Isn’t it true that watches are intended to be functional? Some collectors like to argue that watches are tools first and foremost. Of course, that’s not quite accurate since you’d never treat your grandfather’s Patek as recklessly as you would a monkey wrench, just as you’d never clean a hammer the way you polish the Rolex you finally saved up for last year. If this were true, rubber straps would be the only way to go: less expensive than leather, more durable than nylon, and more scratch-resistant than metal. Rubber straps are tough, rough, and utilitarian. They are ready to dive into the ocean or to accompany you on a long-distance bike ride without hesitation. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that rubber straps look great too, giving off a casual but respectable vibe similar to a pair of Golden Goose sneakers with a suit. Casual-Chic is the new way to show your luxury style. Here are 4 choices to consider whether you’re attempting to rubberize your timepiece action on a budget or not.
Goldmatic Rubber strap for Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167
Advanced new rubber strap for the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167 with Goldmatic® technology! The unrivaled Rubber B for Patek Aquanaut rubber strap with 18k Rose Gold has been molecularly merged with the strap’s rubber surface for a completely limitless active luxury lifestyle. For all aquatic sports, this soft, pliable, flexible, and waterproof material is ideal. The Ultimate Rubber Strap for Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167A and 5167R is exclusively made in Switzerland and is compatible with all Aquanaut 5167 cases and clasps. This is the most elegant and high-tech Gold bracelet alternative designed by luxury horology industry experts.
VulChromatic Rubber Straps for Gold Rolex Daytona
VulChromatic straps exist for the yellow gold and white gold Daytona models that come originally on leather straps, with either a Red Devil or Chocolate Brown stripe along the Jet Black sides. These watchbands feature the deployant clasp that comes with the watch, adding security and comfort to the rubber strap configuration while preserving the original version’s integrity. The strap’s flash of color is achieved by a patented process of molding two pieces of vulcanized rubber into one without the need of painting, dying, joining, or gluing.
When it comes to Rolex sports watches, the Daytona model is a favorite of both racing fans and the fashionable set. This timepiece finds a mix between design and function with its unique sub-dials and tachymeter on its bezel, making it a popular option for both men and women in recent years. The yellow and white gold Daytona variants pictured above are outfitted with VulChromatic® vulcanized rubber straps with a dual-color design feature from Rubber B of Switzerland.
Taking Camouflage to the Way Next Level!
Camouflage straps have been very popular for the past few years, and surprisingly have taken over the luxury watch market. People love the urban look, and the trend has proven to come with staying power. Even top luxury watch brands such as Audemars Piguet have released their own versions of Camouflage straps for a select few of their watch models. With regards to the ever-classic Patek Philippe Nautilus, there is a camouflage strap like no other. This Swiss-Made marvel features a smooth rubber base with a twill-textured inlay of hand-assembled camo rubber that has been vulcanized for supreme durability over the lifetime of the rubber strap for Patek Nautilus. One side also has a vintage-style urban skull appearing.
SwimSkin® straps look like real leather or Kevlar® but are 100% rubber
SwimSkin® has the appearance and feel of natural moisture-sensitive fabrics such as Alligator skin or Kevlar® cloth, yet it is made entirely of rubber. It is waterproof, making it suitable for all aquatic and athletic lifestyles.
Consider wearing a classic timepiece such as Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, or a sporty model like Panerai Luminor, sporting an alligator strap while swimming at the beach. The majority of alligator-strapped watches would be severely damaged by a single visit to a pool or beach. This could make it difficult for owners of excellent timepieces to have one “Dress Watch” for work and one “Sport Watch” for leisure, and also restricted sport watches to steel bands that may be uncomfortable or allergic.
The SwimSkin watch strap collection features the look and feel of genuine textiles or skins like snakeskin, Kevlar®, twill, or alligator hide, yet with the resilience of vulcanized rubber. This enables the executive to take their favorite timepiece to the gym after work, or directly to the pool or beach, without worrying about the damaging effects of seawater, chlorine, or sunlight.
A Full Rubber Cuff with Nato & Twill Texture
SwimSkin® by Rubber B also encompasses Nato and Twill textures, as those fiber materials are generally sensitive to deterioration to water and sunlight over long-term exposure. Thankfully, these types of styles have become limitless with regard to waterproof enjoyment. With the SwimSkin® Cuff Series, there are countless watch models that are compatible and interchangeable. One of these luxurious universal rubber straps can accommodate any number of watches in your collection, solely based on the lug width correspondence of 19-20mm, 21-22mm, and 25-26mm.
Several Panerai models are included in the 26mm area, as they are the most well-known of these generous lug space watches. Panerai straps have long been available in a variety of materials and colors. Nothing, however, compares to the Rubber Cuff Series in terms of comfort, longevity, and appearance. As you can see, this strap fits wonderfully and also complements the OEM Panerai Tang Buckle, giving Panerai watch models a high-end polished look.
Why Vulcanized Rubber?
Natural vulcanized rubber has a supreme level of flexibility and strength that is unrivaled by less expensive, lower-quality synthetic elastomers and materials such as silicone.
The magnificent colors persist for the lifespan of the band as they are incorporated in the vulcanization process rather than being painted on.
The multi-structured bands are manufactured as a single unit via the vulcanization process. They are not glued or superficially bonded together, which would result in splitting due to a weak bond.
Vulcanized rubber may be manufactured with distinctive textures that resemble real leather or other patterns. It might also be injected with carbon fiber or titanium to further its already impressive strength.
When vulcanized rubber has cooled, it keeps its form perfectly without feeling rigid. In reality, it feels amazing against the skin and is as soft and flexible as genuine leather. However, it can be submerged in water and is resistant to the sun, perspiration, sand, and other oils that might harm other materials.
Vulcanized rubber can be easily cleaned regularly with hand soap, to maintain it looking and smelling odorless like new. You can trust a vulcanized rubber band to protect your precious timepiece.
