Tested: The Best Rubber Watch Straps For Durable Style

The study of time (and the instruments surrounding it) has maintained a steady stature over the past century, and although the industry has seen the widespread implementation of precise machinery, innovative mechanical components, and newly adopted styles, there are areas of the wristwear world that remain unchanged. From time-tested movements, case constructions, and domed sapphire crystals, all the way to one of the watch’s smallest aspects, the band, each specific component bears the brunt of daily wear — so, it’s only right to want the highest quality peripherals you can get.

When it comes to wristwear’s most “secure” adornment, the world’s most influential adventurers, connoisseurs, and aficionados have turned to the customizable rubber strap — an article that can often be overlooked, but never undervalued. Below, we’ve tested out some of the best rubber watch strap offerings the industry has to offer, from synthetic products all the way to the world’s most supple, natural variants. So strap in and prepare for a crash course regarding the most personalizable, customizable aspect of your favorite wrist accessory.

How We Tested

With all the rubber straps available for purchase, it can be hard to figure out which ones are good and which ones are right for you. For this guide, we surveyed the industry and researched the available options, largely from long-time favorites in the game. We looked at aesthetic, material, construction, usage, price, and size options, among some other things.

From there, we sourced our units for testing, getting hands-on with each strap ourselves. For testing, we used a Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Titanium diver with a 39mm case diameter and 20mm lug width. Most of the straps we tried were 20mm. Spending time wearing each strap, we looked at fit, comfort, wrist presence, and overall experience. The results are detailed below.

What To Look For

Size: Before you make your purchase, make sure you know the lug width of the watch to which you will be affixing the strap. On average, these will be from 18mm to 22mm, but can go higher or lower depending on the model.

Hardware: Most aftermarket watch straps come with stainless steel buckles, so make sure you’re not skimping on something that’ll turn your skin green.

Material: While all of these straps will be rubber of some variety, the type of rubber will vary, from composite materials to vulcanized or natural rubber.

Hypoallergenic: If you have skin sensitivities, you might want to make sure your strap is designed to be hypoallergenic.

Aesthetic: Rubber straps can come in an array of styles, with different perforation patterns, shapes, thicknesses, and textures, which all contribute to the overall aesthetic of the strap.

Color: Along with aesthetic is the strap’s color, which can be as accessible as black or as specific as orange or yellow. To help you decide which one to choose, consider the watch that you’re adding the band to and find something that complements it well.

Price: Third-party watch straps can range from as little as $10 to upwards of $200, often gratuitously so. As a rule of thumb, the band should never be more expensive than the watch itself.

Nodus Hybrid TecTuff

Most Versatile: Nodus’ Hybrid TecTuff strap takes notes from some of the industry’s high-end offerings, focusing on toughness more than any other feature. It’s partially built from TecTuff, a proprietary leather-based composite that’s said to be 10x stronger than actual leather, which appears like a sort of perlon nylon on top. The material also happens to be resistant to water, abrasions, stains, and oil. Expertly stitched to the bottom of the hybrid strap is high-strength NBR rubber typically seen on dive watches. Designed to mold to your wrist, the band is adorned with a 316L stainless steel buckle with quick-release spring bars for easy on and off.

The Good

I’m not the biggest fan of leather straps, with some exceptions, but there is a time and place for using them on your watch. That said, rubber watch straps aren’t always very versatile from a style standpoint. However, the Nodus Hybrid TecTuff gives you the best of both worlds. Visually more along the lines of a nylon strap than rubber, the band is highly unique and can be worn just as well on a diver as on a field watch. I paired it with my vintage Pulsar chronograph just for fun and it looked superb there too.

Certainly stretchier than your average leather strap, the Hybrid TecTuff is possibly my favorite on this list. I love how comfortable it feels on my wrist and how much I can do with it. Also, the quick-release spring bars are key if you don’t want to fiddle around with a spring bar tool for fitting these. And at under $60, you can’t go wrong.

The Not So Good

While there aren’t too many downsides to the Nodus strap, I’d say it’s a bit heavy compared to the others. As much as it was breathable and molded to my wrist, it made its presence known, compounded by its thickness as well. Luckily, I got used to the sensation after a short while. It’s also important to note that there are only two size options available: 20mm and 22mm. However, those cover a majority of watch options.

Verdict: Blending the style of leather with the comfort of rubber, the Nodus Hybrid TecTuff is one of the finest on this list. It molds to your wrist, is breathable, and has a touch of a fabric strap aesthetic, providing some extra versatility. When we’re talking about balancing quality, uniqueness, and price, this strap is hard to beat.

Uncle Tropic Strap

Best Tropic Strap: There’s nothing like an attractive, affordable watch strap that can still cover all the bases of its more expensive counterparts, and Uncle’s Tropic Strap certainly “overachieves” in a number of ways. Influenced by the standards set forth by many of the prominent dive watches throughout the 1960s and ’70s, these 19, 20, and 22mm straps successfully integrate the period’s iconic style, while focusing on the needs of modern watches. Largely designed for Seiko models, although they’ll go well with other divers too, they’re built to last, and thanks to legions of satisfied consumers, the brand has become a mainstay within the affordable watchstrap community.

The Good

Mea culpa, I love tropic straps. And the Tropic Strap from Uncle is as quintessential of the style as you’ll find. They look great with black, navy blue, and orange options available, as well as two length options. Likewise, this is the only strap on this guide with 19mm options. They’re also incredibly comfortable –– perhaps the easiest to wear of any on this list. Not too hefty and easy to adjust, the strap has an underside that’s highly soft and agreeable against the skin, to say the least.

Compared to the others here, the Uncle Tropic has only one strap loop, which I’m perfectly okay with. Most of the time, the double strap loops feel a bit superfluous, and one more thing to keep track of when adjusting your fit. Obviously, there will be people –– perhaps divers –– out there who like the security of the second loop when embarking on underwater activities but for everyday wear, I didn’t miss it. As a minor note, these tropics also don’t have that vanilla smell that other rubber, often tropic, straps have (this is said to cancel out the rubbery smell of some materials). I personally love the scent but others might not want to be smelling like vanilla all day.

The Not So Good

Right out of the gate, I was having issues with physically getting the Uncle Tropic Strap on the case. See, the strap came with its own set of spring bars, which I figured I’d try out. I noticed instantly that they were a tad thicker than average bars but also, the strap’s spring bar holes seemed thicker as well. Needless to say, I tried the strap on several different cases with no luck; they were just too thick. However, it literally required pliers for me to take them out of the straps in order to put new ones in. This has less to do with the straps themselves and more with the ancillary gear it came with but I thought you’d all like to hear my troubles.

Verdict: Perhaps the most comfortable strap we tested, the Uncle Tropic Strap is soft and easy to wear all day while still retaining that attractive vintage aesthetic that we know and love from the tropic style. We loved the single strap loop and the affordable price tag. However, watch out for the accompanying spring bars, which were too large for us to work with.

Bonetto Cinturini 328

Best NATO-Style: Before you question what a NATO strap is doing on a rubber strap guide, consider that, while most NATOs are made from a fabric like nylon, a NATO strap is merely a distinction of how it’s designed, not what it’s made of. Made in Italy, Bonetto Cinturini’s 328 checks the boxes: It passes through the back of the case for a secure fit. Featuring a nylon-style ribbed texture all along the vulcanized nitrile NBR rubber, it features brushed stainless steel hardware and is perfect for dive watches with its resistance to salt and UVA rays.

The Good

Appearing like a nylon NATO strap but benefitting from the stretchiness and versatility of rubber, the 328 from Bonetto Cinturini is a great choice for not just divers but field watches as well. Traditional NATOs aren’t necessarily the most agreeable when trying to figure out how to fit the case along the strap, but this rubber version is thoughtfully designed so that the strap itself gives you plenty of wiggle room in that regard –– and the case is also rather easy to move and adjust.

A main issue I’ve found with a lot of the NATO straps I’ve tried out are the length issue. I have a medium-sized wrist and often there’s too much fabric left over. The average NATO strap length is around 11″ but Bonetto Cinturini cuts off nearly an inch and it makes all the difference. I also love the stainless steel hardware here, which feels much sturdier and heftier than other NATO options.

The Not So Good

While I did love the 328, my biggest issue was the difficulty of threading the strap through the steel loops –– almost as though the strap was too wide for the width of the loops. And since straps thread through the back side of your wrist, getting the proper angle to push it back through to take it off took far too long. Also, like the Nodus above, there are only two size options (20mm and 22mm), which still covers a majority of watches out there.

It should also be mentioned that the rubber NATO is much thicker than a fabric NATO, which is slightly noticeable on the backside of the case against the skin.

Verdict: A unique take on the traditional nylon NATO strap, this rubber 328 model from Bonetto Cinturini has a thoughtful design in terms of fit and adjustment, despite being a bit too wide for the loops. And while it’s a bit thicker against the skin than its nylon brethren, the band is still pretty darn comfortable nonetheless, and for only a nominal upcharge.

Joseph Bonnie Tropic

Best for Color Options: Joseph Bonnie’s Tropic band has been developed to fill the hypoallergenic niche found within the rubber-adorned watch realm, bringing an attractive silhouette and world-class resistances to the table, while providing all of the positives associated with a traditional offering. The band focuses on its commitment to the classic style, offering a variety of different colorways (including black, blue, and khaki), and an omnipresent heritage that honors the most prolific dive watches of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Bonnie’s Tropic boasts a number of iconic characteristics, from typical circular perforations and a durable buckle, all the way to a comfortable, flexible construction, courtesy of hypoallergenic rubber. To further the strap’s legitimacy, the Tropic is resistant to salt water — so you won’t have to think twice about wearing it for your next surf trip.

The Good

Again, I’m a sucker for tropic straps and the Joseph Bonnie is no different. The orange colorway we tested out was also not too bright of a shade where it stood out too much. This still looked really stylish yet classy. Strangely, the strap comes with three rubber loops for extra security. I don’t think all of these are necessary but some people might love the extra options, especially when going underwater.

The strap is also rather easy to put on, with the angled buckle pin that goes right into the slots. The waffle patterns on the backs of tropic straps often create a bit of difficulty when it comes to getting the pin through but the shape of the pin plus the shallowness of the waffle holes speeds up the process of putting this on.

The Not So Good

Curiously, the Joseph Bonnie Tropic strap only comes in one size: 20mm. While this is the most common lug width, it also significantly limits what you can put this on. Luckily, most divers would fit a 20mm strap, plus you can go down to 19mm and up to 21mm in most cases.

Also, perhaps I have more sensitive skin than I thought but this band gave me a slight itch on parts of my skin. Tropic straps typically have the waffle pattern in back and, upon further investigation, I noticed that the one here was a bit coarser than the one on the Uncle Tropic Strap above, which didn’t irritate my skin.

Verdict: Available in six different colorways, from accessible to bright, the Joseph Bonnie Tropic strap adds a fun touch to your wardrobe, especially if you’re headed to the beach or a summer barbecue. While the back of the strap had a tendency to be slightly itchy compared to other tropic options, the shallow holes made it easier to push the pin through, which can often be an issue for these straps. Even with only the 20mm size option, this band can still be worn on a number of watch models.

Hirsch ACCENT

Best for Dress Watches: Hirsch’s ACCENT strap is an adventure-oriented peripheral that’s focused on both longevity and dependability, but also features an understated aesthetic that could pair well with dressier timepieces. It sports a handful of interesting traits, from “peerless” water-resistance and an intricate lattice texture that sets it apart from the competition, all the way to tear-proof properties and an optional quick-release spring bar system that lets you swap out styles, colors, and lengths with ease. Each strap is hand-made using premium Caoutchouc, a natural rubber that’s comfortable, durable, and soft, giving the wearer peace of mind when joining the ACCENT with his favorite wristwear. This unique adornment was built to withstand anything, and, as per the company’s own mission statement, it’s been tailored to fulfill all of the needs of any avid adventurer — making it a discernable choice for those who like to spend their lives “on the edge.”

The Good

Admittedly, rubber straps and dress watches don’t really hang out at the same parties. But with Hirsch’s ACCENT, you can make an easy exception. First of all, the glossy finish makes the strap look like leather, even despite the crosshatch texture. Second of all, the metal hardware here has an upscale mirror polish (there are several finish options), while the beautiful shape of the buckle is very deliberate. The slightly ovular perforation also lends itself more to a dress watch case. And in terms of comfort, the premium rubber gives you a long day of wear with no complaints.

As an interesting design attribute, the topmost loop actually locks into place right below the buckle. Some people like the double loop but don’t want both of them to move around. However, if you decide that you don’t want it so close to the buckle, you can lift it up to move it down. As an aside, while many rubber straps have a slight vanilla scent, I liked the more authentic version of this on the Hirsch.

The Not So Good

As much as I like the pattern on the strap, the crosshatch texture does detract a tad from its potential as a dress watch. However, it does give the watch more versatility; without the pattern, I don’t think it would look as good with divers. Another small issue I found was how sticky the rubber itself was. This was obviously due to the glossy finish but it still made slipping the band in and out of the loops a (noisy) challenge.

Verdict: Admittedly pricey, the Hirsch ACCENT will be for relatively-priced watches indeed, and is more comfortable than many stock options. However, you get a strap that goes excellently with dress watches with its glossy finish, ovular slats, and buckle design –– with several options in that regard too. There’s not much to complain about here, except for minor quibbles. If you don’t mind the extra cost, this will be a great addition to any watch collection.

ISOfrane 1968

Best Slotted Rubber Strap: ISOfrane’s 1968 is yet another high-end offering that fulfills the niche of hypoallergenic bands, bringing a top-of-the-line fit and feel that forgoes the use of silicone. The company’s heritage traces back all the way to the 1960s, the golden age of the dive watch, where ISOfrane’s rubber straps were used on a variety of the period’s most prevalent offerings, from Omega, Tissot, and Aquastar, all the way to brands like Squale and Scubapro. All-original ventilation bars and slots pay respect to the brand’s storied platforms, while newly adopted materials and synthetic compounds brought over from the automotive industry provide a durable, protective composition. Even the various buckle styles are forged and hand-finished, giving a nod to ISOfrane’s renowned quality.

The Good

The sturdiest strap that we tested, for better or worse, the ISOfrane 1968 not only gets a ton of wrist presence from its unique perforation configuration but also its thickness. Likewise, the stainless steel hardware is the best here, with a handsome brushed texture and very masculine edges. There are also three buckle options and a handful of color options (11 at the time of this writing). Despite the thickness of the strap, however, it’s relatively lightweight.

Under the strap, the softness feels great against the skin. The horizontal slat design also creates a satisfying experience of pinning in and out of the strap. I also noticed that whenever the strap got wet underneath, the moisture seemed to work its way away from my skin, perhaps through the plethora of holes or the grooves underneath. Either way, I was impressed.

The Not So Good

While the strap is the most sturdy on this list, the loops are noticeably rather flimsy, which makes it easy to take the strap in and out of the loops. The angled end of the strap somehow made it more difficult to thread through the two loops, compounded by the sheer thickness of the strap itself. The ISOfrane is a very thick strap, which actually gives it considerable wrist presence, along with its unique design, but also can be too obtrusive for some wearers. I should also mention that this style isn’t super versatile, with divers being almost exclusively what you would use this for.

Verdict: As the most expensive strap on this guide, the ISOfrane 1968 has a lot to live up to but delivers in comfort, sturdiness, and looks with its masculine design from the strap itself to the brushed steel buckles. On the other hand, the thickness does create some issues with taking the strap on and off. Nonetheless, this is an incredibly attractive, albeit stylistically limited, rubber strap worthy of your attention.

Rubber Strap Comparison Chart

Why You Should Own a Rubber Watch Strap

Waterproof & Durable: Rubber straps began as a more waterproof alternative to steel bracelets, especially for recreational divers. With incredible tensile strength and abrasion resistance, rubber is also a supreme alternative to leather and the like.

Comfort: Able to flex if your skin swells, rubber is a better alternative in the summer heat and underwater. Likewise, the material is easily given soft finishes or vulcanized smoothness that make them gentle against your skin. And for those who don’t gel well with rubber, there are plenty of hypoallergenic versions available as well. Rubber is also cooler against your skin and more breathable than most leather, nylon, and steel.

Versatility: Although steel is far more versatile than it once was, rubber’s appearance, especially with tropic straps, is still a far better option, especially if you’re looking to go from the office to the trail or beach. Also, many rubber bands come available in multiple color options.

What Is a Tropic Watch Strap?

In this guide, you’ll see several options known as tropic straps, which are the progenitors of all rubber strap styles in general. Originally cropping up in the 1950s exclusively as aftermarket rubber strap options for divers, tropic straps are characterized by their basketweave texture, patterned perforations, and spined outer edges. They also typically come in an array of color options. While the history is a bit murky, the name comes from the Tropic strap brand that existed at the time, although there’s some debate as to whether or not they were the first to make them –– they were at least the most popular. Nevertheless, “Tropic” has become the catch-all proprietary eponym for these types of straps.

Rubber Vs. Silicone Watch Straps

Even at first glance, it can be difficult to differentiate between rubber and silicone watch straps. However, we assure you there’s enough to tell the difference when you dig a bit deeper. Though two sides of the same coin, silicone and rubber have some differences that go beyond the obvious difference in material. Both are very durable, with silicone having an advantage in temperature resistance over its natural rubber counterparts. However, with modern vulcanized and heat-treated variations, rubber straps can often be improved to become better than silicone. Even in its natural form, rubber has better tensile strength than silicone as well. Likewise, silicone also tends to attract lint and dust more easily than vulcanized rubber.

In terms of comfort, rubber straps have the stigma of being too rigid and not as soft as silicone. Although higher-end options (and even some cheap options) will prove how comfortable and versatile rubber can be. Not to mention, the style is much more favorable to dive watches and luxury timepieces.

Honorable Mentions

Barton Bands’ Elite strap is a quick-release variant that has garnered attention within the watch community due to its premium textured top. It features a durable 316L stainless steel buckle that won’t bend, warp, or break, as well as a 2mm taper from the head (where the watch sits) to the lower end of the silicone peripheral. There are very cheap but popular among those who want to put a new strap on their own similarly-affordable timepiece.

A few years ago Synchron revived the actual Tropic brand from the ‘60s. However, prior to that, countless brands made their own tropic straps, a couple of which are featured in this guide. While we went with the pick from Uncle above because of its affordability and the fact that it looks identical to the original (there are also more size options), the Synchron version deserves to be mentioned.

Delugs’ Navy Rubber CTS Strap is another great upgrade strap that deserves a shout-out. However, we liked the Hirsch and ISOfrane options a bit better.

We preferred the Joseph Bonnie and Uncle tropic straps over the Zuludiver Modern Tropic, but just by a hair. These also won’t give you the array of color options as the former two — a key for tropic straps.

If you’ve ever dared to swap out the strap on your Rolex Submariner, check out Everest, whose renowned straps are the pinnacle of the rubber peripheral world, boasting a precision fit that’s custom-tailored to the industry’s high-end watch models. The Curved End rubber strap, in particular, has been developed to fit the exact specifications set forth by the legendary Swiss watch company, Rolex, for use on their most prominent variants, such as the Submariner.

The Best NATO Watch Straps for Military-Inspired Style

If you like rubber straps but love NATOs, check out our dedicated guide where we got to test out best NATO watch straps on the market.