To change things up on the fly, these are the best watches with quick-change strap systems

Russell Sheldrake

It’s only a matter of time before I get pulled into some kind of intervention with friends, family, and a psychiatrist. I’m surely not the only watch lover who likes to swap my watch straps on a regular basis, but many brands seem to be stuck in the strap tech Stone Age and still rely on the fiddly spring bar that hardly offers a user-friendly way to change straps. What if we could just click ’em all off and on at our leisure, changing a strap to match that outfit in no time at all? Thankfully, this vision of the future is already upon us, with some forward-thinking brands leading the way. Now excuse me while I crawl under the sofa to find that missing spring bar…

Omega Seamaster Diver 300m America’s Cup

For those of you that think the standard Seamaster Diver 300M is a tad vanilla-flavoured, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup offers a fresh contrast with the bright red minute hand. The watch carries over a slew of upgrades from the 2021 chronograph limited edition we can only hope make their way onto more models in the catalogue – most notably, a quick-release strap system. The diver includes two straps: a stainless-steel bracelet and blue rubber strap, both fitted with a quick-release button on the underside. By pressing the tab, the spring bars retract, and swapping is a breeze – all without tools. The sell-in to your partner is easy: imagine all the money you’ll save on strap purchases. Price: US$6,500

Cartier Santos de Cartier Dual Time

The Santos de Cartier has become a ubiquitous watch since its relaunch. Its integrated metal bracelet flows excellently from the bezel, with its screws continuing through, and now it has become one of the most popular sports-luxe watches on the market today. And I can only think that one of the reasons for this is that the bracelet can be swapped out for one of the brand’s other strap options to completely change the vibe of this watch. And the new Dual Time model that was released at Watches & Wonders this year added even more functionality to the line along with an added sense of dressiness thanks to the glossy, sunburst dial. Price: US$9,150 

Hublot Big Bang Unico Dark Green Ceramic

Hublot understood the needs of strapaholics a long time ago with its One Click system. This is but one example from the Big Bang and Spirit Of Big Bang catalogue, where you can have your brightly coloured cake and eat it. To catch your attention, I’ll use the Big Bang Unico Dark Green Ceramic with its tonally matched case, skeletonised dial, and easy change strap as an example. The One Click strap changing system is as easy to use as it is solid for such a large sports watch. Press that rhomboid-shaped button and easily remove and stick it in like a seatbelt. While this limited edition is a great example of this strap in use, the recent collab with artist Daniel Arsham might be what the One Click system was made for, with the pocket watch able to go from the long pocket chain, table clock stand, and necklace effortlessly. Price: US$24,100

Vacheron Constantin Overseas

Vacheron Constantin is known as the maison with the longest-running history, and a timeline that can be traced back to 1755. But ingenious strap tech, surely not? And yet, this storied manufacturer is now using quick-release strap systems. For an “only watch” with a superb strap solution, look no further than the razor-sharp design of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas that comes with a simple quick release system and the inclusion of three strap options – bracelet, leather and rubber.

This is my favourite reference in full rose gold, but I would also highly recommend that you look at one of the sharpest-looking travel watches with the same tech, the Overseas Dual Time in green. What more do you want? OK, I admit the gorgeous green dial of this solid pink gold Overseas might not necessarily be the starting point for that one watch for all occasions (particularly given the formidable price tag), but it’s a brilliant concept nonetheless. The delicate contrast of dark rubber with the rose gold is as sharp as the intricate details on the bezel, inspired by the cross of the Vacheron Constantin logo. I’d be happy to settle for this as “the one”. In fact, the term might even be “exit watch”. Price: starting at US$58,500

HYT T1

Maybe a name that you might not have expected to be on this list, but the new HYT T1 Series not only reimagined what the fluid-first brand’s watches could look like, but it also brought us this easy-to-use quick-change system that allows you to swap in and out any of the brands many, many, strap options for the new model.

With a rather satisfying click, a bright orange rubber can be swapped out for a more muted grey fabric and velcro strap, completely changing the look and feel of the watch. Price: starting from CHF 48,000 (~US$54,200)