The short of the idea for the thread:
Describe your favorite buckles or clasps for two piece straps.
(To keep it manageable since there's a lot of different systems used on one-piece straps.)
(And hopefully I'm not overlooking a similar-enough competing thread.)
EDIT: Err, I am.
www.watchuseek.com
But I suppose we'll call this thread and updated and expanded/inclusive thread, or if nothing else, my explanation of an aftermarket solution for the "strap on the inside" deployant clasp-style that hasn't been discussed much before, if at all.
My longer version:
Strap journey:
Like many, I've enjoyed exploring different bracelets and straps in addition to watches.
Back when, the Tudor BB distressed leather strap inspired me to explore similar alternatives.
I soon realized that softness and relative thinness were important qualities (toward comfort) for me, especially for leather straps.
Add affordability onto my heap of criteria.
It seems to me that folks eventually find a preferred leather strap maker. For me, it was Martu straps. They check off all my likes (distressed, soft + thin = comfortable, affordable).
Butterfly deployant clasp journey:
After I acquired a bunch of two-piece leather and fabric straps, I realized that I don't like the "balance on your ribs" step in securing a buckle.
After some research into alternatives, it seemed deployant clasps were the alternative way to go.
At the time, I was only seeing butterfly deployant clasps.
I tried a few different affordable options out. I found a few to have hot spots or were otherwise uncomfortable, with a lot of metal touching the skin with this clasp type.
I eventually discovered an affordable butterfly deployant on Amazon that was relatively comfortable. And while it came polished, it was simple enough to brush the clasp if so desired. (Though it seems they've since come out with a matte silver version [emoji106])
I ended up buying a bunch of them over time (basically one for every leather or fabric strap that I had).
![Image]()
"Strap on the inside" deployant clasp journey:
I recently learned about a different sort of two-piece clasp type, where one of the two strap sides tucks under the wrist (on the inside of the clasp).
I heard it was a very comfortable solution since very little metal contacts the wrist.
I'm still newer to this strap type, so I don't know too much about it's history.
But I've seen references to it as a Breitling-style, Omega-style, and Christopher Ward Bader-style deployant clasp.
I found a few affordable alternatives on Amazon and decided to give a brushed one a try. Most of my straps taper from 20mm (at the lugs) to 18mm (at the buckle), or 18mm to 16mm. So I decided to start with an 18mm clasp.
I had an old Martu leather strap laying around that I was willing to experiment on.
After orienting myself with some pictures of similar clasps online, I figured out that one side attaches with a spring bar. The other side is slid in (I had to fold my strap at the sides a bit to get it within the tabs that help secure it) and then the desired hole (for length) is pressed down on the small raised circular part to further secure it.
Since this clasp style obviates the need for any keepers, I removed the one sliding keeper on my strap. The other keeper was permanently mounted near where the buckle originally was. I cut it in half with scissors, took an X-Acto knife to the "pocket" into which it was glued, ripped it out, and then resealed the "pocket" with some super glue.
Here's the end product:
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
While I imagine specific to this particular variant of this style of clasp, some elements of the hardware seem like they put some wear on the strap (the keeper tabs can be a bit harsh to the side/top of the strap during installation, and the end of the metal tracks seem to indent the strap a bit in one place. And it seems like this one shortens the strap length (I'm on the last hole, which fortunately fits, but you may need to do a little bit more planning as to your strap's length when contemplating use of this clasp).
But more importantly, this is undoubtedly the most comfortable clasp I've yet tried [emoji119]
So while a bit more involved of an option than a butterfly deployant clasp (in particular, it may require some strap modding if you want to do away with non-sliding/permanent keepers), I think it's currently my favorite system.
All that said, what do you all like best as far as buckles and clasps go for two-piece straps?
Describe your favorite buckles or clasps for two piece straps.
(To keep it manageable since there's a lot of different systems used on one-piece straps.)
(And hopefully I'm not overlooking a similar-enough competing thread.)
EDIT: Err, I am.
Favorite deployant
What's a good affordable, non-butterfly deployant to try? I don't have much experience with deployants. Didn't much care for the butterfly on my Tissot, but I love the design, feel, and function of the JR one on my new Terrascope. I'd love to find something like it for my other favorite leather...
www.watchuseek.com
But I suppose we'll call this thread and updated and expanded/inclusive thread, or if nothing else, my explanation of an aftermarket solution for the "strap on the inside" deployant clasp-style that hasn't been discussed much before, if at all.
My longer version:
Strap journey:
Like many, I've enjoyed exploring different bracelets and straps in addition to watches.
Back when, the Tudor BB distressed leather strap inspired me to explore similar alternatives.
I soon realized that softness and relative thinness were important qualities (toward comfort) for me, especially for leather straps.
Add affordability onto my heap of criteria.
It seems to me that folks eventually find a preferred leather strap maker. For me, it was Martu straps. They check off all my likes (distressed, soft + thin = comfortable, affordable).
Butterfly deployant clasp journey:
After I acquired a bunch of two-piece leather and fabric straps, I realized that I don't like the "balance on your ribs" step in securing a buckle.
After some research into alternatives, it seemed deployant clasps were the alternative way to go.
At the time, I was only seeing butterfly deployant clasps.
I tried a few different affordable options out. I found a few to have hot spots or were otherwise uncomfortable, with a lot of metal touching the skin with this clasp type.
I eventually discovered an affordable butterfly deployant on Amazon that was relatively comfortable. And while it came polished, it was simple enough to brush the clasp if so desired. (Though it seems they've since come out with a matte silver version [emoji106])
I ended up buying a bunch of them over time (basically one for every leather or fabric strap that I had).
"Strap on the inside" deployant clasp journey:
I recently learned about a different sort of two-piece clasp type, where one of the two strap sides tucks under the wrist (on the inside of the clasp).
I heard it was a very comfortable solution since very little metal contacts the wrist.
I'm still newer to this strap type, so I don't know too much about it's history.
But I've seen references to it as a Breitling-style, Omega-style, and Christopher Ward Bader-style deployant clasp.
I found a few affordable alternatives on Amazon and decided to give a brushed one a try. Most of my straps taper from 20mm (at the lugs) to 18mm (at the buckle), or 18mm to 16mm. So I decided to start with an 18mm clasp.
16-18-20mm Deployment Buckle Band Clasp Compatible with Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Strap | Amazon.com
Buy 16-18-20mm Deployment Buckle Band Clasp Compatible with Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Strap and other Watch Bands at Amazon.com. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns.
www.amazon.com
I had an old Martu leather strap laying around that I was willing to experiment on.
After orienting myself with some pictures of similar clasps online, I figured out that one side attaches with a spring bar. The other side is slid in (I had to fold my strap at the sides a bit to get it within the tabs that help secure it) and then the desired hole (for length) is pressed down on the small raised circular part to further secure it.
Since this clasp style obviates the need for any keepers, I removed the one sliding keeper on my strap. The other keeper was permanently mounted near where the buckle originally was. I cut it in half with scissors, took an X-Acto knife to the "pocket" into which it was glued, ripped it out, and then resealed the "pocket" with some super glue.
Here's the end product:
While I imagine specific to this particular variant of this style of clasp, some elements of the hardware seem like they put some wear on the strap (the keeper tabs can be a bit harsh to the side/top of the strap during installation, and the end of the metal tracks seem to indent the strap a bit in one place. And it seems like this one shortens the strap length (I'm on the last hole, which fortunately fits, but you may need to do a little bit more planning as to your strap's length when contemplating use of this clasp).
But more importantly, this is undoubtedly the most comfortable clasp I've yet tried [emoji119]
So while a bit more involved of an option than a butterfly deployant clasp (in particular, it may require some strap modding if you want to do away with non-sliding/permanent keepers), I think it's currently my favorite system.
All that said, what do you all like best as far as buckles and clasps go for two-piece straps?
