What to consider when buying a watch if you are prone to skin reactions

The watch strap is not only a useful item, but also significantly characterises the appearance of the watch through its workmanship and appearance. Depending on the material and sensitivity of the wearer, however, watch straps can also cause skin irritations or allergies. To avoid these skin reactions, we recommend that you take a look at the material of the watch strap when buying your watch.

Metal watch straps - caution with nickel allergies

Many metal watch straps contain a composition containing nickel, which can lead to allergic reactions when the watch is worn. This is because nickel ions are released from the alloy through sweat and cause itching, redness and eczema on people who suffer from a nickel allergy. Nickel allergy is a contact allergy, which means that symptoms are triggered by contact with items containing nickel. To avoid an allergic reaction, those affected should ask specifically about the alloy of the metal when buying a watch. This also applies to bracelets made of leather, plastic or silicone. The clasps on these models may also contain nickel, which can lead to allergic reactions.

Plastic watch straps - plasticisers can trigger allergies

Plastic watch straps can also trigger allergies. However, it's usually not the plastic itself that triggers skin reactions, but rather the additives added to process it, such as plasticisers. These plasticisers, which are needed to make the plastic easier to process, can lead to eczema, itching and redness when the watch is worn. Most people affected only notice such a contact allergy when the first symptoms appear. If a watch with a plastic strap causes reddening of the skin or itching, it is advisable to switch to a different material. Modern watches with silicone straps may be an alternative to plastic straps. Silicone is generally considered to be hypoallergenic, which means that the risk of allergies is very low and even sensitive people rarely react to this material. Nevertheless, caution is advised here too, as in rare cases, silicones can also cause itching in people with allergies or neurodermatitis.

Leather straps - tanning agents and dyes can cause itching

Watches with a genuine leather strap look particularly elegant and high-quality. Even though leather is a natural material, it can still cause allergies. Leather allergy is also a contact allergy. However, the symptoms are not only triggered by the leather, but also by the tanning agents and dyes used to process the material. Many leather manufacturers use chromium sulphate for tanning. Chromium is known to cause allergies when it comes into direct contact with the skin. The allergy becomes noticeable through itching, pustules and redness. The symptoms are particularly severe if the leather is worn directly on the skin for several hours a day. The dyes used to colour the leather and the adhesives used to bond the individual parts are also a problem. As the watch manufacturers usually obtain the leather pre-treated, it is difficult to trace which tanning agents and dyes were used in the production process. People with a leather allergy should therefore avoid leather watch straps altogether.

No-allergy leather - the alternative for people with allergies

As more and more people suffer from contact allergies, manufacturers have developed so-called no-allergy leather. The leather straps are given a special coating on the inside to keep allergy-causing substances away from the skin. This development makes it possible for people with allergies to wear watch straps made of genuine leather. Not only people who suffer from a leather allergy, but also those with sensitive skin should use these specially coated watch straps. This will prevent your new favourite watch from causing redness or itching when worn.

Oris provides some models from the Oris Artelier collection with a special leather strap for people suffering from allergies. The leather straps meet the high standards of the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF) and are manufactured in compliance with the strict ecological standards of the International Association of Textiles (IVN).