I kicked off the year visiting Dubai on business & leisure, and after months of enduring the long, cold winter in London, I couldn’t help but think spring is just around the corner. With it comes the promise of holidays, sunshine, and, inevitably, the challenge of packing light! Packing watches for a trip is always a balancing act, especially when you’re blending business with a bit of well earned leisure. You want to be prepared for every occasion, but unless you’re flying private (I am not), space can be at a premium.
I have been guilty of travelling with multiple watches, swapping them out to match the setting. But looking back it was a hassle, not to mention a nightmare when you remember that most travel insurance policies cap single valuables at less than a thousand per item, so unless you fancy a reimbursement that barely covers the bracelet, I thought this time best to keep it simple.
Instead, I took one; the Omega Seamaster 300 Polar Dial. But here’s the trick, I strategically packed four straps, based on outfits and planned activities... and honestly? What an absolute Game-changer. I wanted to give some insight on how I made this work for me and of course, the same can apply to you, whether you’re travelling with your Rolex Submariner, Tudor Black Bay, or even a MoonSwatch!
One watch, multiple personalities and much less hassle!
One Watch, Four Looks
Straps might not seem like the most exciting thing in the world, but hear me out. For those who know, they completely transform a watch, and when you give it some thought it actually makes perfect sense to change them on the move. We accessorise and match outfits with shoes, belts and bags, so why not straps? One moment, you're in the gym smashing a morning workout, next a business brunch, then an afternoon or evening of leisure, and suddenly, you're sitting in a rooftop bar looking suspiciously refined. Quickly changing a strap between these event allows for same watch. Different energy.
So here’s how I tackled Dubai for a few days, with a single timepiece and a well thought out strap rotation.
Gym & Swim Kicking Off the Day
6:30 AM. The alarm goes off. The sun rises over Dubai, painting the city in warm golds and deep ambers. The city is awake, and so am I. A quick rinse, to beat away the jet lag before stepping into my all black kit. Precision. Focus. Routine.
A fresh pair of On Running Cloudmonster 2's (honestly, the best gym shows going right now). A half pint of water with a Berocca; hydration first, movement second. Then, the finishing touch...
I remove my watch from my travel watch roll, grab my strap tool and quickly release the stainless steel bracelet. Out comes the the bright orange FKM rubber strap, with quick release pins this change is quicker than Usain Bolt running the100m. Bold against my all black gym kit, a statement before I’ve even stepped out the door. Light, dynamic, and ready for anything. 30 minutes on the treadmill, followed by some strength & conditioning every curl, every press, there’s a flicker of orange in my peripheral. Sharp, dynamic, driven.
I've got to be at brunch for 10 AM, a quick look down to my wrist, an adjustment of my bezel to stay on track of time. Then a few lengths in the pool to cool down. I don’t even need to think, a quick change into swim shorts and splash, I dive in without a second thought. Every stroke of the front crawl burning bright orange like the motivation inside me. The FKM rubber handled it all—heat, sweat, water effortlessly. Unlike leather, which would’ve been ruined, or the chunk of a bracelet, which would’ve felt too heavy and cumbersome, this orange FKM was low maintenance, high performance, and looked fantastic!
The Daily Driver! Effortless, Everyday Comfort
Dubai is all about contrasts, one minute, you’re sipping an overpriced flat white in a hotel lobby, and the next, you’re getting lost in the sensory overload of Downtown or the Marina. I needed something for the day ahead that looked effortless but not lazy.
Back in the hotel room, I unclip the orange FKM rubber strap and place it on the side, a job well done. A fresh shower, a reset. Now, it’s time to switch gears. I reach for an all white linen shirt—light, breathable, effortless (M&S absolute win if you're looking for Summer clothes In Jan/Feb! Linked here). A staple for days where the heat is high, but the schedule is busier.
With a quick flick of the release pin, I swap over to the Sailcloth Hybrid in Graphite. A balance of structure and flexibility, this strap is made for movement, for the transition from one place to the next. As I fasten the buckle, I catch a glimpse in the mirror...refined, composed, ready.
I’m meeting a client to talk shop, and in a city like Dubai, impressions matter. A firm handshake, a knowing nod, and straight into business. The watch is understated, but it works. I notice my client eyeing up the watch & strap combination. It moves with me, seamlessly fitting into a professional setting without feeling forced. As we wrap up, I know I’m heading straight to Downtown Dubai straight after. The heat is picking up around midday, and this strap was the correct choice. The FKM rubber is light, it breathes, and it will handle the light bead of sweat throughout the day effortlessly.
Later, I’ll be heading up the Burj Khalifa, catching the city from above, reflecting on how a single watch with the right straps can fit into every aspect of the journey. From boardrooms to observation decks, from high rise meetings to golden sunsets, this setup is proving its worth.
Poolside Leisure Relaxation with a View
The next day is all about downtime. No schedules, no deadlines, just sun, water, and time to switch off. A hot lunch date, Sushi at Sambre, followed by a poolside escape with iconic views of the Palm. The kind of day that calls for effortless confidence, where the smallest details make all the difference. Today I know I'm headed straight from the pool to a dinner in the evening, so I slip an extra strap into my day bag.
I reach for a dark green linen shirt, textured beige shorts—light, breathable, the kind of pairing that feels just as good as it looks. And for the wrist? Back to the FKM Rubber Strap in Green. Cool, supple, perfectly suited to the heat. An effortless swap with the quick release pin, and it’s on, sitting snug, but never restrictive.
Lounging by the infinity pool, drink in hand, the green strap catches the light—a rich, deep shade that echoes the surroundings. It’s made for this. Heat-resistant, waterproof, and comfortable enough to wear all day, whether I’m stretched out on a sun lounger or taking a dip to cool off. With a few effortless strokes of the front crawl, I cut through the water, the racing green strap flickering beneath the surface. A quick adjustment of my bezel—time slows down, the city hums in the distance, and for now, everything is exactly where it should be.
The Night Calls for Leather A Seamless Upgrade
As the sun dips below the skyline, Dubai transforms. The energy shifts from the golden glow of beach clubs and rooftop pools to the refined elegance of candle lit terraces and skyline lounges. The night demands something different. Something sophisticated.
A shower at the pool clubhouse, the crisp scent of cologne in the air. I slip into a tailored linen jacket, the kind that feels effortless but speaks volumes. The final touch? The Tan Saffiano leather strap. Smooth, structured, luxurious with a 4mm taper for style. Fastening the polished stainless steel buckle, I feel the difference instantly. The way the Saffiano leather moulds to the wrist, its refined texture catching the light subtly—this is the kind of detail that elevates an evening look.
A dinner reservation at a Michelin starred restaurant. A dimly lit rooftop bar overlooking the city. A glass of something neat, aged, perfectly poured. The Seamaster, now dressed in leather, blends seamlessly into the atmosphere, exuding quiet confidence. I catch the time in the reflection of my glass. Midnight approaches, but there’s no rush. Nights like these are meant to be savoured, much like a well crafted timepiece. Timeless, effortless, unforgettable.
Dubai at night is a different beast luxury hotels, rooftop bars, and restaurants where you feel like you should probably have read a wine list at some point in your life. Suddenly, the Seamaster was no longer a dive watch, and it was hard to think I’d been swimming with this watch a few hours earlier. Now it looked like it had never seen water in its life. The refined texture of the Saffiano leather added a layer of depth and subtle sophistication, pairing effortlessly with a linen shirt and an Old Fashioned (which I absolutely pretended to know more about than I do).
The next few days follow the same effortless rhythm swap a strap, reinvent the watch, step into a new setting like it was made for it. And yet, I can’t help but think, why didn’t I bring more? More options, more versatility, more ways to make this one timepiece feel fresh every single day.
One thing is certain—this is the only way to travel. One watch, the right straps, and style that adapts as effortlessly as the journey itself!
Why Straps Over Multiple Watches?
More Versatility, Less Hassle
One watch, endless looks.
No need to worry about multiple winders, security checks, or wrist real estate.
Cost effective a well curated strap collection costs less than another watch (leaving you with more cash for other bad financial decisions).
Why Not Just Stick with a Metal Bracelet?
Looks great, but heavy on the wrist for all day wear.
Uncomfortable in extreme heat, bracelets trap sweat and expand in hot climates.
Not ideal for working out or swimming, most get scratched or feel cumbersome in the gym or pool.
Straps let you match the occasion without lugging around multiple watches.
Travel Light, Move Smart
This trip reinforced something I’ve always known a single watch, paired with the right straps, is the ultimate travel companion. Instead of juggling multiple watches, I curated a selection of straps that adapted effortlessly to every moment. Every strap had a purpose, a story, and a role to play.
Next time you pack, think beyond just watches. A single timepiece, a few well chosen straps, and you’re golden. Shop our range of straps here