I believe every watch enthusiast who loves diving and outdoor activities must own a rubber strap.

When it comes to rubber straps, the first impression that comes to mind is waterproof, sweat-resistant, soft, and durable.

Indeed, different types of watch rubber straps are skin-friendly, lightweight, and waterproof. Compared to metal bracelets, they are more comfortable to wear, and compared to leather straps, they are more resistant to sweat and odor, making them durable and sturdy. Therefore, pairing a dive watch with a rubber strap is the best choice.

When you purchase a different types of rubber straps, you may encounter a common question: why do rubber straps from different brands feel different, even though they are made of the same material?

This is because of the differences in rubber materials. Today, Daydaywatchband will guide you through the distinctions and characteristics of the three most common types of rubber strap materials, helping you choose the most suitable rubber strap for you.

2 Different Types of Rubber Watch Straps

Rubber straps can be subdivided into 2 types:

• Silicone rubber straps
• Fluoror ubber straps (FKM strap)

Silicone rubber straps

The raw materials for producing silicone rubber straps are silica powder, methanol, and hydrochloric acid. Through a series of complex chemical processes, silicone rubber can be obtained. This type of silicone Rolex rubber watch straps, due to its low molecular weight, remains in a liquid state at room temperature, hence it is also known as “liquid silicone.”

Advantages of silicone rubber straps:

1. Liquid silicone rubber can be dyed according to needs, offering a wide range of bright and vivid colors, making it possible to create straps in various colors.
2. Strong adsorption, environmentally friendly and non-toxic raw materials, odorless, and harmless to human skin.
3. Liquid silicone rubber is environmentally friendly, slip-resistant, shockproof, waterproof, heat-insulating, resistant to aging, fade-resistant, and easy to clean.
4. Silicone rubber straps are durable, have good elasticity, are wear-resistant, and comfortable to wear, also easy to clean. However, silicone rubber straps also have their drawbacks: they are prone to dust adhesion and dirt, and long-term wear may lead to surface abrasion and aging, causing them to appear worn out.

Fluoro rubber watch strap (FKM rubber watch band)

Fluororubber, refers to synthetic high-molecular elastomers with carbon atoms containing fluorine atoms in the main chain or side chain. It exhibits high chemical stability, excellent heat resistance, oxidation resistance, oil resistance, corrosion resistance, and resistance to atmospheric aging.

Advantages of Fluoro rubber straps:

1. Fluoro rubber straps can withstand extreme temperatures, both high and low. They exhibit excellent heat resistance and can function even at temperatures as high as 300 degrees Celsius for short periods, while retaining elasticity even at temperatures around minus 20 degrees Celsius.
2. Fluoro rubber straps have outstanding aging resistance and ozone resistance. They are significantly stronger than silicone rubber, less prone to breaking, hardening, or softening. Even after being stored naturally for 10 years, fluoro rubber straps remain satisfactory.
3. Fluoro rubber straps possess excellent oil resistance. Even individuals with high levels of skin oil secretion can wear them regularly without causing significant wear. They exhibit greater stability against hydraulic oil, sulfuric acid, and other strong oxidizing agents compared to other rubbers.

Differences of Fluoro rubber VS Silicone rubber straps

After understanding the characteristics of these two types of straps, some may wonder: what are the differences between them, despite both being rubber straps?

And which one should I choose if I want to buy a rubber strap?

• Quality: Although both types of rubber straps are waterproof, durable, and soft, overall, fluoro rubber straps outperform silicone rubber straps in various aspects.
• Price: Regardless of the style, fluoro rubber straps are generally more expensive than silicone rubber straps.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a cost-effective rubber strap, I recommend choosing a silicone rubber strap.

However, if price is not a concern and you desire a higher quality and more durable rubber strap for your Rolex Omega and more luxury watches, then opt for a fluoro rubber strap.

Rubber watch strap care guide

Three-step cleaning tips for rubber watch straps

    1. Wash - soak the watch strap in clean water
    2. Brush - scrub carefully with a small brush
    3. Dry - rinse with water and air dry naturally

Maintenance

1. If you encounter stains on the watch strap, clean them in time. You can try using ordinary white erasers. Be sure to choose white erasers, otherwise the consequences will be more serious.
2. Do not expose it to strong light, and try to avoid scratches with hard objects and random stretching and breaking.

3 Types of Strap Material Exploration: Luxury, Style and Comfort

Sporty, Waterproof, and Durable | Canvas Velcro Watch Bands Reviews

Quick Guide: Installing Watch Band and Watch Buckle in Easy Steps

Complete guide | Getting rid of the smelly of leather watch straps

In different seasons, What kind of watch strap should I get?