How to Rock Rubber Strap Watches

Rolex Oysterflex Yachtmaster and Daytona Watches

Rough, tough, and utilitarian, rubber straps are worn most often during the summer. Doesn’t scratch like metal or leather, and certainly more durable than nylon, they are the ideal heat-beating watch companion.

Lately, rubber straps have made their way beyond the realm of casual wear. Paired with suits and formal wear, they add a dose of effortless cool – one that lasts all year long.

Here are five of our favorite luxury watches with rubber straps, worn both ways:

 

Rolex Yachtmaster 40mm Rose Gold Oysterflex Bracelet Mens Watch 116655

 

Rolex Yachtmaster as seen on Lionel Messi and Sylvester Stallone

In 2015, the Oysterflex bracelet made its first appearance in the Rolex Yacht-Master series. In true Rolex fashion, this wasn’t just any regular rubber strap, but an ingenious bracelet composed of a tough elastomer on the outside and flexible metal blades on the inside. The result is a durable and more ergonomic design.

 

The first Rolex Yachtmaster with an Oysterflex band was released in the warm-toned Everose gold case, followed by white gold in 2019 and yellow gold in 2022. The contrast between the solid gold case and matte rubber strap makes the Yachtmaster the perfect example of a sporty-luxe timepiece.

Footballer Lionel Messi and veteran actor Sylvester Stallone are fans of the Everose Gold edition. Coming in at 40mm, it features a black dial, topped by a magnified date window at 3, and luminous hands and indices with rose gold surrounds. The matte black Cerachrom bezel is paired with glossy 60-minute graduation and numerals for easier reading.

 

 

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Extra Large Steel Mens Watch 5167A

 

Patek Philippe Aquanaut as seen on Michael Fassbender, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut created a huge sensation when it first hit the market in 1997. While it was clearly inspired by the Nautilus introduced decades back, this watch showcased the brand’s leap into a youthful and more casual watch design by boasting a rubber strap.

 

This version of the Patek Philippe Aquanaut is a more contemporary take on the 90s original, with a larger 40mm case, a gradient dial, and a seamless continuation between the strap and the case. Embossed checkered patterns echo between the dial and the Tropical rubber strap. Together, these details make the Aquanaut ideal as an all-occasion watch.

Wear it with tailored suits a la Michael Fassbender, or with rugged ensembles like rock legends Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.

 

 

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Blue Dial Mens Watch 220.12.41.21.03.002

 

Omega Aqua Terra as seen on George Clooney and Jamie Dornan

The Omega Aqua Terra is an ode to the brand’s maritime heritage, but its sleek design has made it a popular daily wearer. With a wear-anywhere style and a teak pattern dial design that recalls the decks of luxury sailboats, it could be worn under the cuff by day and has enough wrist presence to be worn in formal settings.

 

 

One of the most diverse series in Omega’s lineup, the Aqua Terra is offered in a wide range of functions and metal and bracelet options.

George Clooney and Jamie Dornan both went for the steel model, equipped with a round case and a blue strap made from structured rubber. The polished finish, together with the versatile colorway adds a touch of luxury to the watch.

 

 

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rose Gold Everose Mens Watch 116515

 

Rolex Daytona Everose as seen on Robert Herjavec

The Rolex Oysterflex was made available on the gold models of the Daytona around 2012, replacing the traditional leather strap. Just like the Yachtmaster, the combination of precious metal with the casual yet robust Oysterflex offers the best of both worlds.

Shark Tank’s Robert Herjavec wear the Everose gold version, whose sophisticated colorway wears well with any ensemble.

 

 

Paired with a sleek black Cerachrom tachymeter bezel, which is made of a monobloc piece of scratch-resistant ceramic, the result is a flawless timepiece that is durable enough for a day at the track, stylish enough for nights out, and formal enough for the office or a black tie affair.

 

 

Cartier Santos 100 Rose Gold Black Dial Mens Watch W20124U2

Cartier Santos as seen on Alex Rodriguez and Steph Curry

One of the first watches designed to be worn on the wrist, the Cartier Santos has impeccable design integrity that is recognizable even through the various changes made in its history.

While classic leather and metal bracelet Santos models make for ideal daily companions, the rubber strap editions add an edge to the collection. They come with matching bezel inserts, which make them great vehicles for playing around with color.

 

 

Cartier Santos Large Stainless Steel PVD Blue Dial Mens Watch WSSA0048

 

Alex Rodriguez’s watch features a rose gold construction, with a complementing black bezel and dial. The rose gold finish of the hands, Roman numerals, and exposed screws lend elegance to the sporty timepiece.

Meanwhile, Steph Curry wears a 2022 Santos de Cartier model, which pairs the classic steel construction with distinctive royal blue details – a grooved dial, striated PVD bezel, and rubber strap. Exposed screws on the bezel and strap pay homage to the original Santos design.

 

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Cartier Santos Steel Watches Size Comparison

 

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