Style

A Rubber Strap Watch Is Ready for Anything

When it comes to the ideal timepiece for summertime, a rubber strap watch has to be at the top of the list. They're ready for any adventure you could imagine. The flexible band is less precious than your standard leather, won't scratch like a metal bracelet and is tougher than a thin nylon strap. Which is why so many of the best watchmakers now make models outfitted with bands made from rubber—in all its various natural and synthetic forms. They're ruggedly handsome, for sure, but they also come with serious functionality. Of course, they're ready to dive into the ocean but also come in handy if you find yourself sweating through any activity this summer, from long-distance biking to a pick-up game of basketball. What's more, they look damn good too—the thoughtful combination of utilitarian materials and functional design isn't unlike the best sneakers of the moment. Herewith, some of the best watches to strap on this summer, in a range of prices.

The Best Rubber Strap Watches

IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition Expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau

Aquatimer chronograph edition "expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau,"
$7,050 by IWC

Bell & Ross BR 123 42mm

BR 123 42mm,
$3,600 by Bell & Ross

Tag Heuer Aquaracer Calibre 5

Aquaracer Calibre 5,
$2,400 by Tag Heuer

Timex Allied 40mm Military-Inspired Watch

Allied 40mm military-inspired watch,
$99 by Timex

Bamford Watch Department Mayfair Stainless Steel Watch

Mayfair stainless steel watch,
$560 by Bamford Watch Department

Baume & Mercier Clifton Club 10339

Clifton Club 10339,
$2,250 by Baume & Mercier

Barton Watch Bands Elite Silicone Band

DIY

Already own a watch that would look sharp with a rubber strap? Barton Watch Bands sells a range of silicone straps in various colors that come with an integrated quick release spring bar, to make swapping them in and out quick and easy.

Elite silicone band, $20 by Barton Watch Bands

Armogan Syracuse Diver

Syracuse diver,
$265 by Armogan

Hamilton Khaki Field 40mm Watch

Khaki Field 40mm watch,
$495 / $371.25 by Hamilton

Seiko SKX009P9 Diver Watch

SKX009P9 diver watch,
$219.73 by Seiko

Oris Divers Sixty-Five 40mm

Divers Sixty-Five 40mm,
$1,850 by Oris

DIY

Already own a watch that would look sharp with a rubber strap? Barton Watch Bands sells a range of silicone straps in various colors that come with an integrated quick release spring bar, to make swapping them in and out quick and easy.

Elite silicone band, $20 by Barton Watch Bands

Barton Watch Bands Elite Silicone Band