If you are looking to purchase rubber watch straps, you must be aware of the following information.
Then you must opt for a rubber watch strap, as it is a waterproof, versatile strap that is fabricated from a rubber compound like FKM, natural rubber or silicone. It is ideal for dive and sport watches because it will not deteriorate from water, sweat or heat like leather. It is the compound that is important. FKM is the hardest and most dust-resistant material; silicone is softer, cheaper and wears out faster.
The strap once was reserved for the beach only, with rubber. It's now on everything from dive watches to dress-sport, and it's perfectly appropriate. To help you decide, here are a few things to keep in mind before you make your selection.
Are All Rubber Materials the Same?
There are some types of rubber, and they feel and age differently.
Material | How it feels | How it holds up | Good for |
FKM (fluoroelastomer) | Dense, smooth, matte | Resists heat, UV, salt water and sunscreen | Daily wear, diving, travel |
Natural rubber | Springy and soft | Durable when well made, may age with sun | Vintage-style dive watches |
Silicone | Very soft, slightly tacky | Can pick up lint and lose color faster | Gym, casual or budget watches |
For those who need a strap that can be worn for years, they should choose FKM. It's also less likely to accumulate lint and dust like silicone can.
Are Rubber Watch Straps Comfortable?
Yes, and a good one is easy to forget to take off. Rubber stretches as your wrist does, thus keeping it comfortable if your wrist puffs up a little bit during exercise or in hot weather.
The firmness of some FKM straps can be firm for the first day or two, and some are soft the first time out of the box, depending on the compound. A good rubber strap should not need to be broken in for weeks.
Buckle or Deployant: Two Ways to Wear It
After selecting the material, the next decision to be made is how the strap is closed, which will alter the daily feel of the strap.
A classic tang buckle with a keeper loop. This is the normal configuration. The strap goes through a pin buckle and the extra length is tucked into a loop. It is familiar, adjustable and fits nearly all watches.
Loopless with a clasp for deployment. Here, the strap is cut once only and is opened and closed using a folding clasp. No loop and no tail is sticking out in the spare length; it is hidden under the clasp. It provides a neater appearance and less wear and tear to the strap because you don't bend it daily through a buckle.
Some no. of the FKM rubber grades are available in both versions. This is one of the many examples of the HydroFlex™ line. It comes in Classic HydroFlex™ buckled with a tang buckle and keeper loop, and Loop-less™ HydroFlex™ with a deployant clasp. They both feature the same waterproof FKM rubber with a texture moulded into the surface of the watch, just like the texture of the sailcloth, so it will all depend on the way you like your watch fastened.
Which Watches Suit a Rubber Strap?
Which watches would you put on a rubber strap?
Rubber is effective with:
- Dive watches
- GMTs and travel watches
- Chronograph and racing watches
- Steel sport watches that have built-in attributes in style.
- Sport watches in style with built-in features in steel.
It is also compatible with smarter sport watches, given a dark color and textured or matte finish. It's not really the best choice for slim-dress watches, as it may appear too casual.
Common Myths About Rubber Straps
- "Rubber looks cheap." Shiny silicone can. The matte FKM edge, clean edges and excellent buckle are very effective even on expensive sports watches.
- Wrists sweat when using rubber. Rubber is not breathable like cloth, but many straps will have vents or a textured underside to allow air to pass through. Slightly loose will also work well in hot weather.
- Rubber Straps tend to crack easily. Low-grade silicone can. The longer-lasting FKM is designed to withstand heat, sunlight and chemicals.
How to Find the Right Size
Begin with the width of the watch's lugs (the distance between the lugs). The sizes of most rubber straps are 18mm to 24mm. Read the specifications on the watch or take a measurement.
Next, consider length. Rubber is thicker than leather, and it appears that the same length can feel tighter. In case your wrist is a bit larger or smaller than the sizes listed, go up or down or get a loopless strap you can adjust later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a rubber watch strap allow you to swim?
Yes. Rubber is waterproof. Simply rinse it with fresh water after saltwater or chlorine.
What's the difference between FKM and silicone?
FKM has a higher density and is able to resist heat, UV, sweat and chemicals. Silicone is softer and more affordable, but can lint and wear out faster.
Do rubber straps smell bad?
FKM has good odor resistance. Any strap will stay fresh if you rinse it regularly.
Do deployants work better than buckles?
Neither is better. It is easier to adjust a buckle during the day; it looks cleaner and is quicker to get on and off with a deployant.
Is it possible for me to strap a rubber band around a dress watch?
It is possible, but it's preferable to avoid a sport style with a thick strap or a shiny finish.
The Takeaway
One of the best upgrades to make to a sport watch is to get a rubber watch strap. If you're after longevity, search for FKM; if you prefer a buckle, go for a classic buckle; or if you prefer no buckle, opt for a loopless deployant. Once you have the correct lug width, rinse it off after a while and it will last all day long with whatever you have in your day.
