Which Rubber Watch Strap is right for you?
TYPE OF RUBBER:
Silicone
Made popular in the 1980’s along with Swatch brand watches, silicone has been a fun and colorful favorite for cost conscious people who are not interested in using the strap for long periods of time. Silicone watchbands are also known for their “sticky” nature, while ironically becoming stiff and brittle after prolonged wear.
TPE
A fancy term for plastic (Thermoplastic Elastomer). TPE is often used in low to mid-level watch band making, due to its inexpensive production costs, and initially pleasing esthetics. TPE is not very supple, nor does it incorporate balanced elasticity levels. Fold a TPS watchband in half between your fingers, and then release it suddenly. You will see that it leaps across a room rather quickly.
Vulcanized Rubber
(a.k.a. Vulcarbonized Rubber) is the product of a process first created by Charles Goodyear, and then later perfected by Thomas Hancock in the 1800’s. As with all inventions over time, vulcarbonized rubber has transcended its original uses, giving way to innovations which had never before existed. The Swiss watch industry took notice of the potential of this material, and managed to create a version of vulcanized rubber which contained all of the physical properties necessary for the perfect watchband for LUXURY watches. Hublot, Omega, Audemars Piguet, another respected brands began incorporating rubber straps for their new product lines. These same Swiss watch experts produce Rubber B brand products. A Rubber B strap made from vulcanized rubber, with its extreme resistance to UV, chemicals, and stretching or fading, is also surprisingly soft, flexible, and supple. In the very first days of wear, a Rubber B watchband gently molds itself to the shape of the wearer’s wrist, while providing the strongest and safest possible mount for a heavy, cumbersome watch. A rubber strap by Rubber B is meant to be worn in an extremely active and aquatic lifestyle for long periods of time, whilst still maintaing its elegance.
Vulcanized Rubber PANERAI watchbands are now available. Rolex watches are also compatible with integrated product line by Rubber B.
