Strap guide: Rubber straps for the Rolex Submariner – how you change one of the world's most iconic sports watches

The Rolex Submariner is one of the world's most iconic sports watches – but also a model that changes surprisingly much with the right strap. In this strap guide, produced in collaboration with Wristbuddys, we take a closer look at integrated rubber straps for several generations of the Submariner and how different colours and executions can give the watch a whole new expression.

In collaboration with Wristbuddys

The Rolex Submariner is one of those watches that really needs no closer introduction. Since the model was introduced in the 1950s it has developed from a purely diving instrument into one of the world's most recognisable sports watches. The construction has changed over the years, but the basic recipe remains: a clear dial, a rotating dive bezel, a robust Oyster case and the classic Oyster bracelet.

For many, the bracelet is precisely an obvious part of the Submariner's identity. But it is also a watch that lends itself unusually well to changing straps. With an integrated rubber strap it gets a completely different expression – sportier, more relaxed and often considerably more colourful.

Wristbuddys has developed model-specific rubber straps for several generations of the Rolex Submariner, from the classic five-digit references 14060 and 16610 via the ceramic 40-millimetre generation 114060 and 116610 to today's 41 mm large 124060 and 126610.

A Submariner is not just a Submariner

At first glance the differences between various generations of the Submariner may seem relatively small. Rolex, as is well known, prefers to work with evolution rather than revolution. But when it comes to the fit of an integrated rubber strap, differences in the case, lugs and dimensions play a big role.
It is therefore not enough to simply choose a 20 or 21 millimetre wide rubber strap and hope for the best. A properly integrated strap should follow the shape of the case and fill the space between the lugs so that the transition between watch and strap looks as though it was constructed as a whole.
Wristbuddys therefore has separate solutions for the different Submariner generations.
For the older references it concerns among other things the Submariner 14060 and Submariner Date 16610, including several closely related two-tone and gold references. The next step is the more modern generation with among others the 114060 and 116610, where Rolex introduced the beefier so-called Maxi Case design and a ceramic bezel. Finally there are straps for today's 41 mm generation with the 124060 and 126610, as well as several of the corresponding models in Rolesor and precious metal.
That means you can achieve roughly the same clean, integrated expression regardless of whether you own an older neo-vintage Submariner or a completely modern model.

FKM rubber – made for a sports watch

The material used is FKM rubber, which has become something of a standard for more lavish rubber straps for sports and diver's watches.

There are several reasons for that. The material is soft and pliant against the wrist while at the same time having high resistance to among other things heat, UV light, water, salt water and various chemicals. On a watch that was originally actually constructed to be used under water, that is a material choice that feels logical.

The big difference compared with a simpler universal rubber strap lies, however, in the fit. The ends are shaped after the Submariner's case and go all the way up to the watch. The result is considerably more cohesive than with an ordinary straight strap where a gap is left between strap and case.

On Wristbuddys' integrated models the Rolex original clasp is moreover used. So you keep the familiar Oysterlock clasp but replace the Oyster bracelet itself with rubber. It is a detail that does a lot for the overall impression and means the watch still clearly feels like a Submariner.

Classic Smooth or Vertech

Another possibility is to choose between two different surfaces on the FKM rubber.

Classic Smooth is the more discreet alternative. The surface is smooth and clean, which means the strap can almost be perceived as a natural continuation of the Submariner's relatively austere design. For those who really like the original bracelet but want a more comfortable and sportier alternative, it is probably the most natural choice.

Vertech instead has a structured surface with lengthwise details. That gives more character and means the watch gets a more distinctly modern sporting expression. The material is still FKM rubber – the difference lies above all in the surface finish and the visual expression.

It is therefore possible to change the watch quite a lot without really changing the colour at all. A black Submariner on black smooth rubber becomes discreet and almost factory-like, while the same watch on black Vertech gets a considerably more technical appearance.

Three generations – three different expressions

Personally we perhaps think that the different generations also invite slightly different types of strap choices.

On an older 14060 or 16610 rubber can create an interesting contrast. The narrower lugs and more classic proportions mean the watch still feels clearly older, but an integrated rubber strap at the same time makes it more contemporary. Black, dark blue or green are close at hand, while stronger colours can give a classic Submariner an unexpectedly modern appearance.

The generation 114060 and 116610 is beefier and more angular. Here rubber fits almost automatically. The Maxi Case design has enough visual weight to carry even stronger colours and the ceramic bezel harmonises well with the modern feeling of the FKM material.

On today's 124060 and 126610 the result is perhaps the most integrated of all. The current Submariner measures 41 mm and Rolex has at the same time reworked the proportions compared with its predecessor. With a moulded rubber strap and the original clasp the watch gets an expression that comes very close to how a factory-delivered Rolex on rubber could look.

A simple route to a completely different Submariner

One of the great advantages of changing straps is of course that the change does not have to be permanent. The Oyster bracelet can stay in the box and be fitted back when you want the Submariner in its classic execution.

During the summer, while travelling or when the watch is used more actively, rubber can be both a practical and comfortable alternative. During the autumn the same watch can get a darker strap, and when you want to return to the original look you fit the bracelet back.

That is really where an extra strap is at its best. It should not necessarily improve a watch like the Rolex Submariner – it is hard to argue that it needs improving, but rather give the owner the possibility of experiencing the same watch in several different ways.

And few models handle that change as well as the Submariner.

Wristbuddys offers model-specific FKM rubber straps for several of the most important modern generations of the Rolex Submariner, from the 14060 and 16610 to the 114060/116610 and today's 124060/126610 family. The range covers both Classic Smooth and Vertech as well as a broad spectrum of colours for those who want to go from discreet black to considerably more expressive alternatives.

See Wristbuddys' range of rubber straps for the Rolex Submariner here.