When we from Glashütte talk about our wristwatches, their functions and the technology of the movements usually come first. This is closely followed by the dial and case: after all, up to a year of work goes into designing a dial. A decisive factor of a wristwatch easily fades into the background. Of course, we’re talking about the wristband here, and we’d like to pay tribute to its key role.
Choosing the right strap is an important point when deciding on a watch. Here, not only personal preferences and aesthetic sensibilities play a role, but also practical reasons: For example, do you also wear your watch while swimming? Then we would rather recommend a stainless steel strap that is just as noble as it is insensitive, instead of a sophisticated leather strap. That’s why there are usually several variants made of different materials for our watches.
Be it the elegant crocodile leather strap of the Teutonia II or the soft buffalo leather strap of the Terrasport, Mühle’s leather watch straps underline the sporty or elegant character of their time measuring companions and are designed to perfectly complement each individual watch. The soft straps made of black or dark brown buffalo leather, for example, work in perfect harmony with the black or cream-coloured faces of the Terrasport to create a stunning overall appearance.
The velvety surface gives our suede leather straps a particularly noble appearance. By the way, this is exactly where the name of this type of leather comes from: because “velours” comes from the French and means “velvet”. Velour leather is the general term for all types of leather with a roughened surface.
The fabric that dreams are made of: The textile straps of a Mühle watch are as varied as the wishes of their wearers. The deep black textile strap of the Sea-Timer BlackMotion, for example, is made of water-repellent fibers and a wearer-friendly rubber inside – while the textile upper material on the strap of the 29er Tag/Datum is made of canvas and changes when worn like the fabric of your favorite jeans.
Up to 5 millimeters thick. Fresh and salt water resistant. Folding clasp with dive extension and side safety pushers: the rubber strap of Seebataillon GMT or S.A.R. Rescue-Timer was created to withstand the toughest operating conditions. But even with such a functional bracelet, it’s not just the hard facts that count: Because the rubber straps are made exclusively for us, which can be seen very well in a loving detail: the Mühle lettering integrated into the rubber.
The sporty leather/rubber straps of the Teutonia Sport have a rubber core on the inside – while specially treated, silicone-coated leather is used on the outside. This makes the straps ideally suited for sports on water and on land.
With the introduction of the “Sportivo” sports watch family, we have added a new type of strap to our repertoire: the Mühle canvas/rubber straps. Their rubber core is provided with a sustainable outer material made from SEAQUAL® MARINE PLASTIC. This consists of 100% recycled PET bottles, which are processed into an innovative high-tech yarn by certified manufacturers. The outer material for the canvas/rubber straps with a canvas look is woven from this. In combination with the inner rubber layer, this creates highly functional straps that are ideal for sporty wristwatches.
They feel just as comfortable while swimming as they do while playing sports or going to the opera: a metal strap is a versatile way to wear our watch. What’s more, metal straps are not only particularly easy to care for, they also give a Mühle watch a very elegant character. The best example of this is the stainless steel strap of our Teutonia. Its secret is the many small individual links: their small size makes the band very comfortable, while their fine polish makes it a decorative eye-catcher.
After World War II, NATO introduced the so-called NSN (NATO Stock Number) for its equipment. In 1973, the NATO bracelet was initially called the G10 strap. This was because the British Ministry of Defense stipulated that soldiers who needed a strap for their watch should fill out a form called G1098. Since the bracelet was used by the military, it had to be functional and reliable. It was made in a standard length of 28 cm with 11 holes to fit all wrists as well as to be worn over diving suits and uniforms.
A particular advantage of the straps running behind the watch is that if one spring bar breaks or pops out, the case is still secured by the other spring bar. Because NATO straps are easy to change, sturdy and durable, they have also become increasingly popular as a stylish accessory in recent years.
For our Panova family, we have chosen the classic, original NATO strap, as it supports the sporty & lifestylish look of the watches and gives customers the opportunity to customize their watch.
The Panova is an all-round successful everyday watch and can also be used ideally as a vacation watch – to name just one example. From building sandcastles with the kids to swimming in the sea: after everything that’s fun on vacation, you can simply rinse the case of the Panova with tap water, swap the water-resistant textile strap for the fine leather strap in just a few simple steps – and the Panova is immediately ready for use again at a fancy dinner.
Especially the multicolored textile strap of the Panova, which is water-resistant to 10 bar, is a real all-rounder. It is made from a classic woven fabric. Its hard-wearing synthetic fibers are particularly tightly woven, so that the strap is very tear-resistant and durable. The synthetic fibers (polyamide) also hardly absorb moisture and dry very quickly. Likewise, the pull-through band can be easily separated from the watch and also washed in the washing machine (in a laundry bag up to max. 40°C).
The strap is closed as normal and then pulled through both metal rings. To avoid a long overhang, the band is “folded” and pulled back through the rings. This can either be done on the outside to create a contrast or on the inside for the same look.
With the 29er Casual and Lunova, you are spoiled for choice: between extremely attractive watch straps. After this decision, everything is all the easier. Because the straps have quick-release spring bars, with which a change of strap is made in a short time. So no matter which combination of leather, suede and textile strap you choose: We hope you have fun combining them.
These watches come with with special, interchangeable straps: a gray-blue suede strap, two brown leather straps, a beige-grey textile strap or a vintage-leather strap, each with a stainless steel pin buckle. Depending on your mood, occasion or outfit, you can easily change the selected straps thanks to the quick-release spring bars.
To remove a strap, simply slide the metal pin on the underside of the bracelet inward. Then pull the strap slightly away from the case on the side of the pin and remove the other end of the spring bar from the strap lug.
To attach a strap, first insert the end of the spring bar into the strap lug on the side opposite the metal pin. Push the metal pin inwards and guide the remaining end of the spring bar to the hole in the strap lug. Finally, release the metal pin so that the spring bar can engage in the hole.
IMPORTANT! Please ensure that the spring bar engages securely in the two holes. Check that the strap is securely attached to the case to prevent damage to the watch if it is dropped.
You have various options, if you would like to have your Mühle watch professionally serviced. For example, you are welcome to bring your watch directly to our manufactory or send it to us by post with the note “Service”. Please contact us in advance if you would like a service in our manufactory in Glashütte. We will be happy to provide you with more information about our services, the safe shipping of your Mühle watch and send you a return slip. In addition, you can contact a Mühle retailer in your area. They will not only give you competent advice, there you can also hand in your watch for an inspection conveniently and easily.
The most important technical information on our current watches can be found on our website by visiting the “Wristwatches” page and selecting your collection/model. Technical details for your model can also be found in the instruction manual for your watch. If you have any further questions, especially regarding older models, please feel free to contact us.
