When it comes to watch bands, there are a lot of choices. Some are made from materials like leather, metal, silicone, or fabric.
A little bit of knowledge can go a long way when it comes to properly caring for your timepieces. And that’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 10 mistakes that many watch enthusiasts make.
1. You’re Wearing the Wrist Size That’s Designed for Someone Else’s Wrist Size
You probably don’t think about it very often, but when you wear a watch strap that’s designed for someone else’s wrist size, it can cause discomfort and damage your watch. It can also look sloppy and make it difficult to read the time. So, to avoid these problems, here are some tips for choosing the right bracelet size for your wrist.
Use a string, ribbon, or floss to measure your wrist circumference. Wrap it around your wrist so that it’s snug but not tight, and then pinch the spot where it crisscrosses the starting point to find your bracelet size. Be sure to choose a spot that isn’t too close to your pinky so that you get an accurate measurement.
It seems like a no-brainer that when you buy a watch, it should fit you and only you. However, sometimes this doesn’t always happen. Some people make the mistake of buying a watch because it appeals to them or they’ve heard good things about it from other people. While it’s fine to listen to other opinions and recommendations, it’s important that you decide whether a watch is the right one for you.
Another mistake that people often make is not taking the time to clean their watch bands before sliding in new spring bars or watch straps. This can cause them to leave scratches on the crown or case back of their watch. To prevent this from happening, you should spray a little Windex or other glass cleaner into the holes where you’ll be sliding in your spring bar to clean the surface before you slide them in.
It’s no secret that Patek Philippe watches have high production standards, so it might seem surprising that a mistake could slip through the cracks, but it really can happen. For example, this Air King 116900 accidentally has a “9” instead of a “3” at 3 o’clock. While it may not be the most glaring mistake ever made, it’s still an interesting error to note.
2. You’re Not Wearing the Right Size
You walk into a store to buy a new watch band and are asked by the sales associate what your wrist size is. You give the right answer and make your purchase, but then you get home and realize that the new strap is too big on your wrist. This is a common problem that can be easily avoided by measuring your wrist before making the purchase.
Measuring your wrist size might seem like a mundane task, but it is one of the most important factors when it comes to purchasing a watch strap. It’s also a very easy mistake to make, especially when you’re in a hurry and simply don’t have the time to measure your wrist. This mistake can lead to a lot of frustration and wasted money, so it’s important to take the time to measure your wrist before you buy any accessories for your watch.
The best way to measure your wrist is with a flexible tape measure. You can use a regular thin metal tape measure that you’d find in your toolbox, or you can use a more flexible cloth type used by tailors. Wrap the tape measure around your wrist just below the bone and read the measurement where the end of the tape overlaps with the 0 mark at the top of the tape.
If you don’t have a flexible tape measure, you can also use a piece of string or a piece of paper. Just make sure that the string or paper is long enough to measure around your wrist, and don’t pull it tight or twist your arm while you’re measuring. This can affect the accuracy of your reading.
Once you’ve measured your wrist, you can refer to the size chart for your specific watch to determine which band width is right for you. Alternatively, you can also check the size of your old watch band to see if it is the right fit for you. If you’re using an old watch band, be sure to measure it between the lugs where the strap attaches to the watch (as shown in the image below). This method will give you a more accurate result because you can avoid measuring the area that has narrowed over time from wearing and stretching the strap.
3. Bulky and Overpowering
When it comes to watches and bracelets, one size definitely does not fit all. A watch that’s too large for your wrist can look bulky and overpowering, while a watch that’s too small may look awkward or cause uncomfortable rubbing on the skin.
While it’s tempting to simply buy a new watch or bracelet when you find one that you like, you could be missing out on the opportunity to experiment with different styles and materials that would better suit your wrist size. There’s also the possibility that your watch or bracelet can be resized at an AD.
Luckily, there are simple ways to measure your wrist size without the need for a tape measure. For example, you can use a regular ruler or even a dollar bill. Just lay the flat item on a flat surface, then place your arm across it. Then, take one end of the item and wrap it around your wrist. Finally, measure the distance between where the item’s starting end touches the rest of the item (like on the back of the ruler) and where the other end of the item meets it.
You can also make a quick and easy makeshift tape measure using everyday objects such as shoelaces, USB cables or neckties. Just wrap them around your wrist and then count how many times they go around before reaching their ends, which will provide you with the measurement in inches or centimeters of your wrist circumference.
For an extra level of convenience, you can also purchase a bracelet or watch that is already fitted with the right band for your wrist size. Then, you can simply change the band if you want to give your watch or bracelet a whole new look.
While it may seem obvious, there are a lot of people who forget to properly measure their wrist size. It’s a simple mistake that can have a huge impact on the comfort and aesthetics of your watch or bracelet. So, next time you walk into a store or online to purchase a watch or bracelet, don’t make this silly mistake. Instead, learn how to measure your wrist correctly and shop for the perfect accessory to suit your style and wrist size.
4. The Wrong Watch Band
Watch bands are not just accessories – they’re personal expressions of love for materials, craftsmanship and the process of making. A well-made, perfectly fitting watch band is not just comfortable and practical, but it also adds a final touch of beauty to the look of your watch.
Getting your watch strap size right is vital to ensure that it fits correctly and comfortably, without causing skin irritation or damaging the delicate watch movement. A watch strap that’s too tight can lead to wrist pain, while one that’s too loose can cause the watch to damage or rip.
The best way to determine the correct watch bracelet size is to measure the circumference of your wrist. Wrap a flexible measuring tape or piece of string around your wrist just above the wrist bone and take note of the measurement in inches or centimeters. This will give you the precise wrist size that the watch band needs to be designed for.
Aside from the proper bracelet length, another important factor to consider when changing your watch band is the lug width. This refers to the distance between the end of the lug and the first link on the watch band. This will help you determine how many watch links need to be removed for a perfect fit.
When replacing a watch strap, it’s important to use a screwdriver that is the right size for your watch’s screws. Otherwise, you might accidentally remove the wrong screw and damage your watch. Also, make sure to save all of the parts you remove, including the watch pins and possible ferrules, and keep them in a small parts tray or cup to prevent losing them.
This is an especially common mistake made by new Apple Watch owners who have never replaced their watch strap before. Apple quickly fixed this problem by allowing customers to return just the strap for their Apple Watch, but even then, they still don’t let everyone do so consistently. This means that if you’re not careful when swapping your watch strap, you might be stuck with the wrong one for a long time.
