Rethinking Straps for Precious Metal Watches

It’s a common assumption among watch collectors and enthusiasts that a precious metal watch—be it platinum, white gold, or even yellow gold—demands an equally rare, luxurious strap. Often, people fall into the mindset that the strap must reflect the value of the watch itself, and so naturally reach for crocodile, ostrich, or lizard leather. Yet, is this pairing always necessary?

In reality, unless you wear a suit daily or regularly attend formal events, an exotic strap can feel excessive. After all, wearing a crocodile strap while running errands or handling daily tasks can be impractical, both from a style and durability standpoint. Making a precious metal watch your daily companion means keeping it versatile and comfortable, and that often means looking beyond traditional exotics.

Here are three examples of platinum and white gold watches beautifully paired with everyday straps that are practical, yet undeniably elegant:

• Credor white gold case with a blue Togo leather strap: Togo leather, typically seen on leather goods, has a fine, subtle texture and rich colour. On a white gold Credor, it adds a thoughtful pop of colour and modern touch while keeping the overall look refined.

• Vacheron Constantin platinum case with a green Alran strap: Alran leather, known for its supple feel and vibrant hues, offers comfort and style. Its unique grain serve as a tasteful counterpoint to the bold statement of platinum, striking balance between luxury and day-to-day wearability.

• Patek Philippe 5140g platinum case with brown Epsom straps: Epsom leather, known for its structured texture, distinctive pattern, and resistance to marks, keeps things understated without sacrificing sophistication. The pairing of platinum and textured brown Epsom adds warmth, making one of the world’s most prestigious metals approachable enough for daily use.

These combinations show that you don’t need crocodile or alligator for an elegant match. Modern leathers in rich colours and textures elevate the style of precious metal watches, while avoiding unnecessary formality for daily wear.

Custom Watch Straps to go with Signed Buckle

One thing worth noting is that you’ll always want to pair a precious metal watch with its original signed buckle. For many, the branded buckle is more integral to the watch’s identity than even the strap itself—especially compared to vintage watches, where originality is highly prized. While our standard straps are available in 16 or 18 mm buckle widths, our custom strap program offers a wide range of buckle widths to accommodate your watch’s branded buckle. We can also fit straps with a curved spring bar for watches with extra short lugs, ensuring a perfect fit and preserving the integrity of your timepiece.

Ultimately, the pairing of case and strap should reflect the owner's lifestyle and taste, not simply the monetary value of the materials. The luxury of a precious metal watch lies in its craftsmanship and timelessness—it doesn’t require a rare strap to prove its worth.