Interchangeable straps are a simple way to change the look and effect of a watch. This feature has rarely, if ever been seen in the elite world of haute horlogerie, but this year seems to show a marked difference.
Here are a few of our picks for the best watches with interchangeable straps for men and women.
Cartier
Setting Trends
A visionary in the field of fine watchmaking, Cartier has once again proved itself through its innovation. The Santos de Cartier, a defining timepiece in the maison’s catalogue, is known as the first modern wristwatch.
Cartier has reinvented the square shaped classic to come up to speed with the versatility of the modern lifestyle by making the straps of the Santos interchangeable. The invisible Cartier QuickSwitch system blends seamlessly into the case and can be activated by pressing the mechanism.
The Santos de Cartier is available in steel, gold, calf-skin and alligator skin, and all the straps can be interchanged with each other, giving this watch the ability to change its look to suit the occasion and mood of its wearer.
Jaeger LeCoultre
Historically Contemporary
Inspired by diving, the Jaeger LeCoultre Polaris Automatic is one of the three new models of the brand’s iconic Polaris collection, which made its debut in 1968 with the Memovox Polaris. The simplest of the new timepieces in this collection, the Polaris Automatic is a time-only watch which a rotating inner bezel, a feature that ties in closely with the association of the watch with diving.
Quintessentially a sports watch, the Polaris Automatic comes with either a black or an ocean blue dial and a unique dual crown feature, with the second crown used to rotate the moving bezel and use it as a timer.
The interchangeable straps on this simple yet impressive timepiece come in light brown and dark brown leather, alligator and stainless steel. The leather straps all have a folding buckle and the stainless steel bracelet features a new three-link pattern. The diversity and range of the straps available make this watch the ideal accessory for a man of action and an eye for sophistication.
Officine Panerai
Classic makeover
With a diameter of only 38 or 42mm, the Luminor Due 3 Days Automatic Oro Rosso is the sleekest of all Panerai’s master timepieces. The subtle sophistication of this red gold watch makes it extremely versatile, while maintaining its integrity as a high quality sports watch.
The watch features the maison’s hand-crafted automatic winding OP XXXIV Manufacture calibre with a 3-day power reserve, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, and Panerai’s patented bridge, which protects the crown on the caseband.
The ivory dial remains true to the brands exemplary design aesthetic with hands for hours and minutes, a small seconds counter at 9 o’clock and a date window at 3 o’clock.
The Luminor Due 3-Day Automatic Oro Rosso comes with an interchangeable alligator skin strap in a beautiful light blue colour, which can easily be replaced by a black alligator strap to transform from a statement sports watch into an elegant timepiece for any occasion.
Tag Heuer
Sporty Chic
The redesigned Tag Heuer Formula 1 Lady is the perfect confluence of sport, lifestyle and high fashion. Perfect for the classy, self-assured woman of today who lives for a rush of adrenalin, this timepiece comes with a polished and brushed steel or PVD coated black case and interchangeable straps in brown, blue, black white or red leather as well as a metal bracelet.
The dial is also available in one of three colours; blue sunray, silver-plated or all black, and for an added touch of glamour, the watch comes in a diamond set model as well.
The straps on the Formula 1 Lady can be easily changed, taking it from day to night, or beach to boardroom with just one click.
From the growing trend for unique and interchangeable handbag straps to swapping the look of your watch depending on your mood, we surely are being spoilt for choices.