Why you need to have at least one Quick-Release FKM Rubber watch strap in your collection
If you have never heard about Quick-Release watch straps, then you’re missing out a part of history: they brought a major progress in the way people change their watch bands. "Quick Release - you can change your watch strap in a flash".
Diagram showing the comparison of traditional spring bar & quick release spring bars
Before them, to change a band on the wristwatch, one needed to use a tool to push down the tips of the pins that held the watch strap attached to the watch case. Then, to attach a new watch strap, one needed to adjust the pins into the tiny holes, which additionally complicated the process. Not everyone had the proper tool and nerves to do so, which, you can imagine, wasn’t neither convenient nor fun. With the invention of watch bands with quick-release pins, the process of changing the strap on the wristwatch became a piece of cake. The picture above illustrates the difference between the pins in traditional watch strap and quick-release watch band.
How it works? Quick Release FKM Rubber Emerald Green Watch Bands
Quick-release spring bar watch strap is detached from the watch by simply pulling the knob attached to it, which in turn pulls one spring end out of the hole on the watch case. They are attached by reverse action: by setting one end of the pin into hole on the watch case and then simply pulling the knob to adjust the other end. The whole process practically takes seconds, unlike with the traditional watch straps. It’s no wonder that quick-release watch straps quickly became popular and they are usually offered to fit standard watch case sizes with lug widths of 18mm, 20mm and 22mm.
There are many types of quick-release watch straps on the market nowadays, but we'd like to give homage to one that is a simply a must-have in every decent collection: Quick-Release FKM Rubber watch strap.
Changing the Quick-Release FKM Rubber watch band requires no tools, Shop FKM01
Quick-Release FKM Rubber watch strap
For those who don’t know, FKM stands for Fluoroelastomer, which is a class of man-made rubber of great density but soft in touch, made to stand harsh conditions, such as high temperature, chemicals etc. For example, this type of rubber is often used in aerospace and nautical industries, which speaks a lot about its quality. To name a few, some of the characteristics of this material are: excellent resistance to chemicals (oxidation, acids, fuels), astonishing temperature durability (from - 60°C to 225°C ), great stability in all weather conditions, long lasting etc. The material is first developed by American company DuPont, under the brand name Viton®. The same company developed Neoprene™, which became so popular that it became common name for polychloroprene. The same often happens with Viton. Nowadays, there are many other producers of this valuable material. There are also variations of FKM, based on the polymers used. The higher the fluorine content, the material is more resistant.
Quick-Release FKM Rubber watch band are waterproof, great for outdoor use, Shop FKM02
If you compare FKM and vulcanized rubber, FKM is like the superhero, synthesized cousin to the latter. Vulcanized rubber is made by mixing natural rubber with additives (such as sulfur) in the process called vulcanization, which makes the material stronger and more flexible. Vulcanized rubber has a wide field of application and therefore it’s considered a commercial grade rubber. Watch straps made from rubber became popular in 20th century because they don’t conduct electricity, they’re waterproof, great for outdoor or adventure use because of UV resistance, easy to clean, and caused less allergies than metal watch bracelets. FKM added excellent durability and resistance in harsh conditions on top of all that, as for example, temperature, where ordinary rubber couldn’t stand a test due to low melting point. It’s quite obvious who the winner is in ‘FKM vs vulcanized rubber’ match.
FKM rubber watch strap is highly popular among divers, Shop FKM03
Now, let’s head a bit more back down the memory lane. Rubber watch bands were first introduced in the 1960s. They entered the luxury lane in the 1980s, when Hublot added them as the alternative bracelets for high-end timepieces because they were more practical, especially for divers (think RX and TU brands). The same pretty much goes for FKM but around 40 years later. They are introduced around 2006 as a replacement bands for the same luxury brands, with addition of Omega, Seiko, Tag Heuer and many other great brands to the list. The durability of the material and ease of the process of replacing the Quick-Release FKM Rubber watch strap make it a high-end watch band and highly popular among divers and adventurers. All of the facts above stand as a firm reasons why you should own at least one, especially if you have one (or a few) supreme timekeepers. In the end, if great brands find it worthy, we definitely do!
Subtle Raised Center profile, Shop FKM04
Raised Center FKM04 rubber watch bands
All in 20mm Quick Release Watch Band is waterproof, great for outdoor use and that's why FKM rubber strap is highly popular among divers and adventurers. Certainly, this is one of the best rubber watch strap replacement that works well with your dive watches.
Tropical Pro has '8' color options, Shop FKM05
Tropical Pro FKM rubber watch bands
Tropical-Style rubber straps are a long last hot pick for diving watches, starting from their instant hit in the 1950s, they never lost their charm. This Tropical-Style Pro is a new 21st-century version of the retro Tropical-Style watch band but with five upgrades.
- Use FKM - Fluoroelastomer rubber as a material, very durable man-made rubber of great density, made to stand harsh conditions.
- Thickened strap end piece to support big divers or big watches.
- New perforated back design to improve ventilation.
- Solid 316L stainless steel buckle plus high-end polishing craftsmanship.
- Quick release spring bars for easy installation.
Chaffle Waffle with enhanced pyramid profile, highly reflective and visible Waffle, Shop FKM06
Chaffle Waffle FKM rubber watch bands (Non-Quick-Release Type)
Chaffle Rubber watch strap pays tribute to the legendary ZLM01 Waffle rubber watch band - the first Seiko dive strap. Unlike the retro Waffle strap, Chaffle has been applied with additional advanced toolings to create an enhanced pyramid profile, highly reflective and visible Waffle. The new proportion of Waffle and grooves allow buckle holes to locate properly without breaking the Waffles.Using solid and high-density FKM rubber as material, this Chaffle has weighs around 35 grams, water-proof, and is made to stand harsh conditions, such as high temperature and chemicals.
Rhombus is made up of diamond-shaped units, Shop FKM07
Rhombus rubber watch bands
The 7th rubber watch band from our FKM collection. The entire Rhombus rubber watch strap is made up of diamond-shaped units with noticeable depth and is very visible in most lit areas. It definitely will give your watch a whole new look.
- Big holes perforated design to improve ventilation.
- Light weight, soft, and comfortable.
- Solid 316L stainless steel buckle.
- water-proof and dustproof.
- Quick release spring bars for easy installation.
'Ladder step' feature profile, Shop FKM08
FKM08 rubber watch bands
FKM08 is the 8th rubber watch band from our FKM collection with 'ladder step' feature profile. FKM08 is a quick-release FKM rubber watch strap with a cylindrical button on one side, which can be installed and removed quickly and easily without the use of any tools. It definitely will give your watch a whole subtle new look.
- Light weight, soft, and comfortable.
- Solid 316L stainless steel buckle.
- water-proof and dustproof.
- Quick release spring bars for easy installation.
Crisscross FKM Quick Release Rubber Strap, Shop FKM09
FKM09 rubber watch bands
This Crisscross rubber watch band from our FKM collection is featured in protruded center portion with a 'Cross-grid' profile and a new smart keeper 'Tail lock' mechanism. In addition, the watch band keeper has an innovative design - a hidden protruded Hexa cube that will lock the strap nicely with the hole provided at the tail end.
- Smart keeper 'Tail lock' mechanism.
- Light weight, soft, and comfortable.
- Solid 316L stainless steel buckle.
- water-proof and dustproof.
- Quick release spring bars for easy installation.
HONEY FKM Quick Release Rubber Strap, Shop FKM10
FKM10 rubber watch bands
The HONEY rubber strap is new from our FKM collection. It was named base on its honeycomb pattern. HONEY rubber watch band is also a quick-release watch strap. This FKM rubber quick-release watch bands are designed efficiently with an easy-to-access knob, pulling for installation and removal of spring bars.
- Light weight, soft, and very comfortable.
- Reduced in thickness.
- Only 2mm tapered.
- Solid 316L stainless steel buckle.
- water-proof and dustproof.
- Quick release spring bars for easy installation.
FKM11 rubber watch bands
This Hybrid watch strap is fused with sailcloth, all-weather FKM rubber base, and sewing construction. The FKM rubber core strap is soft and flexible, and its sporty style glory with any luxury sport or dive watches. This hybrid watch band is very comfortable and suitable for all-weather sports activities. Five eye-pleasing color palette options definitely will give you a fresh experience.
- Light weight, soft and comfortable.
- 2mm tapered.
- Solid 316L stainless steel buckle.
- Water-proof linning.
- Quick release spring bars for easy installation.
FKM12 rubber watch bands
This Hybrid watch strap is fused with calf leather, all-weather FKM rubber base, and sewing construction. This FKM rubber core strap is soft and flexible, and its sporty style complements any luxury sport or dive watch. This hybrid watch band is very comfortable and is a great companion for outgoing people. Three down-to-earth color options will give you a different perspective on FKM watch bands.
- Light weight, soft and comfortable.
- 2mm tapered.
- Solid 316L stainless steel buckle.
- Water-proof linning.
- Quick release spring bars for easy installation.
FKM13 rubber watch bands
Large Holes Rally FKM Quick Release Rubber watch band is a contemporary design rubber watch band. All edges of the watch strap have right angles but are incredibly soft and comfortable; the wearer can tell the difference instantly. In addition, Large Holes Rally rubber strap tapers down to a narrower width of 4mm at the buckle. Quick-release spring bars are included, so you can remove or install the watch strap in seconds without using any tools.
- Light weight, extremely soft and comfortable.
- Only 4mm tapered.
- Water-proof and dustproof.
- Quick release spring bars for easy installation.
Hybrid FKM Leather Quick Release Rubber Strap, Shop FKM14
FKM14 rubber watch bands
This Hybrid watch strap is fused with genuine leather surface, all-weather FKM rubber base, and sewing construction. The FKM rubber core strap is soft and flexible, and its sporty style glory with any luxury sport or dive watches. This hybrid watch band is very comfortable and suitable for all-weather sports activities. Four eye-pleasing color palette options definitely will give you a fresh experience.
- Light weight, soft and comfortable.
- 2mm tapered.
- Solid 316L stainless steel buckle.
- Water-proof linning.
- Quick release spring bars for easy installation.
FKM15 rubber watch bands
Ultimate sporty look Vented FKM rubber watch strap compliments your watch to another energetic level. Vented rubber strap carrying on the gentle curve of the watch case through into where the strap meets the case. Alternating your watch with this sporty watch band is just like discovering a new sports watch, enhancing the whole brisk look of the watch.
- Linear perforated design to improve ventilation.
- Light-weight, soft, and comfortable.
- Solid 316L stainless steel buckle.
- water-proof and dustproof.
- Quick release spring bars for easy installation.
FKM16 rubber watch bands
The Ocellus FKM Rubber Quick Release Watch Strap is crafted from durable FKM rubber and equipped with a convenient quick release mechanism. "FKM" stands for Fluoroelastomer, which is a rugged material that can withstand high temperatures, harsh chemicals, and abrasion, making it an excellent choice for watch bands. Its intricate design, inspired by the beautiful patterns on peacock feathers, offers an effortless pairing experience that seamlessly integrates with your sport watch. The Ocellus FKM Rubber strap also features an upgraded screw-in buckle that ensures a nice and secure fit on your wrist.
- Light weight, soft and comfortable.
- 2mm tapered.
- Solid 316L stainless steel buckle.
- Quick release spring bars for easy installation.
FKM17 rubber watch bands
The Pilot FKM strap is where it's at for aviators and pilot watch fans. Crafted from super durable and soft FKM that can take on anything from fuel spills to chemical mix-ups, they come in 22mm or 20mm to perfectly match your oversized pilot's piece. With a precision-machined 316L stainless steel sculpted buckle that is 18mm wide and stretch to fit your wrist no matter what you're wearing, mean business in the air or on the ground. Featuring a mildly rough texture, resistant to anything thrown their way, they'll be your go-to for both duty and daily flyness.
- Finely textured, mildly rough finish, making it resistant to light reflections.
- Solid 316L stainless steel sculpted screw-in buckle.
- Quick release spring bars for easy installation.
Shop Quick Release FKM Rubber Watch Straps
Written by M.H. , Photo by Toni
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