The Heavy Mesh: thick Milanese mesh watch band for 18 to 24 mm lugs

A heavier Milanese weave

A standard Milanese band is woven from fine wire about 0.02 in (0.6 mm) across and ends up close to 0.08 in (2 mm) thick. The Heavy Mesh uses thicker 0.04 in (1.0 mm) wire, and the finished band is about 0.12 in (3 mm) thick. The difference shows. A fine mesh reads as a smooth sheet from a few feet away; on this one you can make out the rows of wire, and the edges have a rolled, rope-like look.

It is still mesh, so it bends with your wrist instead of hinging link by link, and there are no links to take out. The ends are straight steel tubes that sit square to the case and leave a small, even gap, the way a strap does.

The band comes in three finishes: gold, black and rose gold. The weave and the clasp are the same in all three.

Widths and the watches it suits

The Heavy Mesh comes in 18, 20, 22 and 24 mm. Order the width that matches the gap between your watch's lugs exactly. A band that is too narrow shifts from side to side on the spring bars, and one that is too wide will not go in. To measure, hold a ruler or calipers across the inside of the lugs, or follow the steps in our fit guide.

Gold is made in all four widths. Rose gold comes in 18, 20 and 22 mm, and black in 18 and 24 mm.

Because the mesh is thick, it looks most at home on larger watches: divers, field and pilot watches, and sports watches with 20 to 24 mm lugs. On a slim dress watch it can look heavy next to the case, and a fine Milanese weave is the better match there. You can compare every style side by side on the watch bracelets page.

Sizing it to your wrist

There are no links to remove. The clasp moves along the mesh and locks where you set it, so you adjust the fit in small steps instead of a whole link at a time. Put the watch on, open the clasp, slide it until the band sits snug with room for one finger underneath, and lock it again. Check that the clasp is fully closed before you head out.

The clasp itself is a double-locking fold-over type, the classic setup on dive watch bracelets. If the fit feels right on the edge, set it a touch looser: wrists swell a little in summer heat and after exercise.

The band measures about 7.9 in (200 mm) from end to end. To see how that compares with what you wear now, lay your current strap or bracelet flat and measure it from one end to the other, leaving out the watch.

Fitting and care

The Heavy Mesh attaches with standard spring bars in your lug width, like any strap, so keep the pair from your current strap in case you need them. A small tool comes with the band. Push one end of the spring bar in, line it up with the lug hole and let it snap into place, then repeat on the other side. Give the band a firm tug to check both ends before you wear it.

Mesh collects skin, soap and dust between the wires. Every few weeks, rinse it under warm water, work a soft toothbrush with a drop of mild soap along the weave, rinse again and pat it dry with a towel. Rinse it in fresh water after the sea or a pool. On the colored finishes, skip metal polish and abrasive cloths; a soft dry cloth keeps them even.

Delivery and returns

Delivery is $6.95, or free on orders over $49. The delivery time for your country shows on each product page and at checkout. You can return an unworn band in its original packaging within 30 days of delivery. Return shipping is paid by you, unless the item arrived faulty or incorrect. See delivery and returns for the details.