If you're looking for a summer watch, choose one with a rubber strap! Five recommended current models

We'll be introducing five current models equipped with rubber straps. With the coming season, why not take a look at rubber straps, which are water-resistant and lightweight? The current models are fitted with high-quality rubber straps, each of which boasts intricate details and an excellent fit.

Introducing a rubber strap model with excellent functionality and design

　The strap is a major factor in how comfortable a watch is to wear and how easy it is to use. Especially with the coming hotter months, a waterproof strap that can withstand sweat and sudden downpours is desirable. Many leather straps deteriorate when exposed to water, and water-soaked fabric straps can be very uncomfortable on the skin. Metal bracelets, on the other hand, are easy to wear regardless of the weather, but they are quite heavy and can put a lot of strain on the wrist. That's why we recommend a rubber strap.

　Rubber is a flexible resin that does not deteriorate quickly due to moisture, and it is also lightweight, making it comfortable to wear. Although it is not as breathable as other types of belts, it can be worn comfortably if you remove it from your wrist regularly and wipe off any sweat.

　Until recently, rubber straps were mainly worn on inexpensive digital watches, but nowadays they are increasingly being adopted for luxury watches, and rubber straps with intricate details and a great feel to the touch are no longer uncommon. This time, we will introduce five current models that are at the forefront of this trend and feature rubber straps.

Tudor Black Bay Ref. M7941A1A0NU-0002

　The Black Bay black dial model was redesigned in 2024 with a METAS-certified Master Chronometer movement. While the previous model featured a retro design with gold accents on parts of the dial, this model is unified in monochrome, with modern details like the finish around the crown and case sides. The band lineup has also been completely revamped, with rubber straps and five-link stainless steel bracelets replacing the leather and fabric straps, which has also attracted attention.

　The overall design is unified with features common to many Black Bay models, including the indices made up of triangles, dots, and bars, the snowflake-shaped hour hand (also known as the "squid hand"), and the unidirectional rotating bezel with a black anodized aluminum insert, all of which are iconic designs inspired by Tudor's archive pieces.

　The flexible rubber strap is fitted with a dedicated bow lug, enhancing the sense of unity with the middle case. It is equipped with a robust double-lock folding buckle and the unique "T-fit" fine-tuning mechanism, allowing for easy adjustment of the wrist size.

Breitling Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 40, Ref. AB3110361L1S1

　The Superocean Heritage was redesigned in 2025. Its retro design is a continuation of the Ref. 1004, a diver's watch released by Breitling in 1957. This redesign sees the indices and crown redesigned, and the range of sizes and colors expanded.

　The model we're introducing this time is a 40mm case model with a green dial. Its size is not too large for a diver's watch, making it ideal for sharing with a partner. Green dials are trendy these days, but the calm, deep hue makes it easy to wear in a wide range of situations. The unidirectional rotating bezel is set with a highly scratch-resistant ceramic bezel insert.

　The retro feel of this watch is accentuated by the rubber strap with a mesh pattern. It is designed to fit the middle case perfectly and can be easily fastened with a folding buckle.

　This model also features the Cal. B31, the company's first in-house three-hand movement. It's a high-spec movement with a power reserve of approximately 78 hours. Its finish, including the circular graining on the baseplate and the striped decoration on the bridges, can be admired through the see-through case back.

Casio "MR-G" Ref. MRG-B2100R-2AJR

　This model is part of G-SHOCK's flagship "MR-G" series. The round dial features a design inspired by kigumi, a traditional Japanese construction method and woodworking technique that combines wood without metal fittings. The design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also practical, as it allows light to pass through the lattice-like gaps in the dial, allowing for solar charging.

　Metal materials are used for the case and bezel. The bezel is divided into 27 parts, each of which is hand-polished by an artisan, and a buffer is incorporated between the bezel and the case to ensure shock resistance. The top bezel is made of Cobalion, which is approximately four times harder than pure titanium and has a shine comparable to platinum. The case, case back, push buttons, and crown are made of 64 titanium, a titanium alloy. The crown, which is directly connected to the movement and therefore particularly vulnerable to shocks, is equipped with a miniaturized, unique clad guard structure to enhance shock resistance.

　Another feature of this watch is the DuraSoft band, made of fluorine rubber for a comfortable feel. Titanium parts are insert molded into the band where it joins the case, and the titanium folding buckle ensures excellent durability.

　It also has attractive G-SHOCK-like functionality, such as radio wave reception, a mobile link function that allows connection to a smartphone, and a Super Illuminator that turns on an LED light.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M, Ref. 215.32.44.21.06.001

　Omega's professional diver's watch, the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M, boasts a water resistance of 600m, and is available in a new colorway for 2024. The stainless steel dial with vertical hairlines gives it a solid impression, while the green Arabic numerals and ceramic bezel add a touch of softness.

　The voluminous case is made of stainless steel, measuring 43.5mm in diameter and 16.2mm thick. It features a helium escape valve at 10 o'clock. While the case diameter itself is large, its overall length is a relatively short 49.3mm, making it comfortable on the wrist.

　The green rubber strap features a fabric-like pattern and gray stitching, making it suitable for everyday use both in the water and around town. Its elasticity provides firm support for the case, and the folding clasp makes it easy to fasten to your wrist.

　The Cal. 8900 movement is a Master Chronometer-certified automatic movement with a co-axial escapement. It features a double barrel with a power reserve of approximately 60 hours and a switching rocker winding mechanism. The rotor and bridge are decorated with arabesque Geneva waves, which can be seen through the caseback.

IWC "Aquatimer Automatic" Ref. IW328802

　This is a simple three-hand model from IWC's Aquatimer diver's watch collection. With large bar indexes, thick hour and minute hands, and white and light green luminous paint, it offers excellent visibility and legibility. While most diver's watches use a rotating outer bezel to measure the elapsed time during a dive, this model features a unique rotating outer/inner bezel that links the outer and inner bezels. It's a smart mechanism typical of IWC, combining a clean look with functionality and safety. Attached to the case at 9 o'clock is a sliding clutch system that prevents the inner bezel from rotating in the opposite direction.

　The black rubber strap, with its fabric-like pattern on the surface, features a quick-change system that allows it to be attached and detached from the middle case without the need for tools. This is convenient for changing or cleaning the strap. Another attractive feature is the classic pin buckle, which allows for easy adjustment of the wrist size without relying on complex fine-tuning mechanisms.

　The movement is the automatic mechanical movement Cal. 32111, boasting a long power reserve of approximately 120 hours. Unfortunately, due to the solid case back, it is difficult for the user to see the details, but it is finished with perlage and Côtes de Genève.