Where the Rubber meets the Wrist

[marcus fenix]

Came across this article yesterday while searching for a new rubber strap for my daughter's watch. Found it mildly interesting and don't recall seeing it linked on here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/05/fa...ment.html?_r=0

I'd say I use rubber straps far more than any other type, mostly because it's so practical and also dresses things down a bit. What's your preference - rubber bracelet or leather?

[verv]

I'm not a fan of rubber straps. Ive tried a couple and they just don't suit me or any kind of "image" that I have. I'm not dashing or sporting or about to jump into the ocean any time soon. I'm a city dweller and definitely prefer bracelets or leather straps. If I swim I wear a G shock.

I'd not really considered the image element of watches on rubber before reading the article but now I'm half wondering if that's a contributory factor into me not really wearing them. I don't like the sports look but technically I wear sports watches. So it makes no sense but I'm okay with that.

I also quite like the Ventura they pictured. Don't mind the rubber on that but then again it comes on it so I'd have no reason to see the strap as a separate 'odd man out' entity.

[Guitarfan]

I find rubber dresses down a watch too much for my liking. I'm a 'smart casual' dresser, so a bracelet is always my preferred choice.

For my beater, I use NATOs.

[nunya]

Alligator, crocodile or bracelet.
Rubber along with NATO, are nasty pieces of synthetic CR@P.
Sweaty, cheap and make a watch look rubbish.
Even the oysterflex

It is, in the company’s description, an Oysterflex, a “technical bracelet” consisting of a titanium and nickel-alloy blade covered with “high-performance black elastomer,” featuring a “patented longitudinal cushion system.

And it still feels rubbishy on the wrist

[Routers]

Generally prefer bracelets but there are a few I really like better on rubber.

[alphajet]

I'm mostly a bracelet type but some watches look good on Isofrane.

[mart broad]

I tend to prefer a bracelet on most watches leather on Panerai but have always favoured rubber on my B1

[Deeez Nuuutz]

I'm mostly a bracelet type but some watches look good on Isofrane.

Ooooo that does look nice!

[Stanley637]

Ooooo that does look nice!

I'll second that, love that dial, really clear

[walkerwek1958]

Rubber straps always conjure up images of cheap watches in my view, not something I'd choose.........unless it's a cheap on Casio watch worn for DIY tasks etc.

I dare say the fashionistas will think otherwise.

Paul

[Captainhowdy]

Rubber straps are a good option in my opinion, here's some that I've had, but it's always better to buy the bracelet version first if possible.

[magirus]

Rubber along with NATO, are nasty pieces of synthetic CR@P.
Sweaty, cheap and make a watch look rubbish.

Nonsense.

[andy tims]

I generally wear my watches on bracelets or leather straps but some rubber straps are OK - I generally prefer the "harder" rubber that don't pick up lint.

Rubber B are quality but over-priced in my view.



Sinn work well



I liked the IWC strap for the Aquatimer



As has already been said, Isofrane suit lots of watches

[nunya]

Nonsense.

How so?
You may not agree with my opinion, but it does not make it nonsense

[draftsmann]

The smooth rubber with stitching looks really good IMHO - not as hardcore utilitarian as ribbed rubber (oo-err). Could you tell me what make this is, Mr Captain?

Cheers

Adrian

[quietly]

[andy tims]

How so?
You may not agree with my opinion, but it does not make it nonsense

The rest is subjective, but they are certainly NOT all cheap.

[Captainhowdy]

The smooth rubber with stitching looks really good IMHO - not as hardcore utilitarian as ribbed rubber (oo-err). Could you tell me what make this is, Mr Captain?

Cheers

Adrian

It's the standard Omega strap that comes with the titanium version of the watch.

[SSK007]

I had a rubber bracelet on my PRS18Q was nice suited it a treat il try and find a picture, now its on a nato.

[sean]

I find rubber straps work typically well whenever one is storming an embassy in a third world country.

[Routers]

Yes, I've found that too.

[MartynJC (UK)]

or this >>

[steppy]

I like rubber straps but dislike Isofranes, but prefer the RubberB type ones

[RAJEN]

Metal = bracelet
Rubber/ leather = strap
There is no such thing as a leather or rubber bracelet or a metal strap
Just as there is no glass, only crystal.
Let us not rewrite horological dictionary.

[seikomatic]

To be precise, I used to be an "Oyster Man" but after the isofrane and the seahawk..I know I'll go for rubber as my first choice.

[greasemonkey]

like the looks of rubber straps but cant get comfortable wearing them.