FKM Rubber Watch Straps - High Performance and High Comfort Bands
If you are looking for a watch strap that is durable, highly resistant and comfortable to wear, an FKM rubber watch strap might just be what you need to invest in.
FKM stands for Fluoroelastomer, a synthetic rubber type that is known for being resistant even in the most extreme of conditions, durable, flexible and waterproof. Whilst the use of rubber for watch straps dates back to the 1950’s, the development of FKM rubber for straps wasn’t until after the 2000s, when brands were searching for materials that would make watch straps higher in quality and more durable than other options that were already available on the market.
Nowadays, FKM rubber is widely used in watch straps attached to sport watches, especially water sports like diving due to its water-resistant qualities. It is also worn casually, with many watch fans liking the look and feel of the material to wear day to day.
What Makes FKM Watch Straps so Popular?
FKM rubber is now used for premium rubber watch straps due to its practical properties.
As a strap, it is loved by sport enthusiasts as well as the casual wearer, and appeals to both types of wearer.
Durable: FKM rubber is incredibly durable and resistant to scratches and wear and tear that occurs from frequent wear. This makes it ideal for outdoor or physical activities as it can be worn without worry of causing too much damage.
Comfortable to wear: FKM rubber is comfy, ideal for wearing day to day and it fits well to the wrist. It is also hypoallergenic, so very safe for skin that is sensitive to materials and can be worn frequently without the risk of irritation.
Waterproof: There is a reason that these straps are so popular among those who want a watch to wear in the water - they are incredibly waterproof and ideal for heavy water activities such as diving, as well as swimming and other water sports. They are also sweatproof, so can be worn during exercise even on land without causing irritation or building up of an odour.
Low Maintenance: FKM rubber straps are easy to maintain, only needing to be wiped down occasionally. Unlike other types of watch strap, there is no need for any special conditioning or products to maintain them.
Long lasting: Due to the durable and resistant nature of the material, FKM rubber straps are long lasting, even with frequent wear.
How to Style an FKM Rubber Watch Strap
FKM rubber watch straps are associated with sports wear, mostly due to their durable properties and modern look. This doesn’t mean that this is all they can be worn for, however, with lots of people opting to wear them for casual activities, for a day in the office or even for outdoor activities.
Sporty looks: FKM rubber straps are a great addition to an active wear ensemble. It works well with leggings, shorts, swimwear and tracksuits - whatever you are wearing for your activities! Whilst black straps are versatile and match any colour of clothes, you could opt for a yellow or blue for a watch that stands out.
Casual wear: FKM straps can be worn casually too - opt for a black or grey coloured strap, any neutral colour that can be paired with anything from jeans to dresses effortlessly, elevating the look and being a stylish addition to your outfit.
Office wear: Similarly to styling an FKM watch casually, neutral coloured straps are ideal for wearing it into the office. Blacks, browns, whites and greys will match suit and tie ensembles, as well as smart trousers and blazers.
Frequently Asked Questions about FKM Rubber Watch Straps
What is an FKM rubber watch strap?
An FKM rubber watch strap is a high performance strap made from fluoroelastomer. This is a synthetic rubber material that is durable, long-lasting, comfortable and highly resistant to elements. It is used to create premium and durable watch straps that are comfortable, hypoallergenic and ideal for wearing for water activities, demanding physical sports or casually too.
Are FKM rubber straps good?
Yes - FKM rubber straps are a great choice for those who are active, or who are wanting a durable, comfortable and water resistant watch strap to wear for their daily activities. FKM rubber is flexible, hypoallergenic and looks stylish, as well as being suitable for water wear and easy to maintain. These properties make it a great option if you are looking for a long lasting strap that can take you from day to night, every day.
FKM rubber vs silicone watch strap - which is best?
Both FKM rubber and silicone have their pros and cons, and are popular choices for sport and water activities. Which is best depends on what you want out of the strap: FKM rubber has a longer lifespan than silicone, and it is tougher so more resistant to wear and tear. Silicone straps are more prone to degrading over time in comparison to FKM rubber, so whilst both are good options, FKM is more long-lasting and tough.
Learn more about the difference and which we consider to be the best option in our article - FKM Rubber vs. Silicone Watch Straps - Which is Better?
Why is FKM rubber so expensive?
FKM rubber is a premium synthetic rubber that is designed to withstand extreme conditions. This means that things like heat, water and wear resistance are much higher, and it has a much more specialised production process than other materials.
All of this, plus the other properties it boasts like being hypoallergenic, durable and long lasting, make it more expensive to buy.
About Us
We founded The Thrifty Gentleman back in 2021 with the intention to provide our customers with the same great watch straps we ourselves wanted to buy. We wanted a great range, great variety, great styles and of course, great prices! And that is what we have set out to continue to do with The Thrifty Gentleman.
We sell some of the cheapest watch straps on the market, however, we also stock some more luxurious options in leather, metal, FKM rubber and other materials. Whether you buy our least expensive or our most expensive strap you will always be getting bang for your buck - ultimately that is one of our main aims.
We are always adding new ranges and styles to our website so keep an eye out for your next great watch strap deal. It's no surprise we have so many repeat customers who come back to The Thrifty Gentleman to check out the next great deal they can get.
If You Like Our FKM Rubber Watch Straps, You Might Also Like
The Thrifty Gentleman is your one-stop shop for any style or type of replacement strap. If you like this style, you will also likely want to check out the following ranges:
Silicone watch bands
Blue watch straps
Quick release watch straps
Two Piece watch bands
