One of the most underrated features you will find on a watch is its bracelet clasp. A watch bracelet clasp is a mechanism that allows the wearer to easily put on or take off the watch in a smooth way. The enormous world of watches has something to offer to everyone, and different bracelet clasp types have been manufactured throughout the years. In some models, the bracelet clasp is hidden and in some others, it is a complementary element to the design of the watch.
The two major bracelet clasp types
The majority of watch manufacturers use two main bracelet clasp types for their timepieces: the deployant clasp and the buckle clasp. Both do the same function – keep the watch attached to the wearer’s wrist.
The deployant clasp is seen to be used more on metal watches and is considered to be safer as even if they open up accidentally, the watch won’t fall off your wrist. On the other hand, a buckle clasp is traditionally used on leather or rubber straps. The buckle clasp is classic and lighter, however, if a tang buckle comes unfinished, the watch will fall off your wrist in hundredths of a second.
It is not a written rule and nor do these two major bracelet clasp types are the only ones used by watch manufacturers. The industry of watches likes to experiment and always brings new features to watch lovers. New and contemporary bracelet clasps are included in the list, but first, the default classics…
The push button deployant clasp is a derivation of the original. Understandably, when the spring-loaded buttons on the side are pressed, the clasp will eventually open. Widely used on metal watches, the push button deployant clasp is more secure than the regular deployant clasp as it will not open up on its own, without you pushing both buttons at the same time.
Butterfly Clasp
The other sample diagram above displays what is called the butterfly clasp. It is almost invisible when closed and creates the idea of a seamless band, perfect for dress type watches. As seen in the diagram, the butterfly clasp consists of two metal hinges unfolding to opposite sides, just like a butterfly beautifully spreads its wings.
However, adjustability can be a total nightmare if you want to do it yourself, so taking the watch to a professional with the right tools is more convenient.
Next is one of the most secure bracelet clasp types. It is used on those types of bracelets that hold together a valuable timepiece, such as a Rolex.
The fold-over push-button deployant clasp is as complicated as its name is. The mechanism is almost the same as the previous one, but with an added feature. It comes with a snap latch that overlays on the main clasp. The deployant clasp of this type is relatively humongous and is mostly applicable on big watches. In terms of safety, the fold-over push-button deployant clasp is by far the safest and is widely used on sports and diving watches as it can endure excessive activity.
Classic tang buckle
Similar to your jeans belt, the classic tang buckle is designed to operate in the same way. Putting the pin through a punctured hole in the watch band (leather or plastic) allows the wearer to easily adjust the size of the watch.
Tang buckle is one of the most commonly used bracelet clasp types on leather, plastic, silicone, and textile watches. It brings value to the design of the watch, especially if used on minimalist or dress watches. The tang buckle allows you to adjust the size of the band, exactly how you want it to. If you’re looking for an affordable bracelet clasp type this is the one, just keep an eye for quality, especially if the watch is worth it to you.
Jewelry clasp
Watches are often considered as jewelry, and even more so in today’s world when we can track time almost from every device. However, both worlds have given and taken from each other. The jewelry clasp, for example, is adapted by the industry of watches from jewelry bracelets and turned out to be a widely-used solution for keeping a watch attached to the wearer’s wrist. It is seen on women’s fashion watches and is preferable due to the ease of length adjustability. In terms of safety, a more secure clasp can be found elsewhere.
Velcro
Velcro, also known as hook-and-loop fasteners, is a simple and highly adjustable watchband. The concept was invented in the 1950s by George de Mestral, a Swiss electrical engineer. The touch fastener is typically made of two components: two lineal fabric strips attached to the opposing surfaces to be fastened. The first features tiny hooks, and the second smaller loops. From shoes to medical bandages and everything in between, the Velcro fastener is an uncommon bracelet clasp type that can be encountered on kids’ watches and sports watches as well.
In Conclusion
Sometimes it won’t even matter what the bracelet clasp type the watch you are willing to purchase has. Other times, it is a key factor that determines if the watch fits your wrist or not. See, various bracelet clasp types prevent the watch from being adjusted to the size you want it to.
You will have to either change the entire bracelet, which is the most reasonable thing to do, or just skip the watch. Also the design of the watch, its type, color, and shape, is what you should keep in mind when looking for a new bracelet and the clasp type.
A minimalist watch, for example, fits perfectly with a leather strap that comes with the classic tang buckle. A butterfly clasp is specially designed for metal watches, which give a perfect combo with a stainless steel bracelet. However, for a more exotic feel, a metal watch can also be perfectly combined with a Velcro band as well. It is always up to the wearer and its preferences.
