Watch strap color: how to find the best combination? [Guide]

To give your watch a second life, or simply for a change of style, what could be better than a new strap? One of the most important, funniest and trickiest criteria to choose is the color. Avel & Men brings color to your collection and advises you on how to choose the right colored watch strap for your needs!

Watch strap color guide

3 simple steps to choosing the right bracelet color every time!

1. Respect the colors of the watch

Every timepiece has its own character, which becomes more refined with age. When it comes to color, there's plenty to choose from: the dial is of course the most important part, but indexes, hands and, over the years, patina, are all elements to consider.

If your watch's dial is brightly colored, or features colorful elements, you can choose a strap in a complementary or neutral tone to balance the overall effect. If it's more sober, it may be tempting to opt for a bracelet in a bolder color to add a touch of contrast (orange bracelet and midnight blue dial, for example).

Tip: a winning combination is to match the color of the bracelet to that of the dial and/or bezel, and the stitching to the accent color (the one from the indexes and/or hands for example).

The burgundy watch strap Port Louis goes perfectly with the patinated bezel of this Rolex 1675.

2. Consider how the timepiece will be used

If you're looking for a watch strap for everyday or professional use, classic colors like black, brown, beige or steel are generally the ones that always work. For special occasions, such as travel or sports, but also to make your watch an integral part of your style, a touch of color is welcome, as are more original materials (such as sailcloth).

3. Treat yourself to style!

Your watch is black, but you love matching your shoes with your brown leather belt for a specific occasion (your business meetings, for example)? There's nothing to stop you opting for a bracelet that matches your other accessories! The best watch/bracelet color combination is always the one that makes you want to wear it the most. Most modern bracelets can be changed in no time at all, and even without tools when fitted with quick-release lugs (presto or flash type lugs for example). You can therefore have both a neutral-colored watch strap and one or two more original variations for the same timekeeper!

Can't decide on the perfect match for your watch? Contact us! We're always happy to discuss timepieces and their past. We'll advise you on the most appropriate colors to match the patina, your style and your desires! We'll also help you choose the right bracelet size (length and width).

Pick your next watch strap color within Avel & Men's range

In addition to classic colors, Avel & Men stands out with an extensive color palette. Whatever the watch you want to accessorize, whatever your style and whatever type of activity you want to enjoy with your timepiece, there is for sure a colorful Avel & Men bracelet to suit your needs, in leather or canvas!

The classics

On this Rolex Submariner 5513, a gray strap (Tampa) offers a timeless elegance.

Some colors are more versatile than others. If you wear the same watch every day, prefer not to draw too much attention to your timepiece, or simply prefer a timeless style, certain strap colors are particularly suitable.

• Black watchstrap: Larmor Plage, Tampa ou Port Louis.
• Grey watch strap: Tampa.
• Navy watchstrap: Tampa (cordura canvas and leather) ou Douarnenez (premium full grain leather).  

• Beige watchstrap: Tampa beige.

• Camel brown/cognax watchstrap: Dournenez cognac, camel ostrich skin, Saint Briac or Lancieux.
• Jean: already a little more original than the classic colors, Larmor Plage fits every style with its highly effective sporty-chic look.

The colorful ones

From left to right: yellow Port-Louis strap on Speedmaster mark IV, vintage green Larmor Plage canvas strap on Speedmaster Premoon, orange Tampa strap on Rolex Explorer 14270 (in support of the SNSM).

There are tons of reasons to prefer a neutral-colored watch strap. Nevertheless, sometimes a touch of color is just the thing to affirm a bold look, brighten up an outfit or pay tribute to an exceptional timepiece.

For each watchstrap color, here are a few models you might want to consider in the Avel & Men range.

• Orange watchstrap: Tampa in orange canvas in partnership with the SNSM (the French national lifeboat society) or Ouessant in storm sail fabric with navy blue lining and orange topstitching.

• Red/burgundy watchstrap: Douarnenez (leather) or Tampa, Port-Louis and Larmor plage (all leather), with a more or less luminous red depending on the model.

• Yellow watchstrap: Port Louis and Larmor plage (both canvas), in collaboration with Ty Jaune, the Pastis of Brittany.

• Blue watchstrap: light blue Tampa.

• Green/Khaki watchstrap: Tampa in khaki sailcloth or Port Louis and Larmor Plage in vintage green upcycled SEAQUAL canvas.

• Multicolored or textured wristband: Carantec in carbon gray with orange stitching, La Rochelle in technical fabric with yellow geometric pattern and yellow contrast stitching, Hyères in carbon gray fabric and navy tone-on-tone stitching.

Looking for a coloured watch strap for a particular model? You'll certainly find additional advice in our guides on how to choose the right strap for a Yema Superman Heritage, an Omega Speedmaster, an Omega Seasmaster, a Rolex GMT-Master or a LIP Nautic.

From left to right: Carantec carbon grey strap with orange stitching on Omega Seasmaster Ploprof, Tampa red strap on LIP Nautic, Tampa ice blue strap on Tudor BB58