5 Watch Strap Styles Every Collector Should Know
Your Watch Strap Says More Than You Think
A watch strap is not just a way to hold your automatic watch on your wrist. It changes the entire look, feel, and comfort of your timepiece. The same watch case can look sporty with a rubber strap and formal with a leather strap.
At Funny Items, we offer five main strap styles for our NH35 and NH34 watches. Here is what each one is best for, and how to pick the right one.
1. Stainless Steel Bracelet
The stainless steel bracelet is the classic choice for dive watches and GMT watches. It is durable, waterproof, and looks great in any setting — from the office to the beach.
Best for: Daily wear, dive watches, GMT builds
Pros: Extremely durable, water resistant, matches steel cases perfectly
Cons: Heavier than other options, can scratch over time
Funny Items offers 20mm stainless steel bracelets that fit our 40mm Sub cases and 43.5mm cases. The 39mm Case With Bracelet & Hands and 40mm Bidirection Rotation GMT Case With Bracelet come with matching bracelets included.
See also: 20MM Watch Bracelet for 40MM Sub Case
2. Rubber Strap
A rubber watch strap is the go-to for dive watches and active lifestyles. It is lightweight, waterproof, and easy to clean. If you swim, surf, or work out with your watch, rubber is the way to go.
Best for: Dive watches, swimming, sports, summer wear
Pros: Waterproof, lightweight, comfortable, easy to clean
Cons: Can feel sticky in extreme heat, less formal
See: 20MM Rubber Strap
3. Fluororubber Strap
Fluororubber (also called FKM) is a premium version of rubber. It is softer, more durable, and does not get sticky like regular rubber. It also resists chemicals and UV light better. If you want the comfort of rubber with a more premium feel, fluororubber is the upgrade.
Best for: Premium dive watches, daily wear, hot climates
Pros: Softer than rubber, chemical resistant, UV resistant, does not attract lint
Cons: More expensive than standard rubber
Funny Items offers quick-release fluororubber straps that you can swap in seconds without tools:
See: 20MM Fluororubber Quick Release Strap
4. Leather Strap
A leather strap is the most traditional choice for dress watches. It looks elegant, feels comfortable after break-in, and pairs perfectly with clean dials and polished cases.
Best for: Dress watches, formal occasions, vintage builds
Pros: Classic look, comfortable, wide range of colors and textures
Cons: Not water resistant, wears out faster than steel or rubber
Leather straps pair beautifully with our Dress Watches collection.
5. NATO / Single-Pass Strap
The NATO strap is a nylon strap that threads under the watch case. It is lightweight, affordable, and comes in endless colors and patterns. It is a favorite among watch enthusiasts who like to change looks frequently.
Best for: Casual wear, summer, color matching, travel
Pros: Ultra-light, affordable, huge color variety, secure (keeps watch on even if a spring bar fails)
Cons: Adds bulk under the case, nylon can absorb sweat
How to Choose the Right Width
Watch strap width must match your case lug width. Most Funny Items cases use 20mm lugs. Always check the product description for the correct width before buying.
Common widths:
- 20mm — Fits 39mm, 40mm, and most 43mm cases
- 22mm — Fits larger 44mm+ cases
- 18mm — Fits 31mm DJ-style cases
Quick-Release vs Standard Spring Bars
Quick-release straps have a built-in lever that lets you swap straps in seconds. Standard straps use regular spring bars and require a spring bar tool. If you like changing straps often, go quick-release.
See: 20MM Fluororubber Quick Release Strap
Pair Your Strap With a Complete Build
Here are three Funny Items builds with different strap styles:
- Diver Build: Black Sub NH35 With Date + 20MM Rubber Strap — ready for the water
- Dress Build: Matte Blue DJ NH35 + leather strap — elegant for any occasion
- GMT Travel Build: Pepsi NH34 GMT + 20MM Watch Bracelet — perfect for crossing time zones
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swap straps myself?
Yes. With a quick-release strap, no tools needed. For standard straps, you need a spring bar tool (included with most Funny Items watch purchases).
Which strap is most comfortable?
Most people find fluororubber the most comfortable for daily wear. It is softer than standard rubber and does not absorb sweat.
How long do straps last?
Steel bracelets last years. Rubber and fluororubber last 1-3 years with daily use. Leather straps may need replacement after 6-12 months depending on wear.
Browse Funny Items Watch Straps
- All Watch Straps — rubber, fluororubber, steel, quick-release
- Watch Cases — find the right case for your strap width
- Sub Diver Watches — complete builds with matching straps
- GMT Watches — dual time zone builds with steel bracelets