Ultimate Guide to Rubber Watch Straps UK

Explore Our Collection of Rubber NATO Straps – Built for Durability, Comfort & All-Weather Use

🔗 Shop Our Best-Selling Rubber Watch Straps

1. Seiko Style Rubber PU or Silicone Watch Strap

2. Premium FKM Rubber Tropical Strap – Black 20mm

3. FKM Rubber Waffle Dive Watch Strap – Black

1. A Brief History of Rubber Watch Straps

Originally designed for professional divers and military personnel, rubber watch straps became popular in the 1960s due to their unmatched durability, water resistance, and comfort. Their rise mirrored the increasing demand for tool watches that could perform in extreme environments — whether underwater, in the field, or during sports.

Modern rubber NATO straps combine the trusted security of the British military NATO design with high-performance rubber for superior flexibility and comfort. Today, they’re the go-to choice for watch wearers in the UK looking for both function and style.

2. Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Right Rubber Watch Strap

When shopping for rubber watch straps in the UK, consider the following:

• Lug Width: The most common sizes are rubber watch straps 20mm and rubber watch straps 22mm, so be sure to match the strap width to your watch.

• Material Quality: High-end straps use FKM or silicone for long-lasting durability and flexibility.

• Hardware: Look for solid stainless steel buckles with brushed or polished finishes.

• Comfort & Flexibility: Choose straps that feel comfortable against your skin for all-day wear.

• Use Case: Rubber straps are ideal for diving, sports, and outdoor adventures — or just daily wear when comfort matters.

3. How to Spot High-Quality vs. Poor-Quality Rubber Straps

Premium Rubber Watch Straps:

• Made from FKM or high-grade silicone

• Soft yet durable, with no plastic feel

• Precision-moulded with consistent thickness

• Stainless steel or titanium hardware

• No strong chemical odours

Cheap or Low-Quality Alternatives:

• Use low-grade PVC or generic rubber that cracks over time

• Rough or uneven moulding, sharp edges

• Flimsy or rust-prone hardware

• Strong artificial smell or sticky texture

4. How to Measure Your Watch for the Correct Strap Width

1. Use a ruler or digital caliper to measure the distance between the lugs of your watch (the inner gap where the strap fits).

2. This measurement in millimetres is your required strap width — e.g. 20mm or 22mm.

3. Ensure you match this to your chosen rubber strap width for a perfect fit.

🧰 Tip: Need help changing your strap? Grab our Spring Bar Tool and Replacement Spring Bars to make installation easy.

5. How to Fit Your New Rubber Watch Strap

Tools You’ll Need:

• Spring Bar Tool

• Spring Bars

Steps:

1. Insert the tool between the lug and old strap to compress the spring bar.

2. Remove the strap and repeat for the other side.

3. Insert spring bars into the new rubber strap ends.

4. Align one end of the spring bar in the lug hole and compress the other side with the tool.

5. Ensure both sides click securely into place.

Rubber NATO straps typically thread under the case for extra security — even if one spring bar fails, the watch stays on your wrist.

6. How to Care for Your Rubber Strap

• Clean regularly with mild soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly.

• Avoid prolonged UV exposure to reduce fading.

• Store in a dry, cool place when not in use.

• Do not use harsh chemicals, bleach, or solvents.

• Rotate between straps if worn daily to extend lifespan.

7. Why Buy Rubber Watch Straps from Notostrapstore.com?

We’re proud to be one of the UK’s most trusted watch strap specialists. Here’s why:

✅ Over 1,400 verified 5-star reviews from real customers
✅ Free UK shipping on all orders
✅ 90-day, no-nonsense return policy
✅ Lifetime warranty on all straps – exclusive to us in the UK
✅ Carefully curated straps in rubber, leather, NATO, and more

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who makes the best rubber straps?
Some of the top names include Bonetto Cinturini (Italy), Isofrane, and Everest. At Notostrapstore.com, we curate high-grade rubber watch straps that rival these big brands — without the markup.

Are rubber straps good for watches?
Absolutely. They're lightweight, waterproof, flexible, and perfect for sports, diving, and daily wear. A high-quality rubber strap can last years and offers exceptional comfort.

Which strap is better, rubber or silicone?
Silicone is softer but often attracts lint and can wear faster. FKM rubber is denser, more durable, and resistant to heat and chemicals — making it the better option for longevity and rugged use.

Which is better: FKM or TPU watch straps?
FKM (fluoroelastomer) is superior in terms of comfort, chemical resistance, and temperature tolerance. TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is firmer and more abrasion-resistant but less flexible. For daily wear, FKM is typically the preferred choice.