Which brand has the best rubber band?

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by Easy E

I think people paying $100K + for a watch have a different definition of "pricey" in regards to items like rubber straps.

I think you’re right .


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[Starwalker]

Really random….but I must say Chopard

[magicman]

My problem with most rubber straps is that the ones with a standard buckle and strap holes have way too long a tail for my small wrists. And the ones that you cut to size look much better but almost never have a quick adjust mechanism, so I'm generally wearing them a little bit loose to account for warm days.

I do really like the suppleness of Czapek straps, but they don't have a quick adjust.

[7sins]

Originally Posted by shaunylw

Are they pricey to replace?


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The issue is supply, it is very difficult to source them from the AD, certainly harder than it used to be. If I recall correctly, cost was ~$800 for rubber straps. They go for $1500-$3k on the grey market, not much different than say a green aquanaut rubber strap on the grey market.

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by 7sins

The issue is supply, it is very difficult to source them from the AD, certainly harder than it used to be. If I recall correctly, cost was ~$800 for rubber straps. They go for $1500-$3k on the grey market, not much different than say a green aquanaut rubber strap on the grey market.

That’s really not bad. That green aquanaut strap was going bananas for a while.


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[magicman]

Originally Posted by 7sins

The issue is supply, it is very difficult to source them from the AD, certainly harder than it used to be. If I recall correctly, cost was ~$800 for rubber straps. They go for $1500-$3k on the grey market, not much different than say a green aquanaut rubber strap on the grey market.

That’s not bad at retail. Czapek is $1000 rubber straps with deployant at retail. But at least all the colors are available… it would drive me crazy if they played the same games with colors that some other brands do (limited edition runs, colors in shortage and orange for high spenders only).

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by magicman

… it would drive me crazy if they played the same games with colors that some other brands do (limited edition runs, colors in shortage and orange for high spenders only).

100% agree, when brands restrict rubber band color to only selected blessed business clients it just proves their sales technique may boil down to a false sense of rarity to inflate egos (and prices). Am sure many here know the offensive retail brands.

[travisb]

Before even opening the thread my answer is the AP Offshore rubber.

[EdwardC]

Just seeing the responses show so many brands actually make decent if not great rubber bands.

I have yet to try the Oysterflex. It seems like a hybrid of rubber outside metal inside strap.

[Gargamel]

Originally Posted by Avs Fan

Original Panerai Luminor rubber strap is perfect. I wear it with my 232 also.

Looks very basic but it's actually pretty supple and have a fantastic feeling on the wrist.

My best so far.

[neurotichamster8]

oysterflex

pure rubber bliss :)

[In-N-Out]

Love my Offshore rubber, but cmon guys, no love for Apple Watch rubber??? someone had to say it!

[samson66]

Omega is the best looking and most comfortable strap I have worn

[Slackergirl]

I love my Oysterflex. Had it 3 years now and still feels and looks great. Tried on FP Journe Elegante and that rubber strap seemed pretty comfy, but a few minutes verse years of wear so hard to say for sure.

[subtona]

AP overall.
Panerai and Tudor are also very nice.

My favorite and arguably the best of all is the nautilus 5711 that has a OEM rubber strap option that is almost indistinguishable from leather. Calf skin appearance on the under side and everything.


In my experience the OEM straps maintain a significant quality level above all aftermarket options.