When you buy a watch at Techzle, the specifications also show which clasp is on the watch strap. A detail, but an important detail. Because you may want to replace the strap later or buy and replace a closure yourself. But what is the difference between a folding clasp and a butterfly clasp? Read on to discover how many different watch strap closures there are.
The basis: buckle and folding clasp
The most common closures are the buckle and the folding clasp. Deployment clasps are typically used on metal straps, while buckles are typically used on leather and rubber straps. The buckle of a leather or rubber strap works exactly the same as your belt. A pin protrudes through a hole in the watch strap. This allows you to easily adjust the watch exactly to your wrist size. Watches with a buckle strap are therefore ideal as a gift because you don’t have to worry about whether or not they fit someone.
There are several types of folding clasps. Their names differ and are often used interchangeably. Nevertheless, there are important differences. For example in safety and how easy it is to adjust a closure. So let’s take a closer look at the various types of folding clasps.
Ordinary folding clasp
The basic version of the folding clasp – also known as folding clasp – is usually used with (metal) link straps. This closure opens in three connected parts. You can easily open, close and lock a folding clasp by loosening or clicking the cover.
To make custom metal link straps, links are removed from the strap. Techzle does this for you when you order a watch. In addition, some folding clasps on the side have a few holes and a sliding mechanism to easily adjust the size of the watch strap yourself by a few millimeters. For example, when it is warm and you want to wear your band a little looser.
There are also folding clasps with an extra safety flap that prevents the clasp from opening accidentally. For example, if you get stuck behind something. This type of clasp is often used on sports or diving watches.
Push button folding clasp
Folding clasps with a push button work in the same way as the regular folding clasp, but are much easier to open due to the push buttons on the side.
Butterfly closure
The butterfly clasp is a ‘hidden’ folding clasp in a (usually) metal strap. It makes the band look seamless, as if the watch magically stays on without a clasp. This strap closure consists of two metal hinges, which unfold on either side – like a butterfly spreading its wings – hence the name. When you want to put the watch on your wrist, fold the hinges and click them together. Some butterfly latches also have push buttons, making them easier to open.
Deployant folding clasp for leather straps
Now it gets a bit more complicated… In English, a folding clasp is usually called a ‘deployment clasp’. The term deployment is derived from the French word ‘deployante’. In Dutch we almost always use the general term folding clasp. But to indicate a certain type of folding clasp, the term deployant is used. This is a folding clasp especially for leather straps. In English, this type of buckle is called a ‘deployment buckle’.
In addition to a folding mechanism, this closure contains a flap with a pin in it. The leather strap is put through this cover, with the pin sticking into one of the holes in the strap. After the cover is pressed closed, the clasp is attached to the strap and can be opened and closed like a regular folding clasp with push buttons.
The big advantage of this type of closure is that the leather strap is folded less and therefore stays beautiful for longer. The closure is also safer and the watch stays better on the wrist. You will find this type of closure mainly on more expensive watches.
Milanese or sliding closure
The Milanese or sliding closure is also a folding closure, but especially for braided metal (mesh) straps. The clasp, when released, can be slid over the strap to adjust the size. This type of strap is not only very stylish, but fits almost everyone.
Hook or jewelry clasp
The hook closure is usually used with special metal straps of women’s watches. This type of closure has been developed for jewelry such as bracelets and necklaces and is therefore often referred to as jewelry closure. It works very simply: a hinged hook clicks around a metal pin. The hook has a lid, making this type of closure a nice part of the strap.
Watch straps and clasps at Techzle
Now that you know the different types of watch strap closures, you can make an even better choice for the watch that suits you. And have you found the ideal watch, but would you prefer a different strap or closure? You can also go to Techzle. Because in addition to watches and watch straps, we offer a wide range of replacement watch strap closures from different brands and in different colors.
We can imagine that it is not easy to choose and replace the clasp of your watch strap yourself. Then visit one of our stores and let our specialized employees help you.