Why do most guys on the subway wear metal bracelet watches

　　To be honest, having been in the watch industry for a long time, I always instinctively observe everything related to timepieces. My home is not far from the office, which doesn't stop me from observing the people wearing watches on the subway. I have noticed a phenomenon: whenever men wear a watch, it is almost invariably on astainless steel bracelet watch, so far, I have only ever seen one older gentleman wearing a leather strap. Why is this? I have pondered this carefully, and perhaps the reasons are as follows.

　　Metal bracelets are more hassle-free and cost-effective

　　Generally speaking, regular subway commuters cannot be described as wealthy; they are simply ordinary everyday people (though not entirely, as some choose public transport simply to avoid traffic jams). For the average person, a daily-wear watch must first be hassle-free and not overly delicate; secondly, it certainly should not incur additional expenses after purchase. Compared to leather straps, metal bracelets offer better water resistance, require no daily fuss, and save both the trouble and cost of strap replacements.

　　Watch brand tiers

　　I remember discussing with you before why high-end watch brands tend to use leather straps, whereas lower-to-mid-range watch brands largely feature metal bracelets. Some might say that brands like Tissot and Mido also offer plenty of leather straps. Yes, this is not absolute, but if you visit a boutique, you will find that lower-to-mid-range watch brands feature far more metal-braced models. TakeRolex watchesfor instance; they are almost exclusively metal bracelet watches, with very few leather strap models.

Rolex Submariner watch 116600LV

　　Habit

　　The aforementioned phenomenon raises another question: why are there actually more metal bracelet watches in the boutiques of lower-to-mid-range brands (relatively speaking)? I believe this comes down to people's habits. Since more people are accustomed to wearing metal-braced watches, retailers naturally stock more of them. Perhaps it is because metal bracelets make men look more masculine, or perhaps it is due to longstanding tradition. Whether someone is buying a gift for a man, purchasing one for themselves, or inheriting an heirloom, the strap is usually a metal bracelet. At least I have noticed that nearly everyone around me is like this; I am not sure if it has anything to do with regional factors.

　　Seasons

　　There is also another reason: my observation over these few months took place during warmer weather, rather than in winter (besides, wearing heavy winter clothes means I probably would not see the watch anyway). As the popular saying goes, "Wear a steel bracelet in summer and a leather strap in winter." Summer heat makes one sweat and encounter water easily; leather straps can be corroded by sweat and are not waterproof. Come winter, however, steel bracelets feel too cold and icy, whereas leather straps are warm and comfortable.