The Aviator: bonklip-style 316L steel bracelet you size at the clasp

Open steel links with a vintage look

The Aviator is a bonklip-style bracelet: a long, even ladder of rounded 316L stainless steel bars, linked at the edges, with open gaps between them. The open build keeps it light on the wrist, lets air through and gives it an easy, loose drape. The look belongs on pilot, field and military-style watches, and it works just as well on a plain everyday watch with a simple dial.

There are two finishes. The silver version has bright, polished links and a brushed steel plate on the clasp. The black version has glossy black links and a brushed black clasp plate, which looks right on a black or dark gray watch and keeps the outline low-key. Still choosing between steel and a strap? Our guide to which watch strap to pick compares the options.

Widths and the watches it fits

Order the width that matches the gap between your watch's lugs. The black version comes in 18, 20 and 22 mm; the silver version comes in 22 mm only, so on a 22 mm watch you can pick either finish. Not every finish comes in every width, so the options on this page only show the combinations we can send. Measure inside the lugs with a ruler, or read the width printed on the back of your current strap. Our fit guide walks you through it.

Both ends are straight, so The Aviator fits any watch with standard lugs of the matching width. Like every straight-end bracelet, it leaves a small, even gap between the case and the first link. The links keep the same width all the way to the clasp. To compare it with oyster, jubilee and mesh styles, see all our watch bracelets.

Sizing without removing links

A bonklip-style bracelet sizes at the clasp, not by taking links out. The clasp is a hinged steel plate that hooks over the links, so you set the fit by choosing where along the bracelet it closes. There is nothing to unscrew and no tool to use.

To size it, put the watch on, draw the bracelet snug around your wrist, slide the clasp to the point that feels right and press it shut over the links. Leave room for about one finger between the steel and your wrist; open links wear more comfortably a touch loose than tight. Because the fit is never fixed, you can let it out a step on a hot day or after a workout and take it back in later.

Laid out flat, the short side with the clasp measures about 4.5 in (115 mm) and the long side about 8.5 in (215 mm).

Fitting and care

The Aviator has quick-release spring bars fitted at both ends, so it goes on by hand. Pull back the small lever on the spring bar, set the bar between the lugs, line the pin up with the lug hole and let go. Then give the bracelet a firm tug to check that both ends have clicked in. If your current strap uses standard spring bars without a lever, you will need a spring bar tool or a thin blade to take it off. Work over a soft cloth so nothing scratches the case.

Stainless steel needs little care. Rinse the bracelet in fresh water after the sea or a pool and dry it with a soft cloth; the open links rinse clean easily. On the black version, skip abrasive cleaners and polishing cloths, which can wear the finish at the edges. How deep you can go in water depends on your watch, not the bracelet.

Delivery and returns

Delivery is $6.95, or free on orders over $49. The delivery time for your country shows on this page and at checkout.

You can return an unworn bracelet in its original packaging within 30 days of delivery. Return shipping is paid by you, unless the item arrived faulty or incorrect. Read the full terms on our delivery and returns page.