The 5 best fabric strap watches to buckle up this summer
From supersoft cashmere to recycled nylon, these are the best summer straps — and the watches they buckle up…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Summer calls for style shake-ups. Your shoes become slip-on, your suiting looks to linen and your daily dressing unzips, de-layers and thins out. The heat must be beaten — and your wardrobe is the first line of defence.
Watches are no different. Whatever you buckled up over winter likely won’t work as well come summer. Leather straps are thick, and will stick to your wrists with sweat. Even metal bracelets can easily get uncomfortably hot in the sun. So instead, we turn to fabrics.
From NATO-inspired nylon straps to eco-friendly fabric bands woven from ECONYL, here are five of the finest material-mounted timepieces for summer…
For frequent fliers, Chopard L.U.C XP
What’s the strap made from? Lined with alligator leather, the L.U.C XP’s blue fabric strap is crafted from soft, supple cashmere. Matching those sapphire hands and statement numerals, it’s a soft-touch treat.
Why else is it perfect for summer? Like the strap itself, this Chopard model is suited to travelling. Soft and unobtrusive on the wrist, the case itself is also compact and comfortable; thanks to the original ultra-thin automatic movement.
For deep dives, Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight
What’s the strap made from? Woven from nylon, Tudor’s NATO-inspired fabric straps are the stuff of watchmaking legend. Tightly woven and hard-wearing, they combine practicality and quality in inimitable style.
Why else is it perfect for summer? Just look at it; as blue as the ocean, Tudor’s Black Bay Fifty-Eight was made to dive. And, not only will its colours look at home below the waves, it is also waterproof to 200 metres below sea level.
For planet savers and holidaymakers, Breitling Superocean Heritage Ocean Conservancy Limited Edition
What’s the strap made from? An exceedingly innovative and fairly new fabric; ECONYL. This sustainable nylon yarn is repurposed from waste, including old fishing nets, to ensure a renewable, eco-friendly watch band.
Why else is it perfect for summer? As well as leading the fight against ocean pollution, Breitling’s bright blue chronograph has other summery credentials. Among them, 200 metre water resistance and a calendar for keeping track of your holiday days.
For hot, dry heat, IWC Big Pilot’s Watch ‘Mojave Desert’ Edition
What’s the strap made from? This is an interesting one. Whereas the Chopard above saw cashmere sit on rubber, IWC’s ‘Mojave Desert’ edition timepiece sees a nylon textile inlay sit on a hardy beige rubber band.
Why else is it perfect for summer? The blue watches above may remind you of the sea, but sand is just as crucial a component of a good summer holiday. IWC’s fetchingly faded design looks like it was baked in the scorching sun — and makes for a perfect understated summer option.
For summer adventures, Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
What’s the strap made from? Years and years of hardy, military service. Or, more specifically, nylon. Hamilton’s rugged, resilient leather-trimmed NATO strap is the ideal band to see you through a summer full of adventure.
Why else is it perfect for summer? The watch itself is also ultra-reliable (with an ultra-readable dial). With a sandblasted stainless steel case — and a power reserve of up to 80 hours — this robust watch is as sturdy as its strap.
Want more watches for 2021? These are the best green watches to spring from the current green trend…
Become a Gentleman’s Journal member. Find out more here.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
Further reading
From vision to masterpiece: Charting the personalised journey of a bespoke Swaine creation
Longines' triple drop of Legend Divers celebrates 65 years of expertise
