Commit TV Yagi Column: The appeal of the currently popular "interchangeable straps"

Good evening everyone!

This may be a bit sudden, but have you ever changed the leather strap or bracelet (hereafter referred to as the strap) of your watch? Even though I work at a watch shop, I have only changed it a few times. I think most people have never changed their watch, and when they do, they usually take their watch to an authorized store or the store where they bought it to have it changed. However, people often say things like, "It's a hassle to take it all the way to the store," or "I want to be able to change it easily to match my outfit." I think these are the real voices.

In order to meet the needs of such people, what has become popular in the luxury watch industry in recent years is

"Interchangeable Straps"

This "interchangeable strap" is a convenient mechanism that allows you to easily change straps without tools, and luxury watch brands such as Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet are all rushing to introduce it.

So, in this article, we will introduce the functions, advantages and disadvantages of the currently popular "interchangeable straps," as well as the models that are equipped with them. This will also be helpful when choosing a watch, so please read to the end!

What are “interchangeable straps”?

This mechanism, which allows you to change the strap without tools, is actually not new; it has been around for several decades.

However, because it was so easily removable, most of them were simply attached to the case, and it was hard to say that they were very sturdy. However, when Vacheron Constantin, one of the world's three major watch brands, installed this highly sturdy mechanism in their flagship model, the Overseas, it suddenly attracted attention and began to be widely recognized.

Also, with the advent of the Apple Watch, it became commonplace for users to easily replace and adjust straps themselves, and this became widely recognized by the general public.

merit and demerit

merit

The biggest advantage is that anyone can easily change the strap. Previously, you had to use special tools to change the strap, and there was a risk of damaging the watch if you did it wrong, so most people would take it to the store where they bought it and ask a professional to do it for them. However, now that you can change the strap with just one touch, it seems that it is now more commonly seen as a fashion item, with people changing the strap to suit their mood that day.

Demerit

On the other hand, there is a disadvantage in that you can only replace the straps with those that are specific to each model, so you have to buy from the ones sold at official stores, which reduces the degree of freedom a little. However, each luxury watch brand is increasing the variety of straps every year, so if you don't have any strong preferences, there is now a sufficient lineup. If you are interested, we recommend that you check with an official store.

Introducing our recommended models!!

From here, we will introduce some recommended models from among the watches that use "interchangeable straps."

① [Vacheron Constantin] "Overseas" "Ref. 4500V"

The Ref. 4500V is the third generation of the Overseas, which evolved in 2016.

There have been various updates from the previous model, but what really caught my attention was the inclusion of an "interchangeable strap." There is a lever on the back of the case, which makes it easy to change straps. To make the most of this mechanism, the watch comes with one rubber strap, one leather strap, and one buckle. The metal bracelet that is integrated with the case is of course good, but changing to a leather strap or rubber strap will completely change the impression.

② [Audemars Piguet] "Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph" "Ref. 26420CE.OO.A127CR.01"

The new model released in 2021 is the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph "Ref. 26420CE.OO.A127CR.01".

The Royal Oak Offshore was renewed in 2021, and was updated to a model equipped with an "interchangeable strap." In addition to the gold-stitched leather strap, this model also comes with a rubber strap. We recommend choosing the leather for dressy occasions and the rubber for casual occasions to create a different look.

③ [Cartier] "Santos de Cartier" "Ref. CRWSSA0061"

The new model "Santos de Cartier" "Ref. CRWSSA0061" released in 2023.

Cartier uses a system called the "Quick Switch System" that allows you to easily put on and take off the strap by pressing a button at the base of the strap. Not only that, but the "Smart Link System" allows you to adjust the bracelet links with just one touch, making it a very practical system.

④ [Hublot] "Big Bang Unico Titanium Ceramic " "Ref. 421.NM.1170.RX"

The new model "Big Bang Unico Titanium Ceramic" released in 2023 "Ref. 421.NM.1170.RX".

Hublot is one of the first brands to adopt "interchangeable straps," making them a pioneer in the luxury watch industry. This model does not come with a replacement strap by default, but there is a wide variety of replacement straps available, and you can see what they will look like after the replacement on their website. It may be a good idea to first find your favorite strap that matches your watch before considering purchasing one.

summary

"Interchangeable straps" have recently become an indispensable feature in the luxury watch industry, and their presence is growing. There is no doubt that being able to easily change straps will greatly expand the enjoyment of watches. If you are interested in this feature and are thinking of looking for one, don't forget to check how many types of interchangeable straps there are!

I hope that after reading this article, you will become interested in luxury watches.

see you!