Rubber Watch Strap: A Versatile Watch Band for All Purposes

Watch bands are available in various ranges of materials and designs. Depending on the style, a watch band can enhance a timepiece's functionality and overall aesthetic. Among the types of watch bands available, rubber watch straps offer the most versatility.

For some people, rubber watch straps may not suit their classic or vintage aesthetic. However, times have changed. Watch bands made of rubber have slowly entered the luxury watch territory, making them sought-after materials to enhance the timepiece's durability under extreme situations. Let’s dig into more information about the everlasting rubber watch strap below!

The Beginning of Rubber Watch Straps

Rubber watch straps used to be uncomfortable and non-breathable. They tend to stick and easily crack. Aesthetically, the rubber strap didn’t look as stylish as other watch band materials, like leather. As the watchmaking technology advanced, rubber straps have undergone radical changes.

Rubber straps were widely introduced as luxury accessories in the 1980s. Hublot introduced rubber and metal hybrid watch bands to extravagant timepieces. Before that, rubber straps became commercial in the 1960s. Though widely available, most rubber straps were criticized for their poor quality.

Many users cited that most of these rubber straps failed to provide comfort on the skin and easily cracked. On the other hand, well-made rubber straps, which have now become iconic Swiss-made Tropic straps, have perfected the formula for better endurance or durability with added comfort.

After its introduction in the 1960s, rubber watch straps’ popularity took a high jump in the 1970s–1980s. The trend of rubber watch bands continued to gain momentum until the 1990s when more luxury brands, such as Ikepod and Audemars Piguet hopped on it. In 2006, rubber straps appeared on several timepiece creations, including Eterna KonTiki Diver and Glycine Lagunare LCC 1000.

Today, dive or sports watch manufacturers always include rubber strap options in their brochures. Some brands even display the rubber strap as a prominent feature. Glycine, Evant, and Marathon are well-known brands that produce high-quality rubber straps for their timepiece creations. 

Read also: 12 Must-Have Outdoor Watches That Feel Luxurious and Sporty 

Why Choose Rubber Watch Straps?

A timepiece is as good as its strap. While the materials vary, every luxury timepiece deserves a suitable pair that complements its aesthetic and functionality. If you go the classic route, watch wearers usually opt for leather straps or metal bracelets. Well, the 1980s Hublot rubber strap changed the watchmaking industry ever since. Watch collectors today consider rubber watch straps suitable for their luxurious timepieces.

The consideration for rubber watch straps is not without reason. Watchmakers and collectors alike figure that rubber watch bands have qualities that tend to be overlooked. Check out the main criteria that make a high-quality rubber watch strap:

• Waterproof: A rubber watch strap is the perfect pair for a sports or dive watch as it is waterproof and easily washable.
• Affordable: Compared to leather, rubber doesn’t cost much and hardly deteriorates when worn in water.
• Long-lasting: When met with water, the structure of rubber doesn’t easily compromise, unlike leather which can expand or shrink upon contact.
• Versatile: Watch designers can freely think of the styles of the watch strap they want to make using rubber. Whether it be various colors or additional features, rubber can provide them the freedom to sketch their dream model.

For watch collectors, rubber watch straps are the perfect pair for sports or dive watches. Aside from being waterproof and durable, rubber as a material possesses incredible qualities, such as:

• Non-allergenic.
• Unisex.
• Fit securely around the wrist.
• Wide adjustment.
• Lightweight.
• Scratch resistant.
• UVA radiation resistant.
• Non-electrically conducting.
• Stylish in every era.

Types of Rubber Watch Straps

If you consider adding rubber watch straps to your accessories, figure out their types and characteristics first in the following explanation:

Natural Rubber

Natural rubber is constructed with a runny, milky white liquid (latex) that mostly comes from the rubber tree, or, in scientific terms, a tree species named Hevea brasiliensis. Latex consists of one-third water and one-third rubber particles. It’s constructed by thousands of basic C5H8 units, making it an elastic material for a watch strap, friction tape, and many more.

Vulcanized Nitrile Rubber

Early rubber straps didn’t last long because they cracked easily. By honing the advanced watchmaking technologies, watchmakers innovate with the vulcanized nitrile rubber watch straps. A vulcanized rubber is the result of the vulcanization of natural rubber, making it harder than the originally soft natural rubber.

Compared to natural rubber, vulcanized nitrile rubber is more durable and suited for high-performance applications. Aside from being elastic, vulcanized nitrile rubber is known for its soft texture which makes it comfortable for prolonged wear.

PVC Rubber

Contrary to the previous rubber, PVC is generally considered for its plastic texture. With its affordable price, PVC doesn’t feel as soft and gentle as high-quality rubber. However, it can still be a reliable material for a rubber watch band as it doesn’t easily get marked from physical damage. 

Silicone Rubber

As a synthetic material, watchmakers can easily shape silicone to make a watch strap. Though versatile, silicone watch straps tend to tear and have a particular stickiness, which makes them attract dust and lint. The downside aside, sports enthusiasts who enjoy aquatic activities can safely wear a silicone watch band as the quality doesn’t present much of an issue under the water. For sports watch wearers, silicone may be a comfortable material around the wrist as it is easily bendable and adjustable.

Read also: Nylon Watch Band: The Ultimate Guide to Stylish Straps 

FKM Rubber

Fluoroelastomer rubber is a type of synthetic rubber that stands well against heat. It also has a high resistance to chemicals and doesn’t easily wear out. As a versatile industrial material, FKM isn’t only used as a watch strap. It can also be found in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and oil and gas.

PU Rubber

Polyurethane rubber, often called PU rubber, is a flexible material classified as an elastomer. It consists of organic compounds bonded together by urethane (carbamate) links. Aside from its high durability, PU rubber possesses a distinct functionality. It should be noted that PU rubber can be a less comfortable material than natural rubber.

Gnomon’s Pick: High-Quality Rubber Watch Straps for Selected Brands

Every timepiece comes with the perfect band, but you can always customize it. Adjusting the watch band should come with the knowledge of its material. Additionally, choosing the right strap should be based on your choice of activity. If you’re an outdoor activity enthusiast, there’s a chance that your watch band may experience frequent wear and tear. To keep up with your routine, you can prepare a couple of alternative rubber watch straps. Here are our recommendations:

1. Gnomon Strap

Gnomon presents a selection of in-house rubber straps, including types like FKM, T-Sports, Tropic, and Perforated. For the classic rubber watch, Gnomon recommends the new Gnomon FKM Pure Rubber Strap Black featuring a fluid texture on both sides, as well as high strength and durability. This high-quality rubber strap matches timepieces with a lug width of 19 mm, 20 mm, or 22 mm. Made of FKM, this strap prioritizes comfort, flexibility, and high resistance to environmental factors, such as temperature, heat, chemicals, and UV rays.

2. Marathon Strap

The other brand of rubber strap you may consider is Marathon. If you’re looking for the perfect pair for your 18 mm lug-width sports watch, you can pick the Marathon 3-Piece Rubber Strap Kit. It’s made of FKM rubber, which meets the military application requirement. This strap comes with a three-piece kit, allowing the wearer to adjust the length of the strap to the wrist size comfortably. Other than the 18 mm strap, the Marathon rubber strap also comes in several sizes, including 20 mm and 22 mm. 

Beyond the FKM rubber strap, Marathon accessories come in various forms. In the Gnomon store, you can find Marathon stainless steel bracelets, nylon straps, and glow-in-the-dark clip compass for outdoor pursuits.

3. Glycine Strap

The Swiss brand produces its hiqh-quality, stylish rubber straps, one of which is Glycine Black Satin Steel Buckle Rubber Strap. It features quick release spring-bars with a combination of a raised middle which emphasizes casualness without compromising functionality. It pairs nicely with both modern and vintage watches.

4. Bonetto Rubber Strap

Bonetto Cinturini provides various watch straps to accommodate outdoor activities. Gnomon recommends a royal blue Bonetto Cinturini 300 L Rubber Strap with Clasp for comfortable wear and durability against water. This natural rubber strap doesn’t attract dust and other particles, which makes it higher in quality than silicon straps. Its smooth texture on the outside and diamond texture on the inside offer the duality, providing reversible changes when you want it.

5. Evant Strap

If you plan on an outdoor hike for the weekend, you may want to consider wearing a Tropic rubber watch strap. For an Evant timepiece wearer, the Evant Blue/Orange Sailcloth Rubber Strap can be the perfect choice for a sporty look. This strap also features a sailcloth design with full stitching, which makes it suitable for modern and vintage timepieces.

6. Hitori Strap

As a Japanese independent watchmaker, Hitori produces its in-house rubber straps. One of which is the classic Hitori Black Perforated Rubber Strap. It features a honeycomb pattern with perforated holes, exuding casualness and functionality. This strap fits vintage and modern timepieces while ensuring durability and comfort due to its soft pliable feel.

Final Thought

A rubber watch strap is commonly an accompaniment for a sports or dive watch. Nevertheless, the right design of the rubber straps can also fit the vintage timepiece. Aside from the design, this type of band’s quality depends on the material. Every type of rubber has its particular quality, affecting a careful selection of materials that decides the overall outcome of the final product.

A collection of rubber watch straps may be necessary if you’re an adventure seeker who frequents humid environments. When a watch strap suffers from wear and tear, swap it with the other strap available in your watch accessory casket.

Read also: How to Measure Watch Durability for Everyday Wear and Tear