Diving. It’s an incredibly demanding sport, and unlike many other activities - where you can get away with just having the bare minimum of equipment - there really is no room for error when it comes to your diving gear.
Given this, ensuring you’ve got the right equipment to hand, even down to the little details, is crucial, and choosing the best watch strap for your diving watch is just one such example of this. In line with this thought, today, we’re exploring the different types of straps for diving watches and how these might work well for your needs.
Hopefully, this will help you understand the core question here: which watch strap is best suited for a diving watch?
The Key Features of a Good Diving Watch Strap
Before we can begin looking at the best watch strap for a diving watch, it’s first important that we consider the key features that make a particular material suit well. As part of this, a few core features stand out from the rest as being essential, including the following:
- Water resistance. Without a doubt, choosing a strap that’s water resistant (ideally waterproof) is vital for diving applications. This should go without saying, really, but not all watch straps can offer this.
- Durability. Diving can place a great deal of pressure on your watch straps, as can regular use and wear and tear. Given this, durability is a critical factor to consider when choosing a good diving watch strap. Similarly, the strap should ideally also be able to withstand extreme temperature ranges and exposure to frequent UV light.
- Comfort, fit, and security. Needless to say, the importance of finding a watch strap that fits comfortably is essential, and good fit and security both help prevent the watch from accidentally slipping from your wrist. As such, never compromise when it comes to the stability of your chosen watch strap.
- Style and versatility. Though it is perhaps a less essential trait than the others we have mentioned, there’s still room to consider the style and aesthetic of your watch straps when making this choice. Indeed, finding a design that you are proud to wear is crucial, so be sure to think about this when choosing which watch strap you want to use.
Top Watch Strap Materials for Dive Watches
By now, we’ve looked at some of the key features you’ll likely want to see from a dive watch, which begs the question: what materials work well for dive watches? Well, there’s no single material that offers a perfect solution, but several of material options can still be effective.
Rubber Straps
One of the first you’ll likely want to consider is a rubber strap, such as FKM rubber, silicone, or natural rubber. Since these are highly water resistant, they are excellent options for use in diving applications; this is further supported by their durability and UV resistance, which further makes them useful for diving. And, of course, they are also highly comfortable, adapting to the shape of your wrist and giving a snug fit in turn.
With that being said, it’s worth noting that some rubber straps can feel a little stiff to start with, and they may attract dust and lint and so need more frequent cleaning.
What are the Best Types of Rubber Straps?
The three main types of rubber straps you’ll find for dive watches are silicone, natural rubber and FKM rubber. The latter is generally the best for regular dives, given its premium construction and superior durability and resistance; however, silicone straps are generally softer, while natural rubber may offer a more eco-friendly option overall.
NATO Straps
Another design of watch strap you could consider that may provide a good option for diving is the NATO style, which boasts a secure, one-piece design; in other words, you can count on your watch to remain attached even if the spring bar fails, which is naturally beneficial when diving. Furthermore, NATO straps are also lightweight and breathable, making them comfortable for daily wear.
With that being said, NATO straps do come with several notable drawbacks. Since they are not waterproof, it’s not uncommon for them to become damp and uncomfortable after long dives, and their weakness to saltwater may demand additional cleaning.
Metal Bracelets (Stainless Steel & Titanium)
Rather than choosing a traditional soft material, a growing number of people are instead opting for metal bracelets made from either stainless steel or titanium. These materials are highly durable and corrosion-resistant (especially titanium), making them excellent for use even in the water; plus, they also feature a classic, stylish look that works well for professional and casual wear.
However, the heavier design and the less comfortable fit should be accounted for when compared to other types of watch straps.
Perlon Straps
If you’re looking for a lightweight, breathable, and adjustable watch strap for diving, perlon straps might be the ideal solution. These straps work well for diving applications thanks to their quick-drying nature; moreover, they are also adjustable without needing pre-set holes, which allows far more precise micro-adjustments.
With that being said, it’s important to note that perlon isn’t as durable as rubber or metal. With this in mind, deep-sea diving is probably a no-no, but the strap may work well still for casual uses and shallow, clear-water dives.
What About Leather Straps?
One of the most common types of watch straps is leather. However, as leather is not water resistant, it is generally not recommended for diving applications, as regular dives could quickly lead to the strap degrading and beginning to smell.
Saying that, from a purely fashion perspective, leather straps have been known to add an air of sophistication to a dive watch. So, as long as you're not thinking about going diving with it, a leather watch strap option could also be a consideration.
The Best Dive Watch Straps for Different Use Cases
With some of the best dive watch materials now summarised, you’re probably still wondering how these work for different uses. Given this, we’ve come up with several key uses you may want to consider and the best types of straps to use in these scenarios.
First up, there’s casual diving and everyday wear. This is one of the most lenient categories as it does not require such extreme durability; as such, any of today’s straps could work for this, although NATO and stainless steel straps may be among the best.
Next, there’s style-focused dives. In other words, you’re diving but still conscious about the look you’re giving! For these, metal bracelets and premium rubber straps can both give an elegant but functional appeal.
And, of course, there’s serious diving and professional use to consider. If you’re going under the waves regularly or diving in difficult conditions, FKM rubber bands or titanium bracelets can provide the maximum in terms of durability and water resistance.
Along a similar line of thought, if you’re looking for a watch strap for travel and outdoor use, Perlon and NATO straps’ lightweight and breathable nature further makes them a useful option.
How to Choose the Best Strap for Your Dive Watch
Given the points we’ve raised so far, it’s important to think carefully about how to choose the right watch strap for your needs, and there are several key factors informing this choice.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to consider how you will be diving; for example, will you be diving recreationally or professionally, and in which types of waters? In addition, try to consider your own comfort when choosing the right straps; the ideal material should not only complement your watch’s design but also feel easy to wear, without causing discomfort.
And, of course, there’s also a lot to be said for a watch strap that is durable and won’t simply fall apart after the first few dives.
Maintenance Tips for Dive Watch Straps
Having considered the many different types of watch straps available for diving, one factor that is prevalent in the decision-making process is durability. Indeed, given that your watch straps will be used in highly damaging conditions, regular maintenance is a must.
First of all, rinsing your watch straps after each dive with clean water is a must, and always allow them to dry out fully before you store your watch or put it back on to prevent mould from growing. Mild soap can potentially be used to help with cleaning, but never use particularly damaging chemicals. And, of course, keep a close eye out for wear and tear; any damage can go from a minor issue to a more serious problem in no time.
Final Verdict: What’s the Best Strap for a Dive Watch?
Now that we’ve taken a deep dive into the wide range of different watch straps, it’s worth looking at which watch straps are best for different diving applications and focal points. Perhaps the most versatile of these options is the FKM rubber strap, which boasts incredible features ideal for professional divers.
However, casual divers may appreciate the affordability and versatility of NATO straps while regular metal bracelets may offer a more stylish aesthetic for those concerned with their overall look (although maybe more so from a fashion perspective and not for the extremities of deep sea diving).
Whatever material you choose, starting with a brand that’s able to deliver high-quality straps is integral. Fortunately, here at The Thrifty Gentleman, we have made it our mission to provide some of the finest watch straps in the industry, and our focus on quality premium designs is just part of why so many people choose us for straps that don’t compromise - regardless of whether you’re an avid diver or just dipping your toes in the water for the first time.