Once known for being sticky, non-breathable, and short-lived, rubber straps are now made with innovative and modern methods that have transformed their reputation. Today, rubber straps are no longer seen as cheap or low-quality. In fact, they are often preferred for their durability and comfort.
Rubber straps are made from a variety of materials, including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and silicone. They are often combined with other materials, such as nylon or polyester, to improve their strength and durability. Rubber straps are also available in a wide variety of colors and styles, making them a versatile option for watches of all types.
If you are looking for a durable and comfortable watch strap, rubber is a great option. With the advances in manufacturing technology, rubber straps are no longer the cheap, low-quality straps of the past. They are now a popular choice for watch enthusiasts who demand a high-quality product that will last.
So, what makes rubber the perfect choice compared to others? Here’s everything you need to know about the advantages of using rubber straps.
Advantages of Using Rubber Watch Straps
1. Resistance to weather elements
Watch straps are often exposed to changes in the weather, which can damage them over time. In hot climates, for example, watch wearers are more likely to get sweat or water on their straps. This can cause the straps to become brittle, discolored, or even fall apart.
Rubber straps, on the other hand, are made from synthetic rubber, which is more flexible, strong, and resistant to temperature change. They are also water-resistant, so you can use them freely when bathing in the ocean or swimming pool.
For these reasons, rubber straps are a great choice for collectors and outdoor enthusiasts who want a durable and versatile watch strap that can withstand the elements.
2. Easy to clean
It takes little time to wash a rubber strap. After use, you can always rinse and clean it with fresh or lukewarm water—no need to add soap or any specific chemicals to wash off the dirt. Because rubber straps are water-resistant, you don’t have to worry about rust, like when you clean steel, leather, or nylon straps.
3. Better than silicone
Certain brands opt for silicone as a cost-effective alternative to rubber, aiming for a comparable appearance. Yet, unlike genuine rubber, silicone lacks water resistance. When subjected to varying temperatures, silicone becomes sticky and uncomfortable.
Thus, rubber surpasses silicone in terms of durability, making it the preferred choice for luxury watches. Additionally, rubber is resistant to dirt accumulation, while silicone tends to attract grime more rapidly.
4. Affordable and available in many designs
In contrast to metal, leather, or nylon straps, rubber offers a more affordable option without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who still seek satisfactory durability.
Moreover, rubber straps provide a wide range of color and design options, allowing you to find the perfect match for your style. You can even request a custom color to personalize your strap and make a unique statement.
Types of Rubber for Watch Straps
When it comes to watch straps, manufacturers commonly utilize natural rubber due to its exceptional qualities. As you explore the market for the perfect rubber strap, you’ll come across various types of rubber, including:
1. Natural rubber
Nowadays, natural rubbers are processed with the vulcanization method to produce more high-quality straps. This is the most popular and widely-used technique to craft rubber into watch straps.
Vulcanization is a chemical process used in rubber manufacture to increase its strength, flexibility, durability, and resistance to heat, chemicals, and aging. Raw rubber, a soft and sticky substance, is treated with sulfur or other vulcanizing chemicals, such as peroxides, during the vulcanization process.
2. PVC rubber
Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC rubber, is a thermoplastic vinyl polymer that’s very durable. Among other synthetic rubber, PVC is the most popular, known for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to UV lights.
PVC rubber is usually utilized for construction tools. However, some brands also use this material to develop straps for luxury watches.
3. PU rubber
Apart from PVC, there is another synthetic rubber type: Polyurethane or PU rubber. This type of rubber is known to be the most elastic and highly functional. However, it might be less comfortable when used as watch straps than other types.
Which Rubber Strap Is Right for Me?
When it comes to selecting the ideal watch strap, there are various factors to consider that can significantly impact your overall watch experience. While not all watches come with rubber straps, the beauty of personalization allows you to adapt your timepiece to your specific needs and preferences by opting for a rubber strap.
For those seeking a reputable and high-quality manufacturer, Rubber B stands out as a prominent name in the luxury watch market. Since 2011, they have been crafting top-notch rubber straps tailored for premium timepieces. Their extensive collection includes renowned brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Tudor, Panerai, and many more.
While Rubber B caters primarily to athletes, divers, and outdoor enthusiasts, their straps have also become popular among watch collectors who seek a comfortable alternative to metal watch bands. As a testament to their excellence, Luxehouze is proud to be an authorized retailer of Rubber B, offering you the opportunity to experience their exceptional straps firsthand.
To celebrate this partnership, we are excited to announce a special promotion exclusively for our valued customers. Now is the perfect time to elevate your luxury watch with a premium Rubber B strap. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your watch-wearing experience with style and comfort.
For a limited period, enjoy a fantastic 10% off* on all Rubber B straps available at Luxehouze. Don’t miss out on this incredible offer to upgrade your luxury timepiece with a premium rubber strap.
*T&Cs apply
