Different Watch Clasps Explained: A Guide
If you’ve never had to replace your watch strap before, you may be surprised to find out that there are a multitude of clasps and fastenings available, from the subtly simple to the extravagantly ornate. Picking the one that best suits you is a matter of personal preference, but there are some things to take into consideration before making that final decision.
This handy guide will hopefully break down the differences between the type of watch clasps available, from how they’re constructed to how they work, to the practical reason behind why they were designed for in the first place!
In This Guide
Tang Buckles
Instantly recognisable, the tang buckle is reminiscent of a belt buckle and can be found on most leather watch straps out-of-the-box. Endlessly versatile, they can be constructed from precious metals, stainless steel, aluminium or plastic and their design ranges from the clean and contemporary to classic and dressy.
Deployant Clasps
Also known as deployment clasps, these were thought up by legendary watchmaker Louis Cartier and have been a staple of luxury watch design for over 100 years. The clasp creates an unbroken watch strap that ‘clicks’ into place when closed to ensure your timepiece stays in place. Some have push buttons on either side of the clasp to make buckling/unbuckling easy, convenient and extra secure – you have to hold down both buttons simultaneously for the clasp to open, which can only really be done deliberately. Do be aware: this design tends to suit a larger timepiece and can look bulky on slim straps.
Part of the deployant clasp family, a butterfly clasp watch strap employs two hinges which unfold in opposite directions to open up the strap, allowing the wearer to slide off the watch whilst keeping the strap unbroken. The streamlined mechanics of the clasp remain almost invisible on most metal watch straps, creating a clean unbroken look while the watch is being worn. This makes them perfect for dress and luxury watches. These clasps can also come with push-button release mechanisms for added security.
Folding Clasps
Used almost exclusively on metal watch straps, you will no doubt have seen these on a number of timepieces from Tag Heuer to Seiko. The clasp is split into sections that fold over each other, before locking into place to keep the strap secure via resistance. Some even have an extra safety catch that ensures the clasp remains in place, even under the most strenuous of activities.
These are very much staples of sports watches, from diving to golf – especially when employed with the extra safety catch.
Divers Extension Clasps
As seen on the Rolex Submariner, this feature is an evolution on the standard folding clasp design which is extremely practical for anyone who likes to spend their spare time hitting the waves or exploring the depths of the sea. The clasp can be extended to increase the size of the watch strap so it sits comfortably on top of a wetsuit. A simple addition that’s incredibly handy – the last thing you want to be thinking about when exploring wrecks off the coast is whether your watch is going to pop off your wrist.
Jewellery Clasps
A classic design which, as one can deduce from the name, suits a more jewellery style watch strap. You’ll already be familiar with the design from non-watch bracelets, as it features a hinged clasp on one side of the strap and an open link on the other side for the clasp to slide through. Once the clasp has been pushed through, it closes securely keeping the strap in place. It’s elegant, it’s simple and it’s sturdy. Perfect for women's watches, especially dressier designs.
Hook & Loop Watch Straps
A one-piece watch strap with a built-in clasp – obscenely easy to use. Just pull the strap through the loop, tighten the strap, let the hooks and loops connect and hold the watch in place. Most commonly used by the military or on a child’s first watch they’re simple and quick to get on and off (with little fiddling needed) whilst being great at staying in place. They’ve also seen their popularity soar since Apple included them as an option on their range of sports smartwatches.
They also typically come in a range of vibrant colours and the material they’re constructed from suits sports/heavy exercise due to how easy it is to keep them clean.
So there you have it – there are a selection of clasps for you to go through before making that all important decision and each clasp very much has its own benefits. There isn’t one universal “goes with absolutely everything” clasp so consider your watch, consider when and where you wear it and think about which clasp is right for you.
Don’t forget to check out our fitting guide for step-by-step instructions on how to fit your new watch clasp, whichever design you choose.