.

 

[Hebrew Barrister]

Watch strap does not match shoes and belt - but compliments coat and trousers quite nicely.

Watch strap does not match shoes and belt - but still works quite harmoniously with the outfit as a whole.

Watch strap does match shoes and belt, because that's okay too.

You seem to be looking at it the way I have been. I admire your style, so this makes me feel that I haven't been getting this wrong.

 

[Orsini]

I don't think many will notice the watch band matching or not but I would match it.

 

[Orsini]

Watch strap does not match shoes and belt - but compliments coat and trousers quite nicely.

Watch strap does not match shoes and belt - but still works quite harmoniously with the outfit as a whole.

Watch strap does match shoes and belt, because that's okay too.

It's a nice detail.