Watch buckles Bracelets and watch buckles

The pin buckle, the most classic on watch bands

Whether it's leather, steel, rubber or nylon, one thing is for sure, the watch strap fits its buckle. And while the most common is the pin buckle, there are other closure systems. To be fair, the pin buckle fits all kinds of leather, rubber or nylon bracelets, except those made of metal. It is the same type of buckle as on belts, with a buckle on one side of the bracelet and a metal pin on the other. The latter slides through the holes of the bracelet to fit the wrist of the owner of the watch. Its main advantage is moreover to offer the possibility to perfectly adjust the size of the bracelet. A pin buckle adopts different shapes, can be engraved, often with the initials of the watch brand on an original bracelet, or even the accessory manufacturer when it works in the high-end sector. In steel or aluminum, polished or brushed, shiny or matte, gold-plated or black PVD, the pin buckle comes in a wide variety of shapes and materials, to match the strap, but also the style of watch it will accompany: aviator, classic, vintage, sport-chic, etc. The famous NATO bracelet is actually equipped with a pin buckle itself, to which are added loops.

Folding buckles and ratchet clasps

Other systems equip watch bands, and this is particularly the case of deploying buckles, whether single or double - and in the latter case called "butterfly buckles". One thing is for sure, with them, the strap stays attached to the wrist and the watch does not risk falling off, even if the mechanism is opened untimely. The single folding clasp deploys and folds around a V-shaped hinge and is operated with a push-button. Made of steel or another metal, such as gold or silver, it is suitable for metal watch bands, but not exclusively. Sporty models often incorporate an additional security system, which locks the clasp. The butterfly clasp, or double deployant, works on the same principle, with one major difference: it is composed of not one but two joints. This buckle, whose closing system is hidden under the strap once it is closed, is particularly appreciated for its discretion. Including that, moreover, of the two small buttons that allow its handling. For its part, the clip clasp - or ratchet - in a way copies the model of the folding clasp. With one nuance, the clasp is clipped onto the bracelet by pressing. This system, even if it is not the most common, is perfectly suited to metal bracelets when the buckle merges with their links. Finally, a last buckle can come to garnish a watch strap and it is the slide clasp, a ratchet clasp improved once it is possible to adjust the size of the bracelet.