Your Guide to Stainless Steel and Metal Alloys Watch Straps

There are many factors to consider when choosing stainless steel or alloy accessories: appearance, price, durability, water resistance, weight, and so on. To name a few -

Stainless steel is the go-to material for many high-grade watches, such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet or Cartier. Metal alloys, meanwhile, are common in everyday and costume jewelry from brands including Hermès and Chanel. We always recommend stainless steel watchstraps over other metal straps, because you wear a watch for days, weeks, months or years, much longer than accessories like rings or bracelets. Stainless steel is waterproof and sweatproof, and it won't turn your skin green. It is also a stronger material, so it holds your Apple Watch securely on your wrist.

Here's how you can tell the two materials apart by appearance, so you can make a more informed decision when you shop for your next favourite watchstrap or jewelry piece.

1. Metal Surface

The first and most important thing to look at is the metal surface. Stainless steel items are completely smooth and polished. Metal alloys, on the other hand, usually have a rougher surface and a less even reflection, which you can often spot in product photos.

Photo: Lightning Bracelet (Gold) for Apple Watch
Material: 304 Stainless Steel
Characteristics: Even light reflection on strap surface, signals good molding and fine polishing

Photo: Product by competitor, priced at around £20-30.
Material: Zinc alloy
Characteristics: Uneven light reflection on surface

2. Markings/ Stamps of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is not a precious metal, and there are no legal hallmarking requirements for the material. Nevertheless, manufacturers usually inscribe the material name on the back of their products. This is a good sign that the product's base material is in fact stainless steel.

All our stainless steel watchstraps come with a "Stainless Steel" stamp on the back of the clasp. They have "Stainless Steel" in their product names, and are made with either 316 or 304 stainless steel. They are waterproof and resist tarnishing, so they stay shiny with simple care. We also list material details on every product page, so you can be fully informed when shopping for your favourite Apple Watch strap.

Shop our collection of stainless steel watchstraps now, and elevate your Apple Watch look.