Most watchmakers and many collectors even consider high-end bracelet design and construction an art unto itself. Most frequently crafted from stainless steel or gold (other frequently used materials include ceramic, platinum, and titanium), a quality metal bracelet will consist of individual links set in series, typically with a taper that eventually meets a clasp. Links can be taken out (by screw, push-pin, or the dreaded pin-and-collar) to find the appropriate fit on the wrist. Some bracelets incorporate a micro-adjustment system into the clasp, many others don't. The biggest downside of a bracelet is exactly that – they won't fit every wrist, no matter the adjustments. There will always be some people who are unable to adjust a bracelet to find the perfect fit.
Everyone seems to have an opinion on bracelets and watches. There are people on one side who won't buy a watch without a bracelet, and countless others will eternally opt out for a strap alternative. (I lean toward the latter.) Bracelets are, quite honestly, an intimate thing. You could easily rationalize that a bracelet is the third most important element on any given watch, after the case and movement, for the amount of time it spends on your wrist itself. You could even go so far as to say it's the most important when it comes to wearability and comfort. When a bracelet is prioritized and engineered to fit a specific case from the ground up – the Bulgari Octo Finissimo bracelet is a great example of this – it is absolutely a work of high design and has artistic merit. With great exception, however, the experience of a high-quality watch bracelet is limited to higher price points.
The Activity: A good bracelet can truly go anywhere and do anything. There's a reason it's impossible to remove the bracelet on certain high-end watches like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus. Metal bracelets can be used underwater, on dry land, or in the air. They can be worn with a suit on the red carpet, at the gym, or lazing around on the couch. A watch's OEM (that’s original equipment manufacturer, aka the one it comes with) bracelet will likely always be the most versatile option available to you.
Hot Tip: When given the choice between purchasing the same watch with either a strap or a bracelet, go for the bracelet. You can always swap it to an aftermarket leather strap later. Although opting for the bracelet variant will be more expensive at the moment, it will save you money in the long run if you do decide you'd like to wear the watch on its bracelet one day. Unlike a leather strap, you'll likely have to go back to the manufacturer to buy the OEM bracelet. Trust us – that's an expensive route to take. Aftermarket bracelet options are far fewer than strap alternatives, but they do exist.
