When it comes to enhancing the timeless appeal and versatility of the Rolex Submariner, selecting the right leather strap can make all the difference. While the Submariner is renowned for its robust construction and classic design, pairing it with a high-quality leather strap can elevate its elegance and adaptability, making it suitable for a variety of occasions. In this article, we explore the best leather straps that perfectly complement the Rolex Submariner, blending superior craftsmanship, premium materials, and refined aesthetics to ensure your watch stands out with sophisticated style.
Whether you're looking for a strap that adds a casual touch, a vintage flair, or a touch of luxury, our curated selection offers the ideal options to match your preferences and enhance your iconic timepiece.
Best Everyday Leather Straps
Original Vintage Highley Genuine Leather Watch Strap
Starting with one of our most beloved replacement straps, the Original Vintage Highley, its suitability for the Rolex Submariner is unmatched. A consistent customer favorite and a staple in the WatchGecko catalogue, the Highley strap’s versatility and timeless aesthetic make it a winning companion for this iconic timepiece.
Offered in six classic colors and featuring a generous 6mm padding at the lug end, the Highley strap is meticulously crafted from the finest Italian vegetable-tanned, full-grain leather. This leather is oiled to develop a rich patina over time, enhancing its vintage appeal. Handmade in Tuscany, Italy, by artisans belonging to the esteemed Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata Al Vegetale consortium of tanneries, each Highley strap is produced using centuries-old techniques, ensuring sustainable, quality-controlled leathers that perfectly complement the Rolex Submariner.
Classic Highley Genuine Leather Watch Strap
The Classic Highley is our refreshed and redesigned edition of the Original Vintage Highley, perfectly suited for the Rolex Submariner. A great choice for warmer weather, the Classic Highley is crafted with slim dress and vintage watches in mind and has been meticulously redesigned with reduced padding at the lug end. At just over 4mm thick at the lug end and featuring a smaller buckle than the Original, the Classic offers a streamlined silhouette that complements the Submariner without feeling bulky.
Available in six versatile shades and handmade from certified sustainable Italian leather, the Classic Highley is a staple for good reason, providing a refined and elegant touch to the iconic Rolex Submariner.
Simple Handmade Italian Leather Watch Strap
Another extremely popular and equally affordable option for the Rolex Submariner is our Simple Handmade Italian Leather Watch Strap. A favorite among WatchGecko customers, this strap's timeless simplicity makes it an ideal match for the iconic Submariner, offering durability and a luxuriously comfortable wear straight out of the box.
Featuring classically subtle double stitching, the Simple Handmade strap provides a refined look that complements the Submariner without overshadowing it. Perfect for vintage watches with their own characteristic charm, this strap includes quick-release spring bars for easy changes and stainless-steel hardware etched with the WatchGecko logo, signifying its authentic quality.
Meticulously handcrafted at a certified sustainable tannery in Tuscany, Italy, the Simple Handmade strap combines superior craftsmanship with sustainability and retails for just £68.
Best Affordable Leather Straps
Brixham Special Buckle Classic Leather Watch Strap
Our Brixham Special Buckle Watch Straps are an excellent choice for the Rolex Submariner, made from the highest quality genuine leather for a luxuriously smooth and supple feel from the first wear. Ideal for enhancing the Submariner's classic elegance, the Brixham Leather Strap is available in five vibrant colors to suit every style.
Featuring a contrasting white stitch and a color-matching hot-stamped edge for a modern touch, each strap is equipped with a specially designed, highly polished, stainless-steel buckle. The Brixham comes in two popular lug widths (20mm and 22mm) for ultimate versatility, and quick-release spring bars make strap changes effortless.
Priced at £38, our customers find the Brixham strap "unbeatable," making it a perfect, affordable complement to the Rolex Submariner.
Best Premium Leather Straps
Rochefort Flat Patina Calf Leather Watch Strap
The Rochefort straps are an excellent match for the Rolex Submariner, made from extremely durable yet supple calf leather and tanned with extra oil to create an incredibly soft and pliable feel from the first wear. This process also gives the strap an earthy, well-aged aesthetic, enhancing its patina over time. Hand-stitched with subtle ivory-colored thread using box-edge stitching and hand-painted with a matching color stain, each Rochefort strap is unique and timeless.
Classically thin with minimal padding, the Flat Rochefort straps were crafted with slim dress and vintage watches in mind. Subtly stylish and available in multiple colors and lug widths, the Rochefort Flat strap offers the perfect versatile addition to complement the Rolex Submariner, enhancing its luxurious appeal while maintaining its iconic style.
Stanway Vintage V-Stitch Conceria Opera Suede Dress Watch Strap
The Stanway strap is a premium, timeless choice for the Rolex Submariner, combining high-quality Italian suede leather with meticulous craftsmanship. Featuring simple yet precise stitching with off-white thread, including a double stitch at the lug ends, a double stitch to secure the buckle, and a v-stitch detail at the tail end, the Stanway ensures durability and a refined appearance.
Available in four understated colors, it offers versatile style that seamlessly complements both casual and formal attire. The luxurious feel and comfort of the suede, paired with the strap's elegant yet laid-back design, make it an ideal accessory for enhancing the iconic Submariner while maintaining a sophisticated, premium look. Perfect for dressing down the Submariner without sacrificing on sophistication, the Stanway offers a perfect blend of casual elegance and superior craftsmanship to the Submariner.
The folks over at Watches of Lancashire were kind enough to loan us a quality-assured Rolex Submariner from their catalogue for use in this article. If you’re looking to invest in a luxury vintage model yourself, Watches of Lancashire is the perfect solution, offering a vast range of vintage timepieces as well as specialist industry knowledge and reliable two-year warranties.
