Your Guide to Stainless Steel and Metal Alloys Watch Straps

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

Obviously, stainless steel is the go-to material for lots of high grade watches, such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet or Cartier. However, metal alloys are also commonly seen in daily or custome jewelry by brands including Hermes and Chanel. We always recommend stainless steel watchstraps over any other metal straps, because you'd wear the watch for days, weeks, months or years... much longer than accessories like rings or bracelets. Stainless steel is waterproof and sweatproof, and they won't turn your skin green. It is also a stronger material, so they can hold your Apple Watch securely onto your wrist. 

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

1. Metal Surface

The first and the most important thing you can look at is the metal surface. Stainless steel items are completely smooth and polished. On the other hand, metal alloys usually have a rough surface and less favourable reflection, and you can identify it through 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's no legal hallmarking reqirements for the material. Nevertheless, manufacturers usually inscribe the material name at the back of their products. This will be a great sign to signal that the product's base material is in fact stainless steel.

All our Stainless Steel watchstraps comes with a "Stainless Steel" stamp at the back of the clasps. They are marked as (St-Steel) in their names, and are either made with 316 stainless steel or 304 stainless steel. They are 100% waterproof and tarnish free, so they'll always stay shiny. We also provide material details in each of our product pages, so you can be fully informed when shopping for your fav Apple Watch strap. 

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