Commit TV Yagi Column ~《Series of Questions You Are Too Afraid to Ask Now Vol. 7》 [Introduction to Luxury Watches] Explaining the Features, Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Belts ~

Good evening everyone!

This week, we have a new series, In this new project, we will explain the basics of luxury watches in an easy-to-understand way, for those who are not very familiar with luxury watches and those who want to learn more about them.

This is the seventh time

[ Introduction to luxury watches ]: 『 Metal straps 』

There are many important parts in a watch, but the "strap" is one of the most important parts. You cannot change the design of the watch itself, but changing the "strap" can greatly change the overall impression of the watch. There are several types of "straps" such as metal, leather, and rubber, but this time we will focus on "metal straps".

We will provide an easy-to-understand explanation of the types, features, advantages, and disadvantages of metal belts, so if you want to know more about metal belts or are having trouble deciding between a metal belt or a leather belt, be sure to check this out.

What is a "metal belt"? Explaining its features

『 Metal belt 』=『 Bracelet 』

A "metal belt" is a wristwatch bracelet that is made by connecting small metal plates called links. Many watches use the same metal material as the case, such as stainless steel, gold, or platinum, for the bracelet. The size can be adjusted by adding or removing links; the fewer the number of links, the tighter the fit, and the more links, the looser the fit.

Advantages and disadvantages of "metal belts"

Next, we will introduce the advantages and disadvantages of metal belts.

Advantages of "Metal Belts"

The advantage of the "metal belt" is its excellent durability .

Metal straps are more resistant to shocks than leather or rubber straps, can be used for many years, and even if they get scratched, they can be repaired by replacing or polishing the links. They are resistant to sweat, water, and rust, and if the watch is waterproof, you can wash it with water. Basically, you can remove dirt by wiping it with a cloth, so they are easy to care for. They can also be combined with other metals such as stainless steel and yellow gold, and depending on the type and material, they can give a casual or formal impression.

Disadvantages of "metal belt"

Disadvantages of "metal belt" It has a sense of weight .

The weight of the links varies depending on whether they are hollow or solid, but those with hollow interiors and lighter weight are less durable, while those with solid interiors are heavier and therefore more durable. On the other hand, although they are durable, they are also more susceptible to scratches. Scratches can be removed by polishing, but since polishing involves scraping the surface of the metal, there is a limit to how many times it can be done, and the bracelet itself will become thinner. Also, materials such as gold and platinum are softer than metals such as stainless steel and titanium, so the strap may stretch over time.

List of types of "metal belts"

From here, we will explain the types of "metal belts".

" One-strand bracelet "

A "single-link bracelet" is a type in which each link is connected with a screw or spring bar. It is a design that gives a simple and stylish impression.

[ Representative model ]

[ H. Moser & Cie .] ' Streamliner '

" Three-strand bracelet "

The "3-link bracelet" is used on many watches. It is made by connecting three horizontal rows of links, and is called the "Oyster Bracelet" by Rolex. It has a more casual and sporty impression than the "5-link bracelet" and "7-link bracelet" described below, and is often used on sports models by various brands.

[ Representative model ]

[ Rolex ] " Daytona "

" Five-row bracelet "

A five-link bracelet is made up of five rows of links. At Rolex, it is called the Jubilee bracelet, and it fits the wrist better than a three-link bracelet, making it very comfortable to wear.

[ Representative model ]

[ Rolex ] " Datejust "

" 7-link bracelet "

The "7-link bracelet" is made by connecting seven horizontal rows of links. It has an even better fit than the "5-link bracelet." It has a more luxurious impression and is often used in models that are easy to match with formal clothing and business scenes.

[ Representative model ]

[ Vacheron Constantin ] " Fifty Six "

" Mesh bracelet "

A mesh bracelet is a type of bracelet made of woven metal grains. Also known as a Milanese bracelet, it was popular around the 1950s and has a strong vintage or antique feel. It is often used when recreating past reproduction models.

[ Representative model ]

[ Omega ] " Seamaster 300 "

summary

We have explained the characteristics and types of "metal belts". What do you think?

A convenient "belt" that can be changed to give a different impression. I think you can see that there are many different types of "metal belts" that we introduced this time. Also, not only the design but also the comfort when actually wearing it is an important point, so please use it as a reference when choosing a bracelet.

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

see you!