Types of Buckles and Clasps

A clasp generally enhances the appearance of a watch strap and makes opening and fastening the strap very easy. A butterfly clasp consists of two metal hinges that open to the right and left – just like a butterfly spreading its wings. Some butterfly clasps are available with push button release. A butterfly clasp is attached to the watch strap with a spring bar (see product description for details).

Not suitable for metal watch bands!

Flip clasps, on the other hand consist of just one metal hinge, which opens to one side. The design of flip clasps can vary. As with other types of clasps, they are predominantly made of stainless steel. Some flip clasps have push button release for making it easier to open and close the clasp. A flip clasp is normally attached to the watch strap with the help of a spring bar (please see product description for more details).

Not suitable for metal watch bands!

Security clasps open to one side and feature an extra metal flap that holds the clasp closed. These clasps look very much like the clasps for metal watch bands. Nevertheless, they cannot be used for metal bands due to the different way in which the clasp is attached to the watch strap. The clasp is usually fastened to the strap with a spring bar (please see product description for details).

Not suitable for metal watch bands!

Buckles are the standard type of fastener used for watch straps made of leather, textile and synthetic materials. Buckles are usually made of metal (mostly stainless steel) and are normally attached to the watch strap with a spring bar. Similarly to the clasps, the buckles are available plated in different colours.

Only suitable for watch straps with holes for the buckle "pin"!

Large buckles are buckles that have a wider "pin" that normal. The wider "pin" can ensure a more secure fastening of the watch strap, as well as improving the overall aesthetics of the watch. Large buckles tend to go well with more rustic style watch straps. These buckles are only suitable for watch straps with holes through which the wider "pin" will fit. As the width of the "pins" can vary from model to model, please ensure the correct width of "pin" is chosen. The width of the pin is stated in the product description.

Please check width of buckle "pin"!

Metal band clasps are clasps designed especially for metal watch bands. They are available in a wide range of designs and styles. They are often not as easy to exchange as clasps for leather watch straps. When choosing a clasp for your metal watch band it is important to measure the width of the end of the watch band that will be attached to the clasp, for both halves of the watch band. This in because the attachments for metal watch band clasps are often different. It is possible that you will have to order an original replacement clasp from your watch manufacturer (if available) or exchange the whole strap. Only suitable for metal watch bands.

ONLY suitable for metal watch bands!