Are there really any watch nerds who don’t swap straps? I know normal people don’t. They will keep the watch on the factory strap until it disintegrates and then buy one that looks exactly like it at their local jewelry store. Watch nerds, on the other hand, are built differently. We consider the watchmaker’s strap as a starting point, a suggestion if you will, and then we get creative as we shop for the perfect straps for every watch, every situation, and every season. If you, too, are a compulsive strap swapper, then allow me to introduce you to StrapsCo. They sent me a tasty sampling for this review, including silicone, FKM, leather, sailcloth, and a pair of interesting hybrids.
First up is something fun. This is the Wave Camo Rubber, a silicone diver’s strap inspired by the iconic Seiko “wave” design. At $19.99 this 22mm strap is an inexpensive option offered in five colors. It’s 3.7mm at its thickest. Unlike the Seiko rubber straps, it does not feel like a manacle. The pliable silicone conforms to your wrist and feels nice against your skin. I did not pair it with a Seiko but with a titanium Undone Aquadeep. I’ll note that this is the only strap I sampled that did not have integrated quick-release spring bars.
Comfy as silicone may be, it does tend to pick up lint. It’s not an issue on lighter colors like this, but it can be very noticeable on dark ones. If this bugs you, there is a solution: fluoroelastomer or FKM rubber. FKM is soft, durable, and does not attract dust or fibers.
StrapsCo has a variety of FKM straps for sale. I chose one of the more novel designs, the $69.99 Smooth CTS by Dassari, StrapsCo’s in-house premium brand.
It is smooth indeed, both in touch and in appearance. There is no texture on top, and the 3mm thick rubber tapers to meet a sleek butterfly clasp. Sizing is cut-to-fit and the ends are secured to the clasp with spring bars, ensuring a seamless appearance with no unruly tails. With an overall starting length of 204mm (just over 8″), you will have plenty to work with.
Remarkably, the clasp has no buttons or locking mechanism. Instead, it has powerful spring action that snaps it shut like a bear trap. Ok, maybe it is more like a tiny, harmless bear trap, but it is potent for its size and highly unlikely to be opened by accident. It also features two micro adjustments on either side for the perfect fit.
The Smooth CTS is available in even and odd sizes from 18-22mm, in ten colors and five clasp finishes. All have 16mm clasps except the 22mm which ends in an 18mm for better proportions. I selected white 22mm with a polished stainless steel clasp for my Mark Time M 1.2, a perfect pairing of two sharp, modernist designs.
The next items on the list were a pair of $39.99 Dassari hybrids, one sailcloth (khaki) and the other Saffiano leather (black). Hybrids occupy an interesting niche in the watch strap world, as the merge of traditional materials topside and FKM rubber below makes for a smart-looking strap that stands up to water and sweat much better than a more common leather lining.
It is inaccurate to call the FKM a “lining” as it actually forms the core of the strap, onto which the leather or sailcloth is applied. Notice the rubber on the outer edge, inside the adjustment holes, and the two keepers. The top and bottom sections are sections are stitched through. Neither Hybrid is padded, which It looks fabulous, sporty, yet tailored, and as you would expect of FKM, the straps are exceptionally pliable.
I fastened the khaki Sailcloth Hybrid to my Jack Mason Hydrotimer, delighting in the way the rubber matched the bezel and the tan cloth highlighted the cream lume.
The black Saffiano Leather FKM Hybrid went on my black case Sheffield Allsport Diver 1A. You really can’t go wrong with black-on-black, and I liked the dapper look the Saffiano gave this sports watch.
Both Hybrids are offered in ten or more combinations of black, blue, or red FKM and a host of leather or cloth colors.
I compared the Sailcloth Hybrid to StrapsCo’s $49.99 Dassari Sailcloth. This is a more traditional strap. It is still nicely made, with more conventional construction, light padding, and a natural caoutchouc rubber lining.
Padding means more stiffness; it’s not a criticism, just science. That said, the Dassari is hardly overstuffed, just 3.6mm at its thickest point, slimming down to just 2.3mm at the tail. After fitting it to my Rivelta Metrodive, I found that it allowed enough flexibility to wrap my relatively small 6.75″ wrist without fuss.
The combination of black cloth and white stitching complemented the high-contrast pilot-diver look of the Rivelta, while the rubber backing and waterproof cloth offered a healthy dose of utility. With 20 color variations, four buckle options, three lengths, and sizes from 18-24mm, (including the odd 19 and 21mm), it should be easy to find the right one for your watch, too.
Finally, you can’t evaluate a strap collection without sampling some classic leather. For that, I tried one of StrapsCo’s Vintage Waxed Leather straps. At $24.99, it is inexpensive, but it doesn’t look it. You get top grain Italian leather, full stitching, and a soft lining. It has a mellow, semi-matte finish.
The Waxed Leather is offered in the same width and length options as the Sailcloth, and in eight muted colors. Unpadded with a 2mm taper and just 3mm thick, the strap looks great on antique and vintage-inspired pieces like this Fleux FLX003. The pairing of tan leather to tan lume doesn’t look top shabby either.
Overall, I was impressed by what StrapsCo had to offer. Everything I tried was well-priced and nicely made. They have a huge selection, and their warehouses in Canada and the U.S. ensure quick shipping for those of us in North America.
I recommend you check them out. Visit strapsco.com.
