Best Rubber Strap for Rolex Submariner — The Complete Guide
Share
Best Rubber Strap for Rolex Submariner — The Complete Guide
The Rolex Submariner is one of the most iconic watches ever made. Whether you own the classic date model, the no-date, or an earlier generation, one thing is universally true — a quality rubber strap transforms it completely.
The Submariner was built for the water. So why wear it on a metal bracelet when a premium rubber strap fits the brief so much better?
This guide covers everything you need to know before buying.
Why Put a Rubber Strap on a Rolex Submariner?
The original Oyster bracelet is beautiful — but it has limitations. Metal expands and contracts with temperature changes, scratches over time, and can feel restrictive during sport or travel. A well-fitted rubber strap solves all of these issues while keeping the watch looking sharp.
More importantly, the Submariner's case and bezel were designed with an active lifestyle in mind. A rubber strap completes that purpose. It's the reason the world's best divers, surfers, and athletes have been pairing rubber with the Submariner for decades.
What to Look For in a Submariner Rubber Strap
Material — FKM Rubber vs Standard Rubber
Not all rubber straps are equal. Standard rubber is soft and cheap but degrades quickly — it cracks, fades and loses shape with regular use.
FKM fluoroelastomer is a completely different material. It's the same rubber used in aerospace engineering and motorsport for its exceptional resistance to heat, UV, sweat and saltwater. On your wrist it stays supple, retains its colour and lasts for years. If you're investing in a Submariner, FKM is the only material worth considering.
Fit — the gap problem
The biggest issue with aftermarket Submariner straps is gapping — where the strap doesn't sit flush against the case, leaving visible gaps at the lugs. A properly engineered strap fits the case architecture of the watch precisely, with no gaps on either side. This is the difference between a strap that looks like an afterthought and one that looks like it came with the watch.
Lug width
The Rolex Submariner 40mm (ref. 114060, 116610) takes a 20mm lug width. Always verify this before purchasing — fitting the wrong width will result in poor fitment regardless of quality.
Important Note on Compatibility — 40mm vs 41mm Submariner
In 2020, Rolex released a redesigned Submariner in 41mm (ref. 124060, 126610). While the lug width remains 20mm on the newer model, the case profile and lug shape changed significantly. Straps engineered for the pre-2020 40mm case may not sit flush on the 41mm model — you may experience gapping at the lugs.
We currently offer rubber straps precision-engineered for the pre-2020 Rolex Submariner 40mm. If you own the newer 41mm model, we recommend checking compatibility carefully before purchasing.
The Best Rubber Strap Options for Rolex Submariner
For the 40mm Submariner (pre-2020)
The classic 40mm Submariner (ref. 114060, 116610) pairs perfectly with a fitted 20mm FKM rubber strap engineered specifically for its case profile — not a generic 20mm strap that happens to fit. At Zolo Straps, our Rolex Submariner FKM rubber straps are precision-engineered for the 40mm case, available in black, white and green.
For the Submariner with Rolex Deployment Clasp
If you want to keep your original Rolex deployment clasp — which many owners prefer for security and the satisfying click — you need a strap specifically designed to work with it. Our 20mm deployment clasp straps are engineered to fit directly onto your existing Rolex clasp, and also fit the Daytona, GMT Master II, Datejust 36 and Yachtmaster 40. Available in black, blue, green, white and orange.
What Colour Works Best?
- Black — the classic. Works with every dial colour, every setting, every occasion.
- Green — pairs perfectly with the Submariner Hulk (ref. 116610LV) or Kermit (ref. 16610LV). Also surprisingly versatile on black dial models.
- White — bold and clean on a black dial Submariner. Increasingly popular.
- Blue — a natural match for the Submariner Date blue ceramic bezel models.
Final Thoughts
The Rolex Submariner deserves a strap that matches its engineering. A precision-fitted FKM rubber strap doesn't just look better — it wears better, lasts longer, and lets the watch do what it was built to do.
Browse the full range of Rolex Submariner rubber straps at Zolo Straps — free UK shipping on all orders, worldwide delivery on orders of 2 or more straps.