Trying to find the right watch strap for a luxury watch can feel surprisingly overwhelming sometimes. There are a plethora of options to choose from for any given timepiece, which means having a strong sense of one’s personal style is essential to locating something that looks and feels natural on their wrist.
To that end, Rubber B has decided to produce a beginner’s guide to the wonderful world of watch straps. Below, we will explore the four main categories of watch strap materials. We will also explain which category of straps we think are best for consumers, and why.
Types of Watch Straps:
Watch Band Style 1: Metallic Bracelets
Metallic bracelets are, by far, the most ubiquitous type of watch strap available on the market. When asking someone to think of a watch strap, this will likely be the first style that comes to mind. This is because metallic bracelets are the default setting when purchasing a luxury watch. As such, it becomes easy to make the mistake of thinking they are the only option available to consumers.
However, the fact that these bracelets are commonplace does not mean that they are without issue. Unfortunately, they are very easy to accidentally damage. Even a stainless steel bracelet can be scratched with only minimal effort. Additionally, over time, these bracelets begin to weather due to exposure to the elements.
Most Common Models of This Strap Style: Oyster Bracelet, Jubilee Bracelet, Mesh Bracelet
Watch Band Style 2: Leather Straps
Seen as offering an “old-school” charm in certain corners of the horological community, leather straps were particularly prevalent in the 1930’s, and remained so until the 1960’s. After that time, their popularity began to decline significantly – but why?
There were two primary reasons why this took place – the first is that leather straps are not very durable. They can become easily damaged by the elements and do not hold up well if water gets on them. The other reason is that the 60’s saw the beginning of the animal rights movement, and many consumers were put off by the cruelty involved in the production of these straps.
Most Common Models of This Strap Style: Dress Leather, Casual Leather, Rally Leather
Watch Band Style 3: Fabric-Based Straps
Fabric-based straps encompass a wide variety of materials that are neither metallic nor animal-based. The goal of these straps was to create a product for consumers that was both durable and affordable at the same time while still maintaining an elegant sense of style.
They can be made from a variety of materials, including cloth, vinyl, and nylon. While these straps are more durable than leather and more affordable than a metallic bracelet, they are still prone to tearing or ripping, especially under intense pressure from either the elements or physical activity.
Most Common Models of This Strap Style: NATO, Zulu
Watch Brand Style 4: Rubber Straps
The final overall category of watch strap materials is rubber, which is our personal favorite, and not just because we are experts at making them. Rubber has several unique properties that make it an ideal choice as a watch strap.
When rubber is vulcanized, meaning that it undergoes a special treatment process, it is more durable than any of the other materials listed here. It is waterproof and far less likely to tear, meaning that one can safely exercise with a watch on without concern. It is also reasonably priced, offering an ideal combination of quality, style, durability, and pricing.
Want to Learn More About Rubber B Watch Straps?
Rubber B has an impressive catalog that offers custom-made watch straps for a variety of luxury timepieces. Those who are interested in viewing our complete product catalog can do so here.
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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