12 Watch Clasp and Watch Band Fastening Mechanisms You Should Know

Today we will be exploring the world of watch bands and taking a closer look at how they are fastened and locked. The way a watch band is secured is important not just for its functionality, but also for the watch's overall style. Various types of watch buckles are commonly used to secure watch bands, each with its unique closure mechanism. Throughout this discussion, we'll explore the different types of watch buckles and how they're used to fasten a watch band, giving you a better understanding of this essential component of your timepiece.

Watch band fastening can be a very beautiful mechanism, image courtesy of Patek Philippe.

Watch bands can be fastened in several ways, but two of the most common methods are using a watch buckle paired with strap keepers or the watch clasp itself alone, which is more commonly found in metal watch bands. A watch buckle is a clasp that's attached to the end of the watch band, securing the band around your wrist. Pin buckles, deployment buckles, and fold-over buckles are the most commonly used types of watch buckles, each with its unique way of fastening the band. Strap keepers, on the other hand, are small loops that are sewn onto the watch band to keep the loose end in place, which is more commonly found in leather watch straps. They come in different materials, shapes, and sizes and are particularly useful for watch bands with excess length. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be able to choose the right fastening mechanism to keep your watch securely on your wrist and looking great.

The Most Commonly Used Watch Band Fastening Mechanism is the Watch Buckle

When watch lovers add new watches to their collections, they pay attention to the feel or look of the watch, and sometimes, even the straps while the buckles are overlooked. Buckles seem like the most insignificant part of a wristwatch which is why they are easily left. On the contrary, they are actually the most important component of a watch as they secure the watch to your wrist; provide rooms for length adjustment and of course the finishing touch.

Let's just refer to buckles as the icing on the cake. This article will discuss the various types of buckles fastening available and the kinds of straps that they might soothe. So, the next time you want to get a watch, you would know that the buckles are just as important as choosing features and designs.

If you have a lot of watches, you may notice that some of your watches have different buckles - except you like a particular type. There are different types of watch buckles and these buckles can be classified into four categories, consisting of 12 types.

12 Types of Watch Band Fastening Mechanisms

Pin Buckle

1. Pin Buckles + Strap keepers on leather/rubber watch band
2. Pin Buckles + Strap keepers on Nato watch strap
3. Ladder lock Pin Buckles + Strap keepers on Perlon watch strap

Deployment Buckle / Deployant Clasp

4. Deployment Buckles - two ways butterfly on leather/rubber watch band
5. Deployment Buckles - one way butterfly on leather/rubber watch band
6. Deployment Buckles - two way butterfly on metal watch bracelet

Diver Clasps

7. Diver Clasps on metal watch bracelet
8. Diver Clasps with double lock on metal watch bracelet
9. Diver Clasps with Rachet mechanism on metal watch bracelet

Other Watch Clasps/ Fastening

10. Seat Belt Lock spring latch
11. Sliding Buckle
12. A loop + Velcro fastening

Pin Buckle

Pin buckles are those buckles that have pins that go through the holes on the watch straps. They are also known as tongue buckles or tang buckles.

1. Pin Buckles + Strap keepers on leather watch band

A nice and properly-fitted watch buckle is an essential component of any watch.

The buckles are mostly made of metal such as stainless steel and attached to the watch bands with a spring bar. Others are attached to the watch strap with a screw - this is a safer method of attaching the buckle to the strap, however, it is a more expensive variant.

Wristwatches in leather, rubber or textile straps usually come with a pin buckle.

How to Use a Watch Pin Buckle

The pin buckle is one of the simplest buckles to use; the application is the same as that of a belt buckle; it allows you to adjust the straps until it fits. With this, there's no worry of having to get your watch resized. Similar to the pin buckles on your belt, pin buckles on wristwatches can either be made simple or made to have a designer’s touch. They come in either round or square shape with different coatings and finishes. Some of them have wider pins, and others have smaller pins which is important, because the pins need to fit the holes on the watch strap so NOT all buckles fit all watch straps.

2. Pin Buckles + Strap keepers on Nato watch strap

Fold the excess portion of the NATO watch strap, thread it through the rings again to keep it in place.

NATO strap is typically a lightweight one-piece watch band that is designed to be worn snugly around the wrist. The minimal metal pin buckle and tinny loop or keeper that is included with the NATO strap is part of its aesthetic appeal.

To securely wear and adjust a NATO watch strap, start by buckling it up and placing it on your wrist. Then, thread the strap end through both the top and bottom rings of the watch strap. Fold the excess strap back over itself and thread it through the rings again to keep it in place. Finally, gently adjust the watch position until it fits comfortably on your wrist. By following these steps, you can ensure that your watch stays securely in place and feels comfortable to wear.

3. Ladder lock Pin Buckles + Strap keepers on Perlon watch strap

The ladder lock watch buckle will automatically lock the strap in place, preventing it from slipping or becoming loose.

A ladder lock buckle is a type of buckle that can be used in a Perlon watch strap. It allows you to adjust the length of the strap as desired and then lock it in place. The buckle consists of a rectangular frame with two slots at the top and bottom and a series of rungs in between. The strap is threaded through the slots and rungs, and the ladder lock pin, which is usually made of stainless steel, is inserted through the rungs to secure the strap in place. Once the desired length is achieved, the ladder lock buckle will automatically lock the strap in place, preventing it from slipping or becoming loose. This feature makes the ladder lock buckle an ideal choice for Perlon watch straps, as it ensures a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist.

Deployment Buckle / Deployant Clasp

Watch deployment clasps can also be called deployant buckles; they were introduced in the 1910s by the famous Louis Cartier and most wristwatch collectors agree that this is the more elegant type of watch strap closures. These deployment clasps make it easier to put on or take off the watches by allowing the watch straps to be widened without unbuckling.

I would personally recommend watches with these buckle/clasps because they have a way of making your watch feel more secure on your wrist than conventional watch buckles plus, they are also quicker to use. Deployment clasps are usually made of metal and paired with leather straps; however, there are also watch deployment clasp for metal watch straps and straps made from other materials.

Watch band clasps come in various types, typically named after the way their mechanism works. One type of clasp is the deployment clasp, and below are its different types. The butterfly clasp is the most common type of deployant clasp, featuring either a double locking or single locking mechanism with two or one hinges respectively. In the case of the two-wing butterfly clasp, one wing opens to the left while the other opens to the right, resembling a butterfly's wings.

4. Deployment Buckles - two wings butterfly on leather/rubber watch band

The two wings butterfly buckle, or deployment buckle, is a popular choice for luxury watch brands due to its elegant and sophisticated design.

5. Deployment Buckles - one wing butterfly on leather/rubber watch band

A single wing butterfly deployment buckle is a simple watch clasp used on leather or rubber watch bands for a secure fit.

These clasps are usually attached to the watch strap with a pin while some are released by a button. There is also a butterfly clasp with a mechanism hidden on the inner side of the strap that is also called hidden clasp that adds a neat look to the watch strap.

6. Deployment Buckles - two way butterfly on metal watch bracelet

Neat and slim hidden clasp found on luxury Patek Philippe stainless steel watch band

The Diver Clasps : Flip Clasp / Fold Clasp

A flip clasp, also known as a fold clasp, clasp opens to just one side and is made of just one hinge. Some flip clasps have a push button to make it easier to open and close. They are often attached to a watch strap with a spring bar. As the name suggests, the fold clasp folds over to close and opens by unfolding. It can have a double locking mechanism or a push-button release.

7. Diver Clasps on metal watch bracelet

The Flip Clasp / Fold Clasp has an obvious folding structure.

For a dive watches, security is a top priority, which is why they often come equipped with double lock clasps. These clasps open to one side, but have an extra flap that provides added security by holding them closed. They are typically attached to the watch strap using a spring bar. Additionally, some dive watches feature a special buckle that allows you to quickly and safely adjust the strap while on the go. For divers who wear wetsuits, ratchet buckles with extensions are a popular option. These buckles offer added convenience and functionality for underwater use.

8. Diver Clasps with double lock on metal watch bracelet

A watch diver's clasp features a double-lock flip for added security during water activities.

9. Diver Clasps with Ratchet mechanism on metal watch bracelet

Ratchet watch buckles with extensions were specifically designed for divers who wear wetsuits. These innovative buckles offer both convenience and functionality underwater, allowing divers to easily adjust the fit of their wetsuits as needed.

They can have different watch bands and straps and can have different coatings, some examples being gold, black, PVD, and so on.

Other Clasps/ Fastening

10. Seat Belt Lock spring latch

The Seat Belt lock watch buckle features a spring-loaded latch that provides a secure and comfortable fit for the watch.

The Seat Belt watch clasp was first introduced by Omega.It is named after the mechanism used in safety seat belts, which inspired its design. The seat belt clasp is made up of two parts - a spring-loaded latch and a locking mechanism - that work together to provide a secure and comfortable fit. To open the clasp, you need to lift the upper part of the latch, which releases the lock and allows the clasp to open. The Seat Belt watch clasp is considered one of the most innovative and iconic watch clasps ever created. It is a popular choice among watch enthusiasts for its unique design and reliable functionality.

11. Sliding Buckle

A sliding watch buckle on a mesh watch band allows for easy adjustment and a customized fit.

A mesh watch band typically uses a folding clasp as its closure mechanism. The folding clasp consists of two metal plates that fold over each other, securing the band in place. One plate is attached to the end of the band, while the other plate has a hook-like extension that fits into a corresponding opening on the opposite plate. Once the hook is inserted, the two plates fold over each other, securing the band in place.

12. A loop + Velcro fastening

A hook and loop fastening watch band uses a Velcro-type fastener, eliminating the need for a traditional watch buckle.

A hook and loop fastening watch band uses a Velcro-type fastener to provide a secure and adjustable fit. It consists of a nylon strip that goes around the wrist and a fastener portion that is sewn with Velcro, allowing for easy length adjustment. Unlike traditional watch bands, it does not require a buckle, but instead uses a metal ring and a connection between the two parts to secure the band in place. This makes it a convenient and practical choice for those who need a watch band that can be quickly adjusted to fit their wrist without any additional hardware.

What Buckle Suits Your Watch Best?

The main purpose of buckles is to connect the two strap ends of the watch around your wrist; it makes opening and fastening quick and easy. So, finding the buckle that suits your watch best all depends on your preference. When it comes to finding the right buckle for your watch, there are a few factors to consider. The first is the type of strap you have. Different straps, such as leather or metal, may require different types of buckles. For example, a leather strap may require a buckle that can fit through the holes in the strap, while a metal strap may require a buckle that can be adjusted to fit the wrist.

Another factor to consider is the style of the buckle. Buckles come in a variety of styles, from classic tang buckles to modern deployant clasps. The style you choose will depend on your personal preference and the overall style of the watch.

It's also important to consider the size of the buckle. The buckle should be proportional to the size of the watch, as a large buckle on a small watch can look awkward and vice versa.

Ultimately, the best buckle for your watch is one that fits your personal style and works well with the strap you have. Whether you prefer a classic tang buckle, a modern deployant clasp, or something in between, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs.

Written by Victor and Vienna C., images by Toni and others as noted