The Bead: beads of rice watch bracelet for 18, 20 and 22 mm lugs

A classic beads of rice bracelet

The Bead is a stainless steel bracelet built from rows of small, rounded links set between flat outer links, the pattern known as beads of rice. With so many short links, it bends easily and lies close to the wrist, more like a strap than a stiff bracelet. It closes with a fold-over clasp that sits flat under your wrist.

It comes in two finishes. Brushed has a soft satin look that hides the fine scratches of daily wear. Polished is bright, catches the light and shows marks sooner. Both suit a steel watch with a vintage or dress look, and they work just as well on an everyday field or sports watch. Still choosing between a bracelet and a strap? Our guide to which watch strap to choose compares them.

Width and end links

Pick the width that matches the gap between your watch's lugs: 18, 20 or 22 mm. Measure inside the lugs with a ruler, or check the back of your current strap, where the width is often printed. A bracelet that is too narrow moves around between the lugs, and one that is too wide will not go in at all. Our fit guide shows how to measure.

Then choose the end links, the pieces that meet the case:

• Straight end links fit any watch with the right lug width. They leave a small, even gap between the case and the first link.
• Curved end links follow the curve of a rounded case and close that gap for a built-in look. Their curve is a standard one, so they sit flush only on cases with a similar shape.

If you are not sure which you need, pick straight. Not every finish comes in every width and end link style; the options on this page only show the combinations we can send. For other styles in steel, see all our watch bracelets.

Sizing it to your wrist

Like most link bracelets, The Bead arrives long and sizes down. Close it around your wrist with the clasp centered underneath and count how many links need to go. Take the same number out of each side of the clasp so it stays centered.

The links are held together by pins. Push a pin out with a link tool or a thin pin punch, lift the link out, then push the pin back in to join the bracelet again. Work over a soft cloth so small parts don't roll away. If you would rather not do it yourself, a watch shop can size it in a few minutes. Keep the spare links and pins in a small bag in case you want to size up later.

A good fit leaves room for about one finger between the steel and your wrist. If you land between two sizes, the clasp has a row of small holes for fine adjustment: moving its spring bar one hole makes the bracelet a little longer or shorter. Wrists swell a little in hot weather and after exercise, so when in doubt, go slightly looser.

Fitting and care

The Bead attaches to your watch with spring bars, the same way a strap does. Slide a spring bar through the end link, press one end in with a spring bar tool or a thin blade, line it up with the lug hole and let it snap into place. Give the bracelet a firm tug to check both ends before you wear it.

Stainless steel needs little care. Rinse it in fresh water after swimming in the sea or a pool and let it dry. Now and then, scrub between the links with a soft toothbrush and warm, soapy water to clear out skin and dirt, then dry it with a soft cloth. Brushed steel picks up fine scratches over time; that is normal and part of how a bracelet ages. How deep you can take it 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.