1 Watch 5 Ways: The Rolex Submariner on rubber, leather and NATO straps
Zach BlassRolex bracelets are some of the best in the business and the Oyster bracelet with Glidelock on the ref. 114060 Rolex Submariner (featured below in other guises) is a prime example of their incredible construction and fit. But sometimes it is nice to switch things up, especially if you do not have a box full of watches to swap between. Swapping straps is a great way to rejuvenate a watch in your collection and make it feel new with a fresh aesthetic.
It can give your daily wearer a different aesthetic and also help you preserve the condition of the bracelet if you are so inclined. Before you take the Oyster bracelet off your Sub, we figured we’d help you to get the party started by putting together five looks and configurations that we think work particularly well with a Rolex Submariner watch.
Rolex Submariner on olive tropical strap
Tropical straps are a great option for a more casual look and work really well in the summer months of the year. They are very resistant to daily wear as they’re hard to scratch or tear and offer high resistance to water and sweat. The olive green pictured above injects some colour into the all-black aesthetic of the Submariner’s bezel and dial. The olive tone has a utilitarian military feel to it and plays well with the Sub’s tool watch heritage. Considering the price that Patek Phillipe green composite straps go for these days, it’s very clear that green rubber paired with steel sports is a winning combination – plus green, after all, is Rolex’s colour. Price: $110 AUD
Rolex Submariner on brown leather strap
Leather on divers can be controversial at times and, to be honest, I have been a vocal critic of the pairing. But to be fair, if you don’t envision yourself diving into the water with your Submariner, pairing it with a leather strap is a way to formalise the sports watch into a dressier configuration. Especially in winter months where exposure to pools, oceans, and even sweat is minimised, leather can help change things up and give your bracelet a welcome break for a few months of the year. Price: $175 AUD
Rolex Submariner on navy NATO strap
NATO straps are excellent strap companions for dive watches and their construction is rooted in military usage. The NATO is designed so that if a spring bar were to pop out from the case, it would not result in the watch falling off your wrist which, if you were diving, would result in it sinking to the ocean floor. The navy blue fabric here adds a nice pop of colour without being too audacious. Its darker tone also maintains the professional status and feel of the Rolex Submariner watch. Price: $25 AUD
Rolex Submariner on black and grey “Spectre” strap
Probably my favorite NATO pairing on the list, the black/grey “Spectre” NATO is a classic tried and true pairing for the Rolex Submariner. The grey matches the steel of the case and the black complements the ceramic bezel and gloss dial. It makes a great alternative to a monotone NATO with the stripes offering more eye-catching appeal. Price $25 AUD
Rolex Submariner on grey NATO strap
The muted grey colour of this NATO strap works really well with the Rolex Submariner. It’s a nice way to keep the low-key aesthetic that black would provide, but with a slightly happier and lighter tone. Playful and professional, the grey will pair well with most (if not all) wardrobes. Price $25 AUD