Strap Showcase: Rolex Submariner Watch Straps

What are the best watch straps for the iconic Rolex Submariner?

So, the Rolex Submariner. What can we say about this truly iconic watch that hasn’t already been said before? Well, we might have found something, and that’s watch straps for the Rolex Submariner.

Before we jump straight into our top straps for the Rolex Submariner it’s worth us briefly going over a few key points that are worth considering before refreshing your watch. Firstly, whether you own the 1680, 5513 or a 16610, the Submariner is almost always seen in black (unless you are a white gold or anniversary owner). This simple colour scheme means we have a great blank canvas to effective complement the piece with some watch straps. Secondly, the very wearable 40mm size and 12mm thickness means straps with a generous 4mm taper, and a thinner profile work well here, considering it’s a divers watch that is.

And finally you’ll need to be aware of the springbar placement on the Submariner, and in fact for any Rolex. Rolex have a habit of positioning the spring bars slightly closer to the case than most brands which means without taking the right steps, you can end up with a leather strap that is instantly scratched as soon as it is attached to the watch. Don’t worry, we have a solution.

Cheswell Vintage Genuine Leather Watch Strap Quick Release

First up we have a leather strap which kicks off a bit of a theme for today. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to you to hear that grey is one of the best options to go for when pairing a clean watch with a fresh new strap. Brown leather straps can add some warmth to a watch, but grey is unbelievably versatile. The Simple Handmade Leather seen here ticks all the boxes as well. The strap is 2.8mm thick with a great 4mm taper down to the buckle. We also get white stitching around the lugs to pick up on the crisp white lume throughout the dial, and finally we get texture. The distressed texture to the strap really acts as a beautifully subtle way to hark back to this watches expansive history and provenance.

Explore the Simple Handmase Leather strap in more detail here!

ZULUDIVER Quick Release Sailcloth Padded Divers Watch Strap

We really cannot talk about a serious dive watch like the Submariner and not mention a Sailcloth strap. These straps really do combine the best of both worlds; practicality and style. Think of a good Sailcloth strap as a more daily, friendly equivalent to a quality rubber strap. For the Submariner, we recommend going for the padded version of our sailcloth for that extra comfort and depth it offers. Grey stitching here is must, unless you’re fortunate to have a Submariner with slightly yellowed patina, then you just can’t ignore the beige stitching option.

Get sports ready with a Sailcloth Padded strap here!

Besford Premium Quality Genuine Leather Watch Strap

Ever since we introduced the Besford to our range, you’ve probably noticed it’s made a lot of appearances here on the Online Magazine. And rightfully so, it’s a premium leather strap that suits a huge range of watches. Now although the Submariner is a sporty watch, you just cannot ignore the luxury aspect of the piece. The Besford really picks up on those luxury touches and creates a look that is made for style.

Today we have shown the Dark Brown option, however, the Chestnut is also a stand out pick! Check them out here...

Genuine Vintage Bond Military Nylon by Geckota

How can we talk about the Submariner and not include that iconic cinema look? You might think the recent rise in popularity of military nylons came from nowhere. Well like most things that are cool, we have Mr James Bond to thank. Sure, back in the early 60s when Connery was seen on screen wearing a Submariner on a 1 piece nylon strap, NATOs, as we know them today, weren’t really a ‘thing’ yet. But in 2020 they most certainly are. The Vintage Bond NATO by Geckota pays homage to Connery’s portrayal of Bond matching the colour scheme of the Nylon worn in Goldfinger.

Embrace your inner Connery, Mr Bond - check out the Vintage Bond here.

Sennen Military Nylon Watch Strap By ZULUDIVER

And to round things off we have a modern interpretation of the venerable Military Nylon in the shape of our Sennen. We’re also right back to where we started with a grey colour scheme. This strap has a more detailed nylon weave to it than our standard 141 offerings. This nylon is actually softer on the wrist as well with a refreshingly modern design to the hardware.

Fancy a more modern strap? Check out the Sennen Military here!

My Rolex scraped my leather strap?

Some of you reading this may be aware of the issue that can arise with wearing Rolex watches on replacement watch straps, especially on leather. A common issue can occur where once a strap is fitted, you look down at your wrist to see the leather has been scratched. Here’s what you need to do to avoid this happening to you.

To start with, the issue doesn’t lie with the strap. The strap isn’t faulty, unfortunately, this is down to the spring bar position Rolex have gone for. The holes for the spring bars on most if not all Rolex models are slightly closer to the case than most, meaning once the strap is fitted it rubs against the case. However, if you slightly bend the spring bars and then fit them to the strap arching away from the case then you won’t have an issue! You won’t need to bend it too much and doing so may affect how secure the spring bars are so only a light bend will be needed.