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Straps

Interchangeable mesh and leather bands, sized to fit every IB Watches case — an easy way to give a familiar watch a new mood. A single case can carry several personalities: fit a stainless mesh for a cool, architectural look that moves easily from the office to travel, or slide on a genuine leather band when you want something warmer and more classic underfoot on the wrist. Both are built to the same exacting standard as the watches themselves, with the same attention to clasp action, edge finishing and comfort against the skin. Because our straps share sizing across the collection, swapping bands takes minutes and no tools beyond a small spring bar tool, so the same watch can be dressed for a boardroom, a weekend, or an evening out. Browse below by size, colour and material, or read on for guidance on choosing between mesh and leather, finding the right width, fitting a new strap at home, and keeping either material looking its best for years to come.

Choosing A Material

Mesh vs Leather

Stainless Mesh

Milanese-style mesh is the practical choice for anyone who wears a watch every day and doesn't want to think about it. Its woven construction adjusts almost infinitely along its length, so there is no fixed hole to hunt for — a small clasp slides to the exact point that sits comfortably on your wrist, even as it swells slightly through the day or shrinks in cold weather. Mesh has a cool, modern presence that suits both dress and casual settings, and it shrugs off water, sweat and humidity without complaint, which makes it a natural companion for travel, exercise and everyday commuting. Maintenance is minimal: an occasional wipe with a soft cloth keeps it bright, and it never needs conditioning or special storage.

Genuine Leather

Leather brings warmth and a sense of occasion that metal can't quite match. It softens against the wrist over time, taking on a gentle patina that reflects how and where it has been worn — a quality collectors often value as much as the watch itself. Leather reads as classic and slightly more formal, making it the natural pairing for tailoring, evening wear and considered, deliberate dressing. In exchange for that character, it asks for a little more care: it should be kept away from prolonged water exposure, sweat and perfume, and it benefits from an occasional conditioning to stay supple rather than dry or brittle.

Neither material is objectively better — the right choice depends on how the watch will be worn. If you want one strap for every situation with almost no upkeep, start with mesh. If you want a strap that develops character alongside your watch and are happy to give it a little attention, leather rewards that patience. Many of our clients simply keep one of each and switch between them to suit the day.

Getting The Fit Right

Finding Your Strap Width

Strap width is measured between the lugs — the two small arms that hold the strap to the case — and it is set by the case itself, so getting it right is simply a matter of matching numbers rather than a matter of taste. Across the IB Watches range, three widths cover almost every model: 12mm straps pair with our 28mm cases, 14mm straps pair with our 32mm cases, and 18mm straps pair with our larger 36mm cases, including the Ashfield collection. Each product page for a strap lists the width it is cut to, and each watch page lists the width its lugs accept, so you can cross-reference before ordering.

If you are replacing a strap you already own rather than working from a case size, the easiest way to confirm width is to look at the underside of the current strap near where it meets the case — many are stamped with their measurement in millimetres. If yours isn't marked, lay it flat and measure straight across the strap at its widest point, close to the lug, with a ruler or tape measure. When a measurement falls between two of our standard sizes, choose the smaller of the two, as a strap that is very slightly narrower than the lugs will still sit correctly, while one that is too wide will not fit at all. If you are ever unsure, our team is happy to confirm the correct size for your specific model before you order.

At-Home Care

How To Change Your Strap At Home

Changing a strap takes most people under five minutes once they've done it once, and requires nothing more than a simple spring bar tool, available inexpensively from any watch accessories supplier. Work over a soft cloth or towel so nothing rolls away or scratches the case.

Lay the watch face-down on a soft surface and locate the small gap between the strap and the case on either side of the lugs.
Fit the forked end of the spring bar tool into that gap so it presses against the flat end of the spring bar, then push gently while applying slight sideways pressure to the strap.
As the spring bar compresses, the strap end will release from the lug hole — ease it free rather than forcing it, and repeat on the second lug.
Set the old strap aside and check the spring bars for wear; if either looks bent or worn, replace it with a fresh one before fitting the new strap.
Insert one end of the spring bar into the lug hole on the new strap, compress the opposite end with the tool, and guide it into the matching hole on the case until it clicks into place.
Repeat for the second side, then gently pull the strap away from the case to confirm both spring bars are fully seated and secure before wearing the watch.

If a spring bar feels stubborn or you're working on a strap with integrated links, take your time — patience prevents scratches. Should you prefer not to do it yourself, any of our boutiques will fit a newly purchased strap for you free of charge.

Longevity

Caring For Mesh & Leather

Stainless Mesh

Mesh is the lower-maintenance of the two, but it still benefits from regular attention. Wipe it with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wear to lift away dust, skin oils and salt from sweat, then dry thoroughly to keep the finish bright. For a deeper clean, a soft-bristled brush and a drop of mild soap worked gently through the weave will dislodge anything trapped between the links; rinse with clean water and pat dry before wearing again. Avoid abrasive cloths or polishes, which can dull the satin finish over time.

Genuine Leather

Leather ages best when it is kept dry and away from anything that strips its natural oils. Avoid wearing it while swimming, showering or exercising heavily, and let perfume, aftershave and sunscreen dry fully before putting the watch on, as these can stain or discolour the surface. If it does get damp, allow it to air dry away from direct heat rather than a radiator or hairdryer. Every few months, a light application of leather conditioner will keep the strap supple and prevent cracking. It's also worth rotating between two or three straps rather than wearing one continuously — giving leather time to rest between wears meaningfully extends its life, and doing the same with mesh reduces everyday wear on the clasp.