Why We Only Sell the Best: The BluShark Strap Selection Process

When it comes to watch straps, we know there’s a sea of options out there. Plenty of companies offer just about every strap they can get their hands on, adding hundreds of listings without much thought about quality, durability, or how the strap will actually feel on your wrist. That’s not how we do things at BluShark.

We take our time. We test. We refine. And if a strap doesn’t meet our high standards, we don’t sell it, plain and simple. Here’s what goes into our selection process before a strap ever makes it to our store.

1. Not Every Strap Makes the Cut

We’ve seen, and rejected, a lot of straps. From Nylon Pass-Through Straps, Rubber Straps, and Leather Straps to Silicone Straps and even Straps With Exotic Materials. Some look great in photos but fall apart after a few wears. Others might be made from quality materials but have weak stitching, uncomfortable hardware, or overall design flaws that just don’t sit right. If we wouldn’t wear it ourselves, we’re not going to sell it to you.

2. Rigorous Testing for Comfort and Durability

Before we offer a new strap, we put it through real-world testing. We wear it daily, expose it to water, sweat, and temperature changes, and see how it holds up over time. If a strap stretches too much, frays easily, or isn’t comfortable for all-day wear, it doesn’t make the cut.

Our latest strap design, which we thought was ready to go, came to a halt because we noticed it caused watches to sit higher on the wrist for those with smaller wrists. While some might not mind, we felt it wasn’t the absolute best look. So, back to the drawing board we went to find a solution. Sure, we could have packaged it up and called it good, but that’s not how we do things.

3. Custom Straps Design By BluShark Straps

We're always paying attention to what watch enthusiasts love and, just as importantly, what they don’t. By listening to feedback, we can continue developing and refining straps that meet the highest standards in design, comfort, and durability.

A perfect example of this is the BluShark Nautilus One Strap, a Single Pass-Through Strap inspired by military-issued timepieces. Customers had specific requests, and we made sure to deliver:

• Extra Length for Versatility – Many asked for a longer strap, so we designed the Nautilus One to be a full 12" (304mm) to accommodate a wider range of wrist sizes and tucking preferences.
• Vintage-Style Solid Buckle – Enthusiasts wanted a solid buckle without the need for a spring bar, similar to early military-spec straps and we did just that! 
• Solid Keepers for Durability – To match the buckle, we made sure the keepers were just as strong and reliable.
• More Lug Width Sizes and Color Options – We heard requests for adding more 18mm sizes and colors, so we expanded the lineup to include 18mm along with the standard 20mm, and 22mm, along with 10 color choices to suit any style.

This strap is a perfect example of how we take customer feedback seriously. When you ask, we listen!

4. Custom Modifications to Improve Performance

Sometimes, we find a strap with potential, but it needs some fine-tuning before it’s truly BluShark-worthy. This could mean reinforcing stitching, upgrading hardware, adjusting the weave for better flexibility, or improving the finishing on leather straps. We’re not just reselling straps, we’re making sure each one meets our exacting standards.

5. A Commitment to Quality Over Quantity

Unlike some strap companies that flood their stores with every style available, we take a different approach. We’d rather offer a curated selection of straps we truly believe in than overwhelm customers with endless choices of varying quality. If you see a strap on BluShark, it means it’s one of the best out there.

6. Designed for Watch Enthusiasts, by Watch Enthusiasts

We’re not just selling straps, we’re watch lovers ourselves. We know what makes a strap great, and we know the frustration of buying one that looks nice online but disappoints in person. That’s why we obsess over the details, making sure every strap we offer is something we’d proudly wear on our own watches.

7. The Rise of the Apple Watch: Why Low-Quality Straps Are Common and Our Premium Solution. 

With the explosion in popularity of the Apple Watch came a flood of low-quality Apple Watch silicone straps. We’ve tested countless options, and the majority simply don’t meet our standards. Thin materials, weak buckles, and a lack of durability are common issues. After nearly a year of testing, we’ve finally found and introduced a collection of high-quality Apple Silicone Straps that we can proudly stand behind!

Because of the rise of low-quality silicone straps, we wanted to offer an even higher quality option for Apple Watch users. That’s why we’ve introduced our Rubber Watch Straps for the Apple Watch with pre-installed Apple Watch adapters. We’ve taken our already tested and popular rubber straps, which have been perfected for mechanical watches, and with two adapters, they can now be seamlessly used with the Apple Watch.

The BluShark Difference

At the end of the day, our goal is simple: to provide high-quality, well-designed watch straps that stand the test of time. Whether you’re looking for premium nylon watch straps, durable rubber watch straps, or reliable Apple Watch straps, we have meticulously tested and refined each one. If we sell it, it’s because we believe in it. And if we don’t? Well, that’s because we believe you deserve better.

Looking for a strap you can trust? Check out our collection and feel the BluShark difference for yourself.