Commit TV Yagi Column ~《What you can't ask now series Vol.9》 [Introduction to luxury watches] Explaining the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of "rubber straps" ~

Good evening everyone!

This week, we have a new series, In this new project, we will explain the basics of luxury watches in an easy-to-understand way, for those who are not very familiar with luxury watches and those who want to learn more about them.

This is the 9th time

[ Introduction to luxury watches ]: 『 Rubber straps 』

The "strap" of a watch is the part that comes into direct contact with the skin. It is the part that is most susceptible to dirt and deterioration, so it needs to be replaced regularly. However, if you use it according to your purpose and use, you can not only extend the life of your watch, but also greatly change the impression it gives. "Rubber straps" are resistant to water and sweat and have excellent durability, so they are often used in diver's watches and sporty watches. This time, we will focus on "rubber straps" and explain their features, advantages and disadvantages.

What is a "rubber belt"? Explaining its features

" Rubber belt " = " functional and sporty belt "

"Rubber belt" is a general term for "belts" made of synthetic resins such as urethane resin and silicone. It is a material that repels water and sweat, and is highly durable. However, if not used or stored properly, it may deteriorate, crack, tear, or break.

Advantages of "Rubber Belt"

Here are four benefits of rubber belts.

① Resistant to sweat and water stains

The biggest advantage of rubber straps is that they are resistant to sweat, water, and dirt. They do not absorb water like leather straps, so they can be used safely in the summer or during sports. Another attractive feature is that they are easy to wipe off dirt, including sebum.

②Lighter than metal belts

Rubber straps are less than half the weight of metal straps, making them lighter to wear. They are elastic, fit well on the wrist, and are shock-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor activities and sports.

3. Safe for people with metal allergies

Metal allergies are caused by a chemical reaction between the metal in contact with the skin and sweat, causing the metal to dissolve. Therefore, replacing the strap, which has a large surface area that comes into contact with the skin, is an effective measure. If you have a "rubber strap," even those with metal allergies can wear the watch with peace of mind without experiencing an allergic reaction. (*Individual differences may occur in the case back and buckle.)

④A wide variety of designs

Rubber straps come in a wide variety of colors and designs. You can choose the strap that best suits the design and color of your watch, such as the "leather rubber" strap, which has leather on the front and rubber on the back, which we will introduce later.

Disadvantages of "Rubber Belt"

While rubber belts have many advantages, they also have some disadvantages.

①Poor ventilation

The disadvantage of rubber belts is that they are dense and have poor breathability, making them prone to becoming stuffy. They are resistant to sweat, but because they are tightly attached to the arm, they can cause itching or rashes if worn for long periods of time or if you have sensitive skin.

②There is a possibility of it being torn off

Rubber straps are very durable, but if they develop a crack, they can break. They are less susceptible to deterioration than leather straps, but if they deteriorate due to exposure to ultraviolet rays, they can crack or break.

3) Not suitable for formal occasions

Rubber straps tend to have a more casual feel, and are not suitable for business or formal occasions, or as a dress watch. If you want to wear a rubber strap while still looking dressy, it's best to use a strap that combines leather and rubber.

List of types of "Rubber Belts"

There are several types of "rubber belts." Here we will introduce the most common types of rubber belts.

❶Urethane belt

Urethane straps are cheaper than silicone straps. Because they are inexpensive, they tend to feel hard and have a slightly cheap feel. They are suitable for those who are price-conscious and want to change the look of their watch frequently.

❷Silicone belt

Silicone straps are generally called "rubber straps". They are more expensive than urethane straps, but are often used in luxury watches. They are soft and pleasant to the touch, so they don't tire your wrist even after long periods of use. Each brand has its own unique "rubber strap" and each has its own name.

"example"
[Rolex] ⇨ "Oysterflex"
[Patek Philippe] ⇨ "Tropical Band"

❸Leather x Rubber

The last thing we'll introduce is the belt that combines two materials, leather on the front and rubber on the back, which we mentioned earlier. It has the advantage of both the elegant texture of a leather belt and the water resistance of a rubber belt. In addition to leather, there are also brands that use fabric materials on the front and rubber on the back, and there is a wide variety of combinations with rubber materials. In particular, when making custom-made leather belts, the combination of a rubber back is popular. Incidentally, when I ordered from Atelier Jean Saux, I also chose a rubber back.

summary

We have explained the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and types of rubber belts. What do you think?

Rubber straps are sweat and water resistant and highly durable. They come in a wide variety of colors and combinations, so you can choose the right one for your watch and the occasion, doubling the fun. Take this opportunity to find the perfect rubber strap for your watch.

Once again, I hope that this article will pique your interest in luxury watches!

see you!