Yearning for an Oysterflex but Rolex hasn’t granted your wishes yet? There are plenty of others to choose from

Yearning for an Oysterflex but Rolex hasn’t granted your wishes yet? There are plenty of others to choose from

Tom Austin

Since the 2015 release of the Oysterflex, Rolex fans have yearned for the Crown to put their favourite pieces on the new rubber bracelet. For reasons only known to Rolex, it limits the watches that the supple strap is allowed to be fitted to from the factory, such as precious metal Daytonas and Yacht-Masters, leaving the rest of the range somewhat bereft of options. That’s not to say the bracelets on Explorers, Submariners, GMT Masters, etc, aren’t great; they’re some of the best on the market. However, if you would prefer your Rolex on rubber, your factory options are limited. That is unless you start to explore aftermarket options. Arguably, watches like the underwater-themed Submariner is crying out to be hooked up to a rubber strap, so until Rolex agrees, what options are out there for you?

Delugs

Delugs Rolex Submariner

Delugs is a brand made and run by watch enthusiasts for watch enthusiasts. Prior to focusing on watch straps, Delugs was exclusively a leathercraft brand, crafting and experimenting with handmade bags, pouches, wallets, and belts. The brand’s love of watches meant that of course, they were making straps for themselves and their friends, which quickly developed into an opportunity to branch out professionally into the watch scene in 2018.

In 2022, Delugs released its own range of rubber straps, some of which are specific for Rolex, however many of its other rubber straps will fit any Rolex given the lug width is correct. The colour options are diverse but curated, and not quite as in-your-face as other brands’ offerings. Delugs also offer its own clean looking folding clasp, which includes the CTS (cut-to-size) fitment, allowing for each strap to be perfectly sized to your wrist simply by being cut down to whatever size you need. This does limit adjustability on hotter days, so be aware of that. Explore fabric and leather Delugs options in the T+T Shop, with prices starting from US$30

Tropic Straps

featured image Rolex Marlon Brando Ref1675 gmt master

Given how rubber straps have hugely taken off over the last ten years or so, you’d be forgiven that it was a modern phenomenon, but there’s one brand that has been pushing the benefits of vulcanised rubber for decades. Tropic is the rubber strap company, producing straps since the 1960s, and is probably one of the most famous of all. While they’re not specifically designed only to fit Rolex, they can fit anything with a 20mm or 22mm lug width.

Tropic straps use a specific vulcanised rubber which is hypoallergenic, optimised for tensile strength, offers UV resistance, and is largely immune to adverse effects from extreme heat or cold. Perhaps that’s why Marlon Brando chose to use one on his iconic GMT Master, worn in his 1979 war epic Apocalypse Now – or perhaps it was the lovely tinge of vanilla scent. If it was good enough for Colonel Kurtz, then it’s good enough for the Time+Tide Shop. Price: starting from US$100

Horus

rubber watch strap for rolex yacht master miami blue

A brand that’s has been around for about ten years is Miami-based Horus. Founded by Mark Margulies as a side business while at college, the brand has since gone multinational, with 120 authorised retailers around the globe. While Horus offers straps for a multitude of other brands, the Rolex lineup is impressive, catering to pretty much every model in the catalogue.

It also offers direct Oysterflex replacements, and offer either Rolex clasp fitment or Horus pin buckles. Part of the success comes from their approach to customisability, with a multitude of colours and patterns to choose from. In fact, there’s around 40 different choices per model, so if customisation is your bag, Horus is definitely worth checking out. Price: starting from US$129

Everest

Everest Rolex Submariner Strap

Everest is one of the leading aftermarket rubber strap brands out there. With over a decade of experience in the field, it has meticulously improved its straps over time to perfect fit, function, and comfort. It offers a wide range of straps to specifically fit certain models, and this is the important part because, unlike many others, each strap type is moulded to the case design. The lug ends of the straps are curved in such a way as to fit inside the lugs properly, following the contours of each case.

On top of this, there are specific strap types to be able to use the clasp from your Rolex, or you can opt for a pin buckle variation. Everest is a slightly more premium option when it comes to rubber, however the straps offer extremely high levels of quality and comfort, which is just what you need. One limitation is that there are only a handful of colours on offer, so if you love to really push the boat out with customisation, you may want to dig a little deeper. Price: starting from US$220

Rubber B

Rubber B Strap Rolex

Switzerland-based strap brand Rubber B is the only alternative rubber strap brand to feature the words “Swiss Made” on its straps. 100% made in their factory in the foothills of the Alps, it takes their description of “the ultimate rubber strap” very seriously. The design is meticulously detailed to ensure that the straps do not move around inside the lugs, hugging the case nicely, and the vulcanised rubber is infused with carbon fibre during the injection moulding process to increase strength and stress resistance, all while remaining supple, comfortable, and light.

As a result, they are on the more expensive side, but as a premium brand, Rubber B offers a huge choice of Rolex-specific fitments, from Submariners to Air Kings, there’s one for everyone. Also, there are a few different colour choices, but the brand also offers a wider choice of strap designs and clasps, such as Rolex clasp fitment to velcro or tang buckles. Price: starting from US$220

Rolex Oysterflex

Rolex Yacht Master Oysterflex

We can’t have this list and not mention the king of the Rolex rubber straps, the Oysterflex. In 2015, Rolex shook the market by introducing its first ever rubber strap, and in usual Rolex style, gave it a name befitting of any other Rolex product, the Oysterflex bracelet. Originally only available on the Daytona, it was introduced later to the Yacht-Master and the Sky-Dweller, all only in precious metal. This has been a bone of contention for Rolex fans for a long time because, of course, everyone would love to see the option rolled out across other models, such as the Submariner or GMT Master II. In true Rolex style, it’s not just a simple rubber band.

The Oysterflex features an internal titanium strip to help the strap retain its shape and give it additional strength, and also has subtle fins on its underside that keep the head of the watch elevated off the wrist to keep things cool and comfy on hot days. Lastly, all new Oysterflexes feature Rolex’s brilliant Glidelock clasp, allowing for on-the-fly adjustments. The fun part is, while you can’t buy an Oysterflex directly from Rolex, they do occasionally come up for sale on the secondary market, and they can be fitted to 20mm lug width Subs and GMTs with very little hassle.