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So shoot me, I like my Submariner on a rubber strap ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ So shoot me, I like my Submariner on a rubber strap ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

So shoot me, I like my Submariner on a rubber strap ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Matt Pickering

One of our traditions at Time+Tide is a wristcheck on on the weekly editorial call. Last week, it was my 114060 Rolex Sub on a Rubber B rubber strap. My illustrious colleague, Mr. Zach Blass did not approve. He was giving me grief about taking off the Oyster bracelet for my Submariner and wearing it on, in his mind, a vastly inferior option. To his purist sensibilities, nothing could be more reprehensible than breaking the sacred bond that is a Rolex and its bracelet. We threw arguments back and forth before Andrew decided we should take this debate not to a makeshift octagon in the carpark, but to the website. So here we are.

Image: The Columbia Watch Society

This is my argument. Now, before I take a big fat L like the last time Zach and I went to head to head, let me start off by saying I prefer my Sub on bracelet. It really is the perfect combo. However, I also really like how it looks on my rubber strap too – in this case a black ‘Rubber B’ strap utilising the factory Glidelock clasp. To me, this combination gives me a break from the more conservative original pairing, while maintaining a really solid look and feel. I don’t baby my watches so they do get banged up quite a bit. This is definitely exacerbated by being in what feels like a constant state of lockdown. Being at home all the time means my watch is exposed to hazards such as flying wooden Thomas the Tank trains and light-sabers wielded by my four year old – things I wouldn’t encounter as much if I was in the office Monday to Friday.

So shoot me, I like my Submariner on a rubber strap
Matt’s trusty Submariner on a Rubber B strap

The rubber combo also adds to a more casual, under-the-radar vibe – more sweatpants and sneakers than chinos and loafers. Not to say that you can’t pair it with more smart casual attire. The Aquanauts and Yacht-Masters of the world look great with anything – I’d happily rock an Everose Yachty on Oysterflex to the next black tie function. In a way it’s the evolution of pairing Subs and Seamasters on bracelets with suits, which has become standard practice, despite the protests we’ve made in the past.

So shoot me, I like my Submariner on a rubber strap

I can appreciate the monogamous approach to a Submariner on what it was born to be wed to, but it’s just not for me 100% of the time. My collection is small and I like versatility. My 114060 literally pairs with anything so why hold back? Plus, if I’m going to change it up, why not go for something different? If you haven’t tried it, the next time you reach for your steel on steel pairing, don’t be afraid to grab that spring bar tool and chuck on a tropic, Everest, Rubber B or whatever takes your fancy. Be different and enjoy a spot of variety in your life. If loving this combo is wrong, then sorry Zach, I don’t want to be right.