Once you know the width of your strap, the next step is to choose the material for the loop. This small ring holds the free end of the strap against your wrist: it needs to last, go with the strap and stand up to the way you use your watch. Here are the five materials available at Passant-Montre and the situations each one suits.
Silicone loops
Silicone is the most common material for sports straps and smartwatch straps. Flexible and soft to the touch, a silicone loop stretches slightly to fit the strap, which makes it easier to fit. Water is no problem for it, and it cleans easily with soapy water after a workout or a swim.
It is the natural choice for a silicone or rubber strap, on a sports watch as much as on a smartwatch. Indeed, most of the loops made for Garmin, Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, Amazfit, Suunto, Polar or Fitbit models are silicone. The wide range of colours lets you match the exact shade of the strap or, on the contrary, go for a contrast.
Plastic loops
Firmer than silicone, a plastic loop holds its shape well. It is particularly well suited to plastic or resin straps, which are found on many everyday watches. Like silicone, it copes with water and cleans with soapy water.
It is a simple, economical way to replace a broken loop on a mass-produced watch. Casio G-Shock owners will also find loops compatible with the distinctive shape of their straps.
Synthetic leather loops
Synthetic leather has the look of leather while remaining affordable. It suits the leather or faux-leather straps of classic watches, as well as smartwatches fitted with a leather-style strap. It is ideal for giving a smart finish back to a watch you wear every day, without investing in a new strap.
A slightly damp cloth is all you need to clean it. Avoid leaving it to soak: it is less suited than silicone to water sports.
Genuine leather loops
A genuine leather loop is intended for dress watches and quality leather straps. It develops a patina over time, just like the strap it accompanies, and keeps a harmony of material that synthetic leather cannot quite match. The widths available cover both the slim straps of women's watches and wide straps.
Choose the colour closest to that of the strap: black or various shades of brown depending on the model. Like all leather, it prefers to stay dry; wipe it if it gets wet and let it dry naturally.
Steel loops
A stainless steel loop is designed first and foremost for NATO straps and nylon straps. Rigid and durable, it does not rust and is water-resistant. It adds a metallic touch that can echo the buckle or case of the watch: silver, black or gold depending on the model.
On a NATO strap, you can also match the colour of the loop to that of the buckle for a coordinated look. Wide-format steel loops are also available for thicker straps.
Matching the loop to the strap
As a general rule, the safest combination is the same material: silicone with silicone, leather with leather, steel with NATO or nylon. A loop in the same material ages at the same rate as the strap and offers the same flexibility. For colour, you have two options:
- Tone on tone: the loop blends into the strap for a discreet result.
- Contrast: a loop in another colour, or a steel loop on a fabric strap, gives the watch a personal touch.
Depending on how you use it: sport or everyday
- Sport, swimming, hiking: silicone or plastic, which cope with water and sweat and rinse clean easily. Steel is also a good choice on a NATO strap.
- Office and town: genuine or synthetic leather for a dressier look, or steel for an elegant note on a fabric strap.
- Smartwatch: start from the exact model of the watch, then choose the colour. Loops made for a specific model take the distinctive shape of its strap into account.
Before ordering, check the width of your strap with our guide Measuring the width of your watch strap. For fitting, follow the guide Replacing a watch strap loop.