The new Deluxe canvas-patterned rubber strap is a refreshing addition to the brand’s repertoire, especially for collectors looking to add a more sophisticated version of the canvas strap. First off, these are not your typical ultra-modern sport performance sailcross style straps. Crafted with respect for traditional aesthetics and construction.
A few things stand out with this new Delugs release. Unlike true sailcloth, which uses woven fabric, these straps are made from FKM rubber and have a sailcloth pattern embossed on the surface. The pattern is neither too deep nor too thin and looks like a part. While this alternative to proper sailcloth isn’t entirely new, Delugs has gone the extra mile to construct these straps similarly to the company’s famous leather straps. The company doesn’t mold them as single parts ready to use. Instead, each strap takes four to six hours. This way, Delugs offers extensive customizability, and you can even adjust taper, thickness, width, shape, and stitching to suit your personal preferences. The finished product is a high-quality strap that focuses on traditional construction and aesthetics rather than more modern technical performance.
Testing the Delugs Sailcross Strap
I had some new Delugs sailcloth straps on hand to test and get a feel for. After all, it’s hard to say much without seeing how a watch strap feels. Delugs has a total of 8 color options, but I looked at 4 colors. Here’s how each strap pairs with my favorite watches from my collection.
Olive green with RZE × Fratello Resolute Pro “Contour”
The green sailcloth straps were an ideal match for my RZE x Fratello Resolute Pro ‘Contour’, which has an unmistakable outdoorsy spirit. The luscious green hue complements the watch’s rugged feel while maintaining a cohesive look perfect for trail or desk-based static adventures.
We think you’ll agree that the colors and textures bring out the adventurous spirit of the Resolute Pro, and the benefits of FKM rubber ensure it can handle anything you throw at it. This is one of the most affordable watches in my collection, but it looks and feels quite expensive on this strap.
Zenith Chronomaster Open Black with Power Reserve
The black Derags sailcloth strap was a perfect fit for the Zenith Chronomaster Open Power Reserve. Combining elegance and sporty flair, this watch “needs” a black strap. I’ve tried other colors in the past, but nothing came close to this. While the OEM rubber strap has a sporty, modern look, this canvas-patterned strap offers a different vibe. Equally sporty, it has a sophisticated edge that enhances the overall look of the watch. The black and light gold color scheme has always felt a bit dressy to me, rather than purely dressed down (I’m not saying this is even remotely close to a typical dress watch). This setup elevates my Zenith into a slightly more formal zone while keeping it versatile as everyday wear.
As a side note, the new Delugs Sailcloth Strap also works perfectly with the brand’s Spring Deployant Clasp. This makes the strap even more comfortable and convenient, but of course it depends on whether you’re a buckle or deployant person. Lex wrote about Spring Deployant Clasp earlier this year and it’s well worth reading. As far as third-party deployers go, this is honestly one of my top choices. My favorite feature? You can also switch the clasp to the 16mm OEM version to keep it branded.
Fortis Stratoliner S-41 Gray
My Fortis Stratoliner is a watch with a bulky bracelet, and the gray Delugs sailcloth strap completely changes its character. The gray hue matches the tone of the Stratoliner’s dial, and the flexibility of the material gives it a cleaner, more discreet look on your wrist. It’s a great option for people who love watches but want something more discreet and comfortable than a genuine bracelet. This strap made the Fortis feel more “quiet” and allowed the dial to stand out without being weighed down by the weight of the bracelet.
I’ve been wearing this watch quite a lot lately, so it was the main “experiment subject” for this strap review. I’ve always liked this watch, but the gray Deluxe Sailcloth strap makes it feel more approachable and sophisticated.
White and Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Antarctic Ocean
Finally, I matched the Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Southern Ocean with a white Derags sailcloth strap. The white strap beautifully complements the white and gray color scheme of this model, giving it a refreshing look that’s especially perfect for summer.
I don’t think there’s anything better than a refreshing white strap at the height of summer. That said, even as we move deeper into fall, white straps still feel great and seasonally appropriate, proving that white straps aren’t limited to the warmer months.
Testing things properly takes time
In summary, the new Delugs sailcloth straps are impressive. I had a good feeling about the straps when I opened the package, but I wanted to wear one of these straps for a few weeks to see how they would hold up to continued wear. Due to the traditional construction with painted edges, I was worried about the longevity of the strap, but my fears were completely unfounded. To be honest, I may have been a little paranoid, knowing the great quality of Delugs’ other straps, but I’m glad to be able to confidently put that concern to rest.
The handcrafted approach means this material is the choice for any custom strap concept you have in mind. Delugs blazes the trail while confirming the belief that changing your strap is a lifestyle choice. I have always loved this material because it combines the best qualities of rubber and fabric into one package. The brand’s new Sailcloth straps cost €103 each and allow wearers to incorporate the sailcloth aesthetic into their watches that lend themselves to a more traditional approach to strapping.
Meanwhile, if you’re still not sure about these new straps, Delugs has also released four new additions to its collection of patterned cut-to-size (CTS) rubber straps. We will also be reviewing some of these new models soon. In the meantime, check out the brand’s website for more information.
