You might have thought that watchmaking brands mostly focus on watch dials and their complications when designing a watch concept. This is actually only partially true. Watch bracelets are as important for watch designers as their mechanisms, dials, and features. And it’s not me just saying this; it’s the watch creators themselves. I have previously read on several occasions that during the creation of a watch concept, designers invest all the creativity they possess in “drawing” the right bracelet. This one has not only to be comfortable but to also catch the public’s attention. And if you only take a minute to observe every watch’s bracelet, it’s likely that you can discover a whole philosophy in it.
Be honest with yourself: how important is the watch bracelet to you, when it comes to buying a new watch? Is it the first thing to look at when you look for a new timepiece? Most probably, no. The majority of watch enthusiasts pay attention to the functionalities of the watch and to the overall design. And only rarely, to the bracelet as a separate detail, right? And while the bracelet design is more of a personal taste matter, I still think that some of them can’t be just ignored, no matter how specific your taste is. Here are those that I just can’t avoid mentioning. And even if some of them don’t necessarily refer to the latest releases in the horological realm, be sure that all of them remain at the top of watch lovers’ preferences. Some models are simply timeless, others are trendy just for this moment. Either way, their design, and concept speak about unimaginable creativity that can’t remain without attention.
The 9 best watches bracelets
#1: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Bracelet
To begin with, I recommend you consider the Royal Oak bracelets’ design, especially the Jumbo one. While all the watches from this series came with spectacular bracelets, the Jumbo version has something indeed alluring in it. I remember seeing the ad for this watch a decade ago, or so. In those times, I was far from knowing so many things about watches and their specifications. So, terms like “brushed and polished surfaces”, not to mention “caliber and movement” were like Chinese terms for me. Still, the ad captured my attention and I just couldn’t get it out of my head. I know you might think that “that’s what an ad must do: catch attention”. But it wasn’t about the ad, it was about the watch and its satin-like surfaces and smoothly polished angles.
Without any doubt, the octagonal bezel was also an amazing feature that couldn’t leave me ignorant. And the bracelet… it was all about a specific charm. The charm comes from the perfect combination that the bracelet represents for the watch case. The specific construction and design of the bracelet make it stand out from other Royal Oaks. And even if this bracelet model is a little bit thicker than the previous ones (pre-2012) I find it elegant, strong, and masculine, all in one.
#2: Breguet Marine
I discovered the beauty of this watch bracelet by pure accident. Breguet Marine watches had been available in the industry long before we first received their replica versions at the AAAReplica store. I had known a couple of things about this Breguet collection but never went much into detail about it. When we received the Marine replica release for the first time, I couldn’t believe it. I just couldn’t take my eyes away from these watches, particularly due to their bracelets. The dials of Breguet Marine imitations were looking fabulous, I can’t deny. But, I was so familiar with beautiful dials that these ones didn’t impact me the way that the bracelets did.
I took the replica and contemplated the bracelet’s beauty for about ten minutes. I then googled the genuine model trying to compare my imitation with the authentic version, at least through pictures. At that moment I thought “How could I miss this beauty from my radar?” Luckily, our replica manufacturers have done a great job with this model. Both the bracelet and the dial look incredibly well-manufactured, imitating the genuine version greatly. While the basic links from the bracelet feature a brushed finishing effect, the inner links have a perfect polishing, matching perfectly the user ring of the watch bezel. Some might find this bracelet mediocre. But let me tell you that is until you get to see this watch in your hands. When you have it and you feel its texture transcending from soft to abrasive surface in the most pleasant way, you’ll discover how valuable it actually is.
#3: Patek Philippe Nautilus
I’m sure you know that the Nautilus line is all beauty and charm. This refers not only to its bracelet but to the overall appeal of the collection. If you are new to the watch hobby, just take a look at the Patek Philippe Nautilus collection from our store to discover what watch perfection means.
And for the Nautilus bracelet in particular, most probably you won’t want another bracelet on your wrist, once you “taste” this one. The point is that Patek Philippe has integrated both comfort and a phenomenal look into its bracelets. As a result, these feel not only “home” on your wrist, but also look spectacularly elegant.
If it is to compare the Nautilus bracelets with the Breguet Marine ones, I must say that Nautilus looks a little bit more casual, while the Breguet has a “severer” charisma. In addition, I must add that the previously-mentioned Royal Oak is visually more impacting the Nautilus. So, if your purpose is to make a statement when you enter the room, I would probably suggest Audemars Piguet. Nautilus is instead, a perfect formula for when you silently want to convey what a particular taste for watches you have.
#4: Omega Speedmaster
Watch enthusiasts adoring the Omega watchmaking brand recall it perfectly how the watch community criticized the previous Moonwatch series. By saying the “previous”, I particularly refer to the ’97-2020 releases. There were different factors in those releases causing frustration and critique. One of the factors referred to the Moonwatch bracelets which were introduced in far more generous sizes than expected. Maybe, if it was for another collection rather than the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, watch enthusiasts would have forgiven this error. But, for this collection, the bracelets turned out to be too bulky. I felt so sorry for the brand when reading the hundreds of comments on forums and posts stating against the new concept.
But, the great part of the story is that Omega is always responsive to the customers’ suggestions and feedback. So, instead of reinventing the wheel, OMEGA flipped through some of its previous collections to find something that had already been to the public’s liking. As a result, taking inspiration from the Apollo XI Professional Speedmaster introduced in 2019, it came up with more or less the same version in January 2021. Only that this time, it was a steel successor, unlike the previous gold homologue.
Personally, I have got both versions in my replica watch collection. I can’t say which one is better because both of them provide the same comfort feeling and amazing look.
#5: Cartier Santos
On the whole, the Santos line is the closest one to the public’s preferences. At least, in our replica store. Most of our users ask about the Santos line in particular when it’s about Cartier replica watches. And I intuit why: this collection combines versatility with luxury spirit so well that most watch enthusiasts don’t even need to have a second statement watch. A Cartier Santos timepiece on the wrist is more than enough to spread refinement around.
If referring to Cartier bracelets, I think you should stop your attention to Santos stainless steel models (as there are also leather versions). The genuine version was introduced in 1978 for the first time, so the watch comes with a little history. In fact, the bracelet you see in the picture has remained the same as the one from 1978. Well, it did undergo several iterations but all the changes were only made on the interior side, the outside remaining intact. And it’s obvious why: the typical screws on the bracelet links represent the main charm of the whole design. Particularly due to these screws, the watch gains a specific attractive vibe that you won’t find in any other watch.
If you want something more expressive than that, take a look at the Santos Galbee line. While the main watch concept is more or less the same, the Galbee comes with a higher dose of expression. The bracelet links are more domed and the case is slightly bender. On the whole, newer Cartier Santos watches are worth all the public attention. However, this classic has something that no other watch has, making it unique and timeless.
#6: Bvlgari Octo Finissimo
This collection of watches is wonderful in so many ways. The brand has risen in a fabulous way to the top of watch lovers’ preferences. Not that it was inferior to other brands before the Octo Finissimo release, but with the launch of this collection, the public got to know another facet of Bvlgari. To be honest, I like the bracelet version much more than the strap version. The bracelet of the watch extends the elegance and delicacy of the watch’s case. I just adore the silhouette of the Octo Finissimo combining straight and curved lines and I can easily see the same motif in the bracelet design.
I think that this watch is the best example of when the bracelet is just like a logical continuation of the watch case. At the same time, it’s hard to perceive the watch case’s beauty without considering the bracelet. And vice versa as well. That’s the asset of this model, actually, and that’s what the talent of a watchmaking brand looks like.
#7: Breitling Navitimer
This type of bracelet is perhaps one of the most complex in this listing. And indeed, Breitling doesn’t only build complex bracelets, but intricate watches as well. More than that, this brand “builds” history and that’s partially due to the fabulous CEO currently leading the company. Discover more here about the inspiring manager of Breitling to find out what are the pillars of the brand’s success.
Sorry for going away from the topic and I’m already getting back to our main subject. Why did I remark on Navitimer bracelets over other Breitling collections? Simply because these provide what a bracelet should provide by its nature: quality, style, and comfort. Any bracelet lacking at least one of these criteria can’t be considered a good option. Many other watchmaking brands have taken over this bracelet model. So, I don’t exclude you have seen it previously on other watches as well. Still, Breitling has a unique style and if you look at Breitling cases and bracelets as a whole, it’s impossible to confuse them with other brands’ watches. In most of the Navitimer models, the bracelet is the extension of the watch’s face intricacy.
This brand loves to include plenty of functions and indexes in the dials. And that’s what actually a pilot watch must have by the concept. But the distinctive part is that while many brands “reduce the volume” of a pilot watch by assembling it with a modest leather strap, Breitling has an opposing approach. It enhances the severity (in a good sense) of the watch dial with the help of a loud and expressive bracelet. As a result, here it is the Navitimer: a mature, sophisticated, and cultivated timepiece.
#8: Rolex Jubilee
I just couldn’t avoid mentioning this type of bracelet from the list. For most, the Jubilee bracelet is the epitome of luxury, sophistication, and premium standards. What can I say other than just I totally agree with it? The very first time a Jubilee bracelet appeared in the Rolex portfolio was in 1945. Just imagine how successful this bracelet concept is if it remains trendy and impressively attractive up till nowadays. Many watch enthusiasts can’t decide between this type and the President Rolex bracelet. Indeed, it’s a bit hard to decide in favor of one or another, considering that the President is no less relevant.
#9: President Rolex
According to statistics, though, the President remains to be the “king” among all types of watch bracelets. And after spending some time thinking about which one to opt for (comparing it with the jubilee), customers ultimately decide on the President one. This is because no other bracelet can provide the feeling that this one does. Also, because it has such a strong historical connotation, being associated with various U.S. Presidents. But, let me tell you that many watch lovers don’t feel like being “ready” for this type of bracelet. Turns out that it requires “maturation” to wear such a type of bracelet in order to resonate with it. That’s why most of those who love Rolex begin with wearing the Jubilee bracelet type until they get “mature” to wear a President type.