Straps: when matte/satin? when glossy?

[Der Amf]

When I'm choosing a strap for a new watch, I always know immediately whether I want black or brown. Looking at the dial and case, I usually know instinctively how rich and how dark a brown, and what kind of grain the watch wants.

But I can't work out when it is I want matte/satin finishes and when glossy.

(Beginning to wonder if I'm simply moving from matte to glossy as I get more confident in my choices: I seem to have made a similar journey from smooth to croc patterns.)

Assuming you even bother to register the difference, what factors affect your choice between the two?

[OhDark30]

Depends on the shininess and texture (or absence) of the dial for me: OK for the watch to upstage the strap, but not vice versa

[Der Amf]

Depends on the shininess and texture (or absence) of the dial for me

*peers in watch drawer at row of sunburst dials*

Maybe that's it. As I've let my sunburst obsession rule me entirely, my taste in strap finish has traipsed along in its wake?

[93EXCivic]

Personally with exception of exotic straps, I think of shiny straps as being more dressy so I generally wear matte ones.

[popoki nui]

Matte for sport, shiny for dress works for me.

[tribe125]

Glossy can look poncey to me, but that's a highly subjective opinion. I've come to prefer straps that keep out of the way in visual terms.

[FuzzyB]

I can't think of a scenario where I would pick a glossy strap over a matte strap. I am just not a fan of glossy straps. Maybe a little less matte for a dress watch, but never glossy.

[Der Amf]

I can't think of a scenario where I would pick a glossy strap over a matte strap. I am just not a fan of glossy straps. Maybe a little less matte for a dress watch, but never glossy.

I bought what was allegedly a glossy hadley-roma strap recently, and it was scarcely more than satin. I think they call the high gloss straps "glazed"?

[Der Amf]

Matte for sport, shiny for dress works for me.

Virtually all my watches are in the same kinda dress vein, hence my confusion

[Nokie]

I always go for the matte/satin look first. Easier to dress up this type of finish than it is to dress down something with a glossy look.