The fine timepiece industry has developed several clasps for watchbands over the years. So today we are going to look at various of the typical clasps found on luxury timepieces like Rolex, Panerai, Patek Philippe and other fine watch brands.
The Deployant Clasp (Deployment Clasp)
Although the terms Deployment and Deployant are often used interchangeably when referring to the type of clasp which unfolds into thirds and then locks into place with a type of hook latch, it is actually proper to use the word Deployant. It is easy to make this mistake because often fine timepieces owe their heritage to the world armies, navies and military air force groups who would deploy onto the battlefield, and many of them were issued a fine timepiece to coordinate their attacks. For example, for a group Deployment of a regiment of troops, the word “Deployment” would be a proper way to describe these troop movements.
Without a doubt the deployant clasp is very popular for many timepieces manufactured worldwide. In the deployant clasp group, there are standard, pushbutton, with safety, and deployant Clasps with a diver’s extension.
Each manufacturer has different nuances on how they deliver these clasps. Rubber B pays particular attention to detail so that when designing a bracelet to support a particular watch brand, it must have a perfect fit and abide by stringent standards of excellence.
The above Rolex Deepsea buckle has an extension which can help fit the timepiece to the owner both on land and over a wetsuit when diving. Rubber B has engineered and developed an exclusive Strength Infusion Technology to provide upgraded support against friction, weight and frequent micro-adjustments made to the Glidelock Clasp (pictured below). Carbon Fiber molecules are fused within the vulcanized rubber during its mould process, resulting in a substantial increase in vertical and lateral stress resistance, while maintaining supple, flexible comfort around the wearer’s wrist.
The Tang Buckle
The simplest design for buckles is the standard Tang Buckle, made out of 316L Stainless Steel. Tang buckles are widely used and are extremely popular due to their ease in adjustment, strength and durability. The bracelet has several notches allowing the wearer to quickly adjust the band around the wrist and get to the most comfortable fit. The double loop allows the wearer to fit the remaining strap neatly against the strap to prevent flapping. This also adds strength and protection from loss since the tang buckle does not have a safety clasp often found on the deployant buckle. Although this design is quite easy to adjust and comfortable to wear, it is also quite strong. The 316L Stainless Steel is both rust resistant, and extremely strong. However, tang buckles are easy to replace and the wearer could opt to use a tang buckle with his favorite timepiece’s logo emblazoned on the steel notch slide through bar.
The Velcro Alfatex Buckle
Velcro was discovered and invented by a Swiss engineer named George de Mestral in the 1940’s. An avid hunter in the Jura mountains in Switzerland, Mr. de Mestral discovered the cockle-burs were stuck to his pants and dog’s fur and was intrigued about how they attached themselves. He inspected the tiny hooks under a microscope and how they engaged the loops of fabric of his pants. Using nature’s design, he tapped several friends in the weaving business to create what would become the VELCRO brand. Velcro comes from the French words for velvet “velour” and hook “crochet.”
Rubber B has perfected the use of Velcro on fine timepieces by utilizing the strongest and most reliable industrial strength fastener and a Titanium-Enforced Loop. The band is tortion-tested for extreme strength and security. The Velcro® Alfatex® closure provides a comfortable and esthetically pleasing mount. This strap comes with an optional retaining loop. It uses Hand-Sewn GORE-TENARA® Marine Thread providing maximum resistance to UV-rays, atmospheric conditions, & chemicals. It is manufactured with 5 optional sizes, to fit nearly any wrist size.
What Separates Rubber B From Other Watch Straps?
A pre-eminent creator of custom rubber watch straps, Rubber B has spent the last several years crafting watch straps for watches for some of the most highly respected watchmakers in both Europe and North America. Rubber B offers integrated rubber straps for Rolex, Panerai, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Tudor, and IWC. Additionally, Rubber B provides universal straps for various watches based on their lug space. Rubber B has a wide selection of colors, styles, and materials to choose from for these timepieces, and all of these straps are made exclusively from 100% vulcanized rubber.
In contrast to companies that emulate or attempt to copy its products from inception, Rubber B is the single innovative company behind the production and creation of integrated rubber straps for luxury watches (such as Rolex in 2010) that previously only came with factory leather or metal bracelets. In addition to the aesthetic designs of its straps, Rubber B is a forward-thinking brand that, for its reputation and its discerning client base, maintains a uniquely consistent level of research in high-tech rubber chemistry and uses every resource to create new & better materials
Rubber B watch straps do not contain any coating, blends, or bonding, and each and every strap undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that it meets quality control standards.
Do You Need a Custom Rubber Watch Band For Your Luxury Watch? Visit Rubber B Today
For those who would like to learn more about Rubber B’s complete list of products, shipping policies, and pricing, or have questions about their custom rubber watch straps, please visit the Rubber B website today for more information. One of their valued team members will be happy to answer any inquiries in a timely manner.
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