Tom Austin
Ever since the Oysterflex was released in 2015, Rolex fans have been clamoring for Crown to give their favorite watches a new rubber bracelet. For reasons only known to Rolex, the watches that can be fitted with the supple straps at the factory are limited to the likes of the Daytona and Yacht-Master, which are made of precious metals, leaving the rest of the series with few options. That’s not to say that the bracelets on the Explorer, Submariner, GMT-Master, etc. aren’t great; they’re some of the best on the market. But if you want your Rolex on a rubber strap, your factory options are limited, unless you start looking into aftermarket options. Make no mistake, watches like the Submariner, which is underwater themed, are begging to be fitted with rubber straps, so until Rolex agrees, what options do you have?
Derags
Delugs is a brand created and run by watch enthusiasts, for watch enthusiasts. Prior to focusing on watch straps, Delugs was a leathercraft brand, creating and experimenting with handmade bags, pouches, wallets and belts. Naturally, the brand’s love of watches meant they were making straps for themselves and friends, which soon evolved into an opportunity to branch out professionally into the watch industry in 2018.
In 2022, Derags released their own line of rubber straps, some of which are Rolex specific, but many of their other rubber straps will fit any Rolex, as long as the lug width is correct. Color options are varied but well-chosen, and not as flashy as other brands’ offerings. Derags also offers their own neat folding clasp with CTS (Cut-to-Size) fitment, allowing you to size each strap perfectly for your wrist by simply cutting it to the size you need. Be careful, though, as adjustment is limited on hotter days. Check out Derags options in fabric and leather at the T+T Shop. Prices start at $30 USD.
Tropic Strap
Considering the sudden popularity of rubber straps over the past decade or so, it’s fair to say they’re a recent phenomenon. However, there’s one brand that’s been touting the benefits of vulcanized rubber for decades. Tropic is a rubber strap company that’s been making straps since the 1960s and is probably one of the best known. While they’re not designed specifically for Rolex, they will fit any watch with a lug width of 20mm or 22mm.
The Tropic strap is made from a special vulcanized rubber that is hypoallergenic, optimized for tensile strength, UV-resistant, and virtually unaffected by extreme heat or cold. Perhaps that’s why Marlon Brando chose it for his iconic GMT-Master, worn in the 1979 war film Apocalypse Now. Or maybe it’s the subtle vanilla scent. If it was good enough for Colonel Kurtz, it’s good enough for Time + Tide Shop. Price: From $100 USD
Horus
Miami-based Horus has been around for almost a decade. Founded by Marc Margulies as a side hustle while in college, the brand has since become a multinational company with 120 authorized retailers around the world. While Horus offers straps from a number of other brands, their impressive range of Rolex straps are available for nearly every model in their catalogue.
They also offer a direct replacement for the Oysterflex, offering either a Rolex clasp or a Horus pin buckle. One of the reasons for their success is their approach to customizability, allowing you to choose from a variety of colors and patterns. In fact, there are around 40 different options per model, so if you like customization, Horus is definitely worth checking out. Price: Starting at $129 USD
Everest
Everest is one of the leading brands of aftermarket rubber straps. With over 10 years of experience in the field, the company has meticulously refined their straps over time to ensure perfect fit, functionality, and comfort. The company offers a wide range of straps to specifically fit certain models, and this is an important part because, unlike many other brands, each strap type is molded to the case design. The ends of the strap’s lugs are curved to follow the contours of each case and fit properly inside the lugs.
Additionally, there are specific strap types available that can use Rolex clasps. You can also opt for the pin buckle variant. While the Everest is a slightly more premium option when it comes to rubber, the strap offers very high quality and comfort and may be exactly what you need. One limitation is that there are only a few colors on offer, so if you want to get really adventurous with customization, you might want to dig a little deeper. Price: Starting at $220 USD
Rubber B
Swiss-based strap brand Rubber B is the only alternative rubber strap brand to have the words “Swiss Made” engraved on their straps. 100% made in their own factory at the foot of the Alps, they take the expression “The Ultimate Rubber Strap” very seriously. The strap is designed with great attention to detail to ensure it does not move within the lugs, so it fits perfectly to the case. They also inject carbon fiber into the vulcanized rubber during the injection molding process, making it stronger and more stress-resistant, while still being supple, comfortable and lightweight.
As a result, prices are on the higher side, but as a premium brand, Rubber B has a wide selection of Rolex-specific fittings, from the Submariner to the Air King, so there’s something for everyone. There are also several color options to choose from, but the brand also offers a wide selection of strap designs and closures, from Rolex clasp fittings to Velcro and tongue buckles. Price: Starting at $220
Rolex Oysterflex
We couldn’t leave out the king of Rolex rubber straps on this list – the Oysterflex. In 2015, Rolex shook up the market by introducing their first ever rubber strap, and in typical Rolex style, gave another Rolex product a fitting name: the Oysterflex bracelet. Initially only available on the Daytona, it was later introduced on the Yacht-Master and Sky-Dweller, all in precious metals only. This has long been a point of contention for Rolex fans, because of course everyone would love to see this option rolled out to other models such as the Submariner and GMT-Master II. In true Rolex style, it’s not just any rubber band.
The Oysterflex features an internal titanium strip to help the strap maintain its shape and increase its strength, and a discreet fin on the underside that raises the watch head off the wrist to keep it cool and comfortable on hot days. Finally, all new Oysterflexes feature Rolex’s excellent Glidelock clasp that allows for on-the-fly adjustments. The interesting thing is that while you can’t buy an Oysterflex directly from Rolex, they are sometimes sold on the second-hand market and can easily be fitted to any Sub or GMT with a 20mm lug width.
