Quality Affordable Watch Bands

Although I own a few mid-range straps, I tend to seek out and collect affordable ones for two key reasons: first, lower cost allows for greater variety; second, since I often find myself between holes on leather straps, I’m far more comfortable customizing a budget-friendly strap than altering one that costs $100. Below are some of the straps I’ve found particularly interesting.

 

Binlun MN strap  $15.99 plus 15% discount

  

I’ve tested other budget marine straps from AliExpress, but I consistently prefer the Binlun straps for one simple reason: comfort. Some of the AliExpress options tend to feel scratchy or stiff, whereas the Binlun straps are noticeably softer and more wearable. While they may cost a bit more—$15.99 compared to the ultra-budget listings—they’re still a fraction of the price of premium options like Erika’s. At this price point, it’s easy to experiment with different colors and styles without breaking the bank.

 

Bisonstrap Vintage Leather  $13.99 

 

These Bison straps are refreshingly straightforward—they’re affordable, stylish, available in a wide range of colors, and they break in quickly. One of these has become my go-to for daily wear with the Cincinnati Watch P-40 A-11, thanks to its comfort and versatility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gilden Unisex Expansion Band  ~$28.00

  

These expansion bands are a must-have for any vintage watch enthusiast. While the price edges toward the upper end of the budget category, I find it well justified. At $21.99 for an unsized version—or a few dollars more for a pre-sized band that includes extra links—they offer solid value. Resizing is possible for the end user, though it’s not the most intuitive process.

The bracelet’s design features a brushed, wider central section flanked by polished edges, giving it a versatile aesthetic that pairs beautifully with my Pagani Design PD1785.

 

 

 

Hemsut Silicone Band  $17.99

 

Silicone bands often get a bad rap—mostly due to the sticky feel that many enthusiasts encounter. That said, we can probably all agree they’re incredibly comfortable, and the Hemsut strap is no exception. It’s not just a slab of silicone; it’s thick, well-crafted, and surprisingly refined. One standout feature is the dual-size option included with one of the straps, making it easier to achieve a better fit. Many of the colorways also feature a contrasting underside that subtly peeks through the holes or edges—like the hint of black visible beneath my Christopher Ward.

 

HD Band Store - Handmade Genuine Leather Watchband $9.21

 

These straps look great, feel incredibly comfortable, and—at least in the case of my brown version—develop a pleasing wear pattern over time. I’ve been rotating this strap on my Cincinnati Watch alongside the Bisonstrap mentioned earlier, and it’s quickly become a favorite in my lineup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FKM Strap with Deployment Clasp  $17.77

 

I came across these straps on Reddit thanks to a fellow enthusiast’s recommendation, and they turned out to be fantastic—easily among the most comfortable I’ve ever worn. They have a premium look and a textured pattern that adds visual interest without being overdone. If you’re picking up multiple colors, additional straps can be purchased at a slight discount, if you plan to swap clasps between them.

Lately, I’ve been pairing the gray strap with my black Zelos Aurora Field, and I’ve got a navy version en route for my Nivada Aquamar.

 

 

 

Cut to Size FKM Strap  $17.03

  

 

By now, most enthusiasts are likely familiar with these straps. They’re widely available from various vendors and come in both smooth FKM and a few textured patterns—I personally prefer the textured version shown here. Their standout feature is the clean, hole-free design that still offers excellent adjustability, far beyond what a traditional pin-and-buckle clasp provides. Like the previous strap, they can be purchased for a few dollars less without the clasp, which is ideal if you plan to reuse one you already own.

 

 

 

 

Ali Express Bonklip  $5.03

  

By far the greatest value in this list, these bonklip bracelets provide the perfect look for a vintage-inspired timepiece, particularly on a field watch.  A bonus of these bracelets is that they allow very quick size adjustment while on the wrist.

 

 

 

 

 

 Which types of straps did I leave off the list?

  • NATO straps - I've never had an affinity for NATO straps, so I haven't identified a great affordable NATO

 

  • Milanese bracelets - I own a few decent quality Milanese bracelets, along with some junk.  However, I haven't found anything that crosses the threshold to my favorites

 

  • Sailcloth straps - I own a North Straps sailcloth strap, which I truly enjoy.  However, it's $49, and every affordable sailcloth strap that I have tried has been a bit too uncomfortable to make this list. 

 

  • Canvas straps - I have worn several affordable canvas straps over the years, however, I haven't found any that passed my subjective comfort test.

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