Watch Accessories - Other

Top Watch Accessories in the UK: Straps, Mounts, and Essentials to Elevate Your Timepiece

Why watch accessories actually matter

Think of watch accessories as the wardrobe for your wrist. A single strap swap or a clever mount can completely change how a watch looks and performs, turning a daily tool into a fashion statement or a training partner. Whether you clock miles on the road, jump on your bike for a weekend ride, or simply want a smarter look for the office, the right accessories let your watch adapt without buying a new head.

Personalising your watch without breaking the bank

Changing straps and adding small bits — like adapters or quick-release pins — is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your style. It’s like buying a new pair of shoes for an old outfit; suddenly everything looks sharper. Stores across the UK, from specialist shops to mainstream jewellers, offer a wide range of options so you can tailor your timepiece to your mood, event, or sport.

Function meets fashion: accessories that do both

Some accessories are purely decorative, but many add real functionality: breathable nylon for high-intensity workouts, silicone for swimming and sweat, or bike mounts that turn a watch into a cycling computer. The sweet spot is an accessory that improves comfort and performance while looking great on your wrist.

Popular types of watch accessories to consider

There’s a surprising variety of extras that can upgrade your watch — straps, mounts, adapters, protective cases, and even tool kits for quick repairs. Knowing the main categories makes shopping less overwhelming and helps you pick what will have the most impact.

Straps and bracelets

Straps are the easiest way to change your watch’s personality. You’ve got textile options like NATO or jacquard-weave, silicone and rubber for sports, leather for dressy looks, and metal bracelets for durability and heft. Each material brings its own vibe and performance traits.

Mounts, clips, and adapters

If you cycle or use your watch as a navigation aid, a bike mount or quick-fit adapter can be a game-changer. These accessories let you move your watch from wrist to cockpit quickly and securely, maintaining access to features like GPS and heart rate without fumbling.

Care accessories and toolkits

Small tools — spring-bar removers, microfiber cloths, cleaning kits, and protective pouches — keep your watch looking pristine and make strap swaps painless. For anyone who likes to maintain their gear, a basic set of tools is a tiny investment that pays off in years of use.

Where to buy watch accessories in the UK

The UK has a healthy mix of specialist retailers and mainstream stores carrying watch accessories. Depending on what you need — niche straps, OEM parts, or general accessories — some shops stand out for selection, while others win on price or convenience.

RunningXpert: specialist options for active users

RunningXpert specialises in accessories tailored to athletes and multisport enthusiasts. They often stock quick-fit solutions for Garmin and similar models, including jacquard-weave nylon straps and silicone options in a range of colours. If you’re after something that moves with you — lightweight, breathable, and quick to swap — RunningXpert is a go-to for active-focused accessories.

WatchGecko, Crown & Buckle and other strap specialists

WatchGecko and Crown & Buckle are excellent for enthusiasts who want a huge choice of strap materials and sizes. These shops tend to offer everything from vintage-style leather to bold NATO patterns, plus reliable hardware and fitting advice. They’re perfect if you want to hunt down a very specific look or material.

High-street jewellers and multi-brand retailers

H.Samuel, Ernest Jones, Watches of Switzerland and similar chains are handy for one-stop shopping. They provide branded straps and accessories, often with professional fitting services. If you prefer buying in-person to check texture and colour, these stores make it easy to try before you buy.

Best strap materials and when to choose them

Choosing a strap material is like choosing shoes: you wouldn’t run a marathon in dress shoes, and you wouldn’t wear flip-flops to a job interview. Below are common materials and where each shines.

Nylon and jacquard-weave straps

Nylon straps, including jacquard-weave variants, are lightweight, breathable, and rugged. They’re ideal for everyday wear and sports because they handle sweat and dry fast. Colours and patterns are plentiful, letting you swap personality in seconds. If you cycle or run frequently, a nylon strap keeps moisture away from the case back.

Silicone and rubber

Silicone or rubber straps are the athletic workhorse — waterproof, flexible, and easy to clean. They’re particularly suitable for swimming, gym sessions, or just a very active lifestyle. Silicone straps in metallic tones can even pull double duty at casual social events.

Leather for style and comfort

Leather is the classic dress choice. It breaks in over time, forming to your wrist like a well-worn jacket. For everyday business or smart-casual looks, nothing beats a good leather strap. Choose smoother grain for formal occasions and distressed finishes for a more relaxed vibe.

Picking the right strap width and size

Fit is everything. A strap that’s too narrow looks awkward; too wide and it overpowers the watch. Most manufacturers specify lug width — the distance between the lugs where the strap attaches — and that’s the key to choosing the right size.

Measuring your lug width in inches

Lug widths are often quoted in millimetres, but if you prefer imperial units, here’s a quick guide: common sizes like 18mm convert to about 0.71 inches and 22mm convert to roughly 0.87 inches. Measure the gap straight across and match the strap to that measurement for a clean fit. A snug fit avoids gaps that catch on sleeves or dirt.

Quick-release and QuickFit systems

Quick-release straps have little levers on the spring bars that let you swap bands without tools, while branded systems like Garmin QuickFit click on and off quickly for specific watch lines. These systems are brilliant for people who change looks daily — they’re faster than changing shoes.

Accessories tailored for active lifestyles

If your watch is part of your training kit, opt for accessories designed with sweat, weather, and movement in mind. Athletic accessories are built to be unobtrusive yet robust.

Bike mounts and multisport adapters

Bike mounts convert your wrist-worn device into a cockpit display for speed, cadence, and route data. Many cycling mounts are compatible with popular brand quick-fit systems, making the switch from wrist to handlebar simple. If you ride seriously, a mount can replace a dedicated bike computer for many riders.

Waterproofing, breathability, and sweat resistance

Look for materials that resist salt and chlorine if you swim, and pick breathable weaves or perforated silicone if you sweat a lot. These choices protect both your skin and the watch case back from prolonged moisture exposure.

Budget vs premium: where to spend and where to save

Deciding how much to spend depends on how you use your watch. You don’t need to blow a fortune to get a high-quality strap, but there are a few areas where a little extra cash makes a clear difference.

Cost-effective picks that still perform

Mid-range nylon or silicone straps often deliver the best value: durable, comfortable, and attractive without a premium price tag. Generic quick-release straps can mimic branded styles at a fraction of the cost, and they’re fine for everyday swapping and workouts.

When to invest in premium accessories

Invest in premium when you want longevity, craftsmanship, or a luxury finish — premium leather, custom metal bracelets, or OEM-brand straps that match the watch’s original look. These items age gracefully and often come with better hardware and materials, worth it if you plan to keep the watch for years.

How to style straps for every occasion

Styling a strap is like picking an outfit: think about the event, the rest of your accessories, and how much attention you want your watch to draw.

Casual and sporty combinations

For weekends and workouts, go with breathable nylon or silicone. Bright colours and patterned jacquard weaves add personality without being loud. Sport straps are forgiving — they don’t show wear quickly and clean up in a splash of water.

Business and dressy looks

For formal settings, leather in brown or black and a slim profile works best. Match the metal of your watch hardware to your belt buckle or cufflinks for a cohesive look. If you want a subtle twist, pick a leather strap with a contrasting stitch to show attention to detail.

Final tips for choosing watch accessories in the UK

Try before you commit if possible — textures and colours can look different in person. Keep measurements in inches if that’s your comfort zone, and prioritise quick-release or branded quick-fit systems if you like changing straps often. And finally, remember that the perfect accessory makes your watch feel like it was always meant to be that way.

Ready to refresh your wrist? Browse specialist shops like RunningXpert for active-focused options, strap specialists for huge variety, or high-street jewellers for branded peace-of-mind. A small change can make a big difference — like swapping a scarf in winter, a new strap will revitalize your whole look.

Conclusion: Accessories are the unsung heroes of watch ownership — they let you adapt functionality, refresh style, and protect your investment. Whether you prefer nylon, silicone, leather, or metal, the UK market has options to suit every budget and lifestyle. Pick what fits your routine, and enjoy the instant transformation a new strap or mount provides.