Look around any café line or fashion week pit lane and it pops instantly : a strap that coils twice around the wrist, turning a simple timepiece into a jewel. The wrap bracelet watch – the sought after “montre bracelet enroulé” – is back on wrists that want style without noise.
Here is the appeal in plain sight : it elongates the arm, acts like a built-in stack, and feels as effortless as tying a scarf. From the Hermès Double Tour to Bulgari’s Serpenti, plus accessible brands rolling out new wraps, the trend solves a daily style puzzle : one piece, strong impact, zero jangling.
Wrap bracelet watch trend : what it is and why it flatters
A wrap bracelet watch uses an extra-long strap that circles the wrist twice – sometimes three times on slimmer cases. The effect reads jewelry first, watch second. That’s exactly the charm.
On the body, it visually slims the wrist and brings a soft, tailored line that looks chic with a blazer and just as right with denim. Those who dislike stacks that slide around get the same layered look, but secure.
Fit is where the magic lives. Measure the wrist snug, then add a finger of ease. Smaller cases – 22 to 32 mm – sit beautifully on wrap straps. Larger cases work too, ideally paired with a slightly wider band to balance proportions.
From Hermès to Bulgari : dates that shaped the wrap
Modern fashion’s reference point tracks back to Hermès. The Cape Cod Double Tour design has been credited to Martin Margiela for Hermès in 1998, and the silhouette cemented the idea that a strap could steal the show while staying refined.
Tech met couture in 2015 when Apple announced Apple Watch Hermès with the Double Tour strap, bringing the wrap concept into everyday wearables and onto millions of screens overnight via Apple’s press rollout.
The heritage thread runs deeper. Bulgari’s Serpenti watches trace their roots to the late 1940s, pairing coiling Tubogas bracelets with a watch head. The house celebrated the Serpenti’s 75th anniversary in 2023, underscoring how the wrap form endures through cycles.
There is also a resale angle. McKinsey & Company projected the pre-owned watch market to reach 29 to 32 billion dollars by 2025, up from about 18 billion in 2019, signaling a strong appetite for iconic references and strap experiments across decades. Vintage wraps and compatible cases often surface there.
How to choose a montre bracelet enroulé that lasts
The right pick depends on comfort, maintenance, and wardrobe needs. A few smart filters keep the trend wearable for seasons, not weeks.
- Case size : under 34 mm for a delicate look, 34 to 38 mm for a bolder line. Try on; wrap straps exaggerate scale.
- Strap material : smooth calf for polish, grained leather for grip, vegan microfibers for humidity, steel coils for drama.
- Closure : a tang buckle is classic and quick to adjust; deployant clasps add security on thinner wrists.
- Lug width : choose common widths like 16, 18 or 20 mm to swap straps easily later.
- Water resistance : at least 30 m for daily life. Sweat and sudden rain happen.
- Color strategy : start with black or tan, then add a bright accent – red, emerald, or indigo – for weekend outfits.
- Service path : can a local watchmaker change the strap and spring bars without special tools? That keeps costs sane.
Style moves : everyday ways to wear the wrap bracelet watch
Office hours call for a slim double wrap in black or etoupe, worn solo with a crisp cuff. The wrap sits flat, so it slides under a sleeve cleanly. A satin-finish dial avoids glare under meeting room lights.
Off duty, lean into contrast. A tan wrap around a silver case next to a single thin bangle reads balanced, not busy. Mixing metals works : gold case, steel bangle, warm leather strap. Rules relax when proportions stay calm.
Evening flips the script. A steel coil like Bulgari’s Serpenti turns the watch into a cuff; no other jewelry needed. If the outfit already shines, a matte leather wrap in oxblood grounds it quietly.
Travel adds a practical note. A neutral wrap pairs with everything and secures well on the wrist during long days. Swap in a washable microfiber strap for humid climates; it dries quicker and keeps shape accross trips.
For smartwatch users, the wrap look is still within reach. Third-party double tour straps exist for popular models, while Apple Watch Hermès remains the reference for integrated finish since 2015. Check compatibility and spring-bar adapters before buying, then lean into understated watch faces to let the strap speak.
The last gap many miss : maintenance. Condition leather twice a year, keep it away from perfume, and rotate straps weekly. That tiny routine preserves color and keeps wraps hugging the wrist instead of stretching out.