deployant

Deployant is a term used in horology to describe a type of watch clasp that unfolds to allow the watch to be worn or removed and then closes to secure the wrist. Also known as a deployment clasp, it typically attaches to the ends of a bracelet or strap and consists of hinged sections that unfold when released. Variants include single-fold and double-fold designs (the latter is often referred to as a butterfly clasp), sometimes equipped with a push-button release or locking mechanism for added security. Deployants are commonly used with metal bracelets but can also be fitted to leather or rubber straps.

Advantages of deployants include easier handling when putting on or taking off the watch, reduced risk of dropping the timepiece, and improved wear life for the strap by distributing stress more evenly. They can also permit small micro-adjustments to improve fit without needing to alter the strap length.

Compared with traditional tang or pin buckles, deployants keep the strap attached to the watch when open, which can aid sizing and reduce the chance of losing the watch. This mechanism has become standard on many modern watches, especially those from luxury and sports brands, where both security and ease of use are valued.

Etymology: the term derives from the French deployant, meaning deploying or unfolding.