A Stretchy, Durable Fix for a Common Watch Band Failure
I wear a Tissot T-Touch with an aftermarket Barton 21mm silicone band. I love the setup, but I have a recurring problem: I manage to snap the strap holder loops every few months. The rubber on the originals just seems too brittle for daily wear and tear. I picked up this 20-pack of replacement rings to see if I could find a more durable solution, and so far, they are a winner. Material & Fit From a materials engineering standpoint, these are interesting. They are designed for 20mm bands, and my Barton band is 21mm, but they fit perfectly. However, the silicone compound used here has excellent elongation properties. They are not as "hefty" or thick as the stock loops, but they are significantly more stretchy. This added flexibility allowed them to stretch over the 21mm buckle with no issues, and I suspect this higher elasticity will actually make them more durable in the long run since they will flex rather than snap under tension. Two weeks in on my first loop, and it is holding strong. Essential Design Feature The most critical feature for me is the internal "locking nub." This little protrusion fits into the adjustment holes on the strap to keep the loop from sliding up and down. Without this, the tail of the strap constantly flops loose. These rings have that nub, and it works perfectly to secure the strap tail. Value & Aesthetics My only minor gripe is the color selection. I wish they sold a dedicated all-black set. However, getting 20 loops for this price means I can mix and match colors for the next few years and never worry about a broken loop ruining my watch setup again. Final Thoughts If you are tired of stiff watch loops snapping on you, these are a fantastic, flexible upgrade. Read more
