I really like the buckle and the ratchet. This is a very beautiful and high quality belt. I would recommend that you wash the back of the belt with a damp cloth before first use. The belt left a light brown stain on my trousers when I first put it on. The stain washed out in the wash with no problems. I wiped the back of the strap with a damp cloth to remove the remnants of the manufacturing process and that easily solved the problem.