Strap Guide: Rolex Submariner — Rubber, Leather or Elastic?

The Rolex Submariner wears well on its steel bracelet, but that's rarely the end of the story. Swap the bracelet for the right strap and the same watch can feel lighter on a hot afternoon, sharper for the office, or completely at home on a Friday off. Here's how our three strap families translate on a Submariner.

Rubber — for everyday wear and water

A rubber strap is the natural choice if you want the Submariner to feel like what it actually is: a tool watch. Our straps are moulded from high-density rubber that stays comfortable through a full day, resists water and sweat, and tapers to a brushed steel tang buckle so the fit stays clean at the lugs. Black is the obvious pairing for a Submariner, but the deeper tones — navy, green, dark red — sit just as well against the dial without competing with it.

If you'd rather not deal with a tang buckle at all, the same rubber strap is also available with a deployable clasp, which keeps the strap securely closed with one motion and puts a little less wear on the material over time.

Saffiano leather — for the office and evenings

Leather changes the character of the watch more than any other swap. A Saffiano leather strap brings a structured, cross-hatched texture and a noticeably dressier line, which is what makes it work when a rubber strap would feel too casual. It's the option we'd point to if the Submariner is going to spend more time under a shirt cuff than at the beach.

Elastic loop — for something lighter

The elastic loop is the newest idea of the three and the easiest to underestimate. No buckle, no fuss — the loop stretches on and holds the watch snugly, which makes it genuinely comfortable for long stretches and easy to match to an outfit by colour alone. It won't read as formal, but for a Submariner worn day to day, it's a strap you forget you're wearing.

Which one fits your reference?

All three strap types are cut for the Submariner's lug width across both ceramic and non-ceramic references, including Hulk, Kermit, Starbucks, Smurf and Bluesy dial variants. If you're not sure which width your specific Submariner takes, our compatibility guide walks through it in under a minute.

Browse the full range in our Rolex Submariner strap collection.