5 of the best fabric strap watches to keep your cool this summer

As the mercury rises leather straps an metal bracelets can get hot and tight, so switch it up for a lightweight fabric. Here's our pick of the best...

It’s never pleasant when things get a little hot and clammy under your watch strap. Not only is it uncomfortable but if you normally wear a leather strap it’s going to degrade a whole lot quicker.

Save that perfect dress watch for the evening and invest in a fabric strap timepiece for the summer.,

Fabric and NATO straps are a great looking alternative – in both style and practicality – to the more traditional leather and metal. They also provide the perfect opportunity to add a splash of colour to your wrist, to go along with your more colourful seasonal wardrobe. Yes, we mean those outlandish swim shorts you just splashed out on.,

Lightweight and with a weave making them super breathable, we’ve selected five of the best for the glorious sunny days ahead…

The complicated one: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Annual Calendar

This model comes from a long heritage of divers watches at Blancpain in the Fifty Fathoms family clocking up over 50 years of diving expertise. With all the knowledge that comes with this kind of watch family you know that this is going to be able to stand up to anything your summer throws at, sun, sand or sea.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Annual Calendar

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Annual Calendar

£10780.00

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The one for going to the moon or the Med: Omega Speedmaster Professional “Moon Watch”

If you’re worried about taking your current watch on a trip around the world you needn’t worry with this timepiece. It’s already been to the moon and back strapped to the outside of Buzz and Neil’s space suits. So it should be able to handle a week onboard your chartered yacht.

Omega Speedmaster Professional “Moon Watch”

Omega Speedmaster Professional “Moon Watch”

£3520.00

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The military grade one: Breitling Chronospace Military

If you’re a fighter pilot or want people on holiday to think you are then this is the model for you. With some serious military DNA and precision, this is probably one of the most accurate Swiss watches on the market thanks to its SuperQuartz movement.

Breitling Chronospace Military

Breitling Chronospace Military

£4680.00

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The racer’s one: Tudor Black Bay Chrono Steel

Made with a manufacture movement and famously worn by David Beckham, this model is high on the list of good-looking, reliable and affordable watches. Perfect for a trip away when you just want to put on your watch and explore the tundra or town. It helps as well that it looks just like a vintage racing chronograph from the 70s.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono Steel

Tudor Black Bay Chrono Steel

£3390.00

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The dressed up one: Omega Globemaster co-axial master chronometer

Not all watches that come on a fabric strap need to be sporty. This offering from Omega gives a classy, dignified look to the utilitarian fabric strap. This also is a great option for the gent with slimmer wrists.

Omega Globemaster co-axial master chronometer

Omega Globemaster co-axial master chronometer

£5040.00

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Why not check out our favourite bronze watches while you’re here…

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