If you consider yourself a watch enthusiast, you’ll have lost yourself down the odd rabbit hole or two by now (it happens). Horology is such a diverse and complex hobby to pursue. There’s so much to learn on a technical level, and so much to consider historically, and the dynamics of the watch world and the nuances of a watch’s market value are continually changing with new releases every week. While discovering these intricacies of the watch-collecting world (or its complexities), you may have stumbled upon a slang term or two. If you want to extend your knowledge in the field of watch jargon a little more, you’re in luck because, on Watch Slang Wednesdays, we’ll look at some of the most common terminology and help to break it down for you.
How Do I Know If I’m Looking at a Strap Monster?
Found a watch with neutral tones that you think will pair with most of the attire in your wardrobe? How about the lug width? Lug measurements of 18mm, 20mm or 22mm - the sweet spot for multiple configurations? A watch that ticks both of those boxes is what you call a “strap monster”. You can consider a strap monster a kind of chameleon watch. It can change its look and style depending on its environment (or the strap you whack on). Suffice to say, if you love to customise and tailor your watch regularly, choosing the right design is crucial. You need a strap monster watch.
Is Owning a Strap Monster a Good Thing?
It’s easy to misinterpret watch slang when you read it, especially if it’s thrown around a lot. But let’s be clear: regardless of its strange nickname, a strap monster is a good kind of watch to own. I’d go as far as to suggest that everyone needs one in their collection.
Today, straps are widely available on the market thanks to a few key retailers specialising in this niche sector. But the majority of these strap designs are an average of 18mm, 20mm or 22mm. It's more challenging to configure watches that don’t have this easy lug measurement. Grand Seiko often creates watches with a 21mm lug width, making shopping the market for watch straps a little trickier. And while there are certainly 21mm strap options available out there, you can appreciate my point. Strap monster watches avoid this, with case dimensions accommodating a standard lug width. All said and done, with more and more stockists on the market than ever, finding an alternative strap doesn’t pose as much of a challenge as it used to. But it still pays to have a more generic lug width.
Strap monsters add versatility to your wristwear without amassing a vast collection of watches. Your favourite pilot watch, for example, can go from classic-looking on a traditional leather band to conveying military-inspired tool watch vibes with a simple switch to a canvas or NATO band. Owning a watch that can transform quickly also allows you to blend your wardrobe better and get the most out of your investment.
Do I Need a Strap Monster?
If you wear your watch for practical purposes or work rather than a statement, you may not see the significance of owning a strap monster watch. But since luxury timepieces don’t come cheap and often require significant research and planning before investing in one, choosing a versatile timepiece could really pay off. With a multitude of strap options, from the sporty rubber band to an array of different coloured leather straps, sailcloth straps and canvas bands to explore - a watch with a neutral dial colour and easy lug width is worth it. With a simple strap swap, you can save a ton of money, transforming your watch into a gym-ready or dressier piece with a quick on-the-go configuration. To enhance this experience, always look for quick-release strap bars, which enable you to make changes quickly and easily without needing many strap tools. Lastly, if your watch happens to carry iconic status, even better. Models like the Cartier Tank or Omega Speedy are great examples of strap monsters and always attract lots of attention for their distinctive designs. Imagine the talking point when someone notices your Tank or Speedmaster on an unusual sailcloth or NATO?
If you have a question about any of the watches you’ve seen in our online collections here at Charles Martin, get in touch with a member of our team today on 01889 560002 or email us on sales@charlesmartinwatchcompany.com