Reflections on finding that just right match

I expected to move on to other things besides my new Timex Deepwater Reef, but it presents an opportunity to talk about one of my favorite things; watch straps. Like many of you, I have more straps than I do watches. If you want to do different things with and have different looks for any single watch, you have two or three straps for every watch?
This post is going to be about FKM rubber straps and trying to make my Timex Deepwater Reef more matched to my arm and sensibilities. I talk about the aesthetics of straps often in my posts because style is a big factor in our watch enjoyment. This time I’m thinking more about fit and proportion, but sticking to rubber because that is what the watch comes with and what I see myself as mostly having on this watch. Well, maybe I would try a two-piece nylon, or a hybrid…another study maybe?
The Deepwater strap

I already covered the Reef watches in-depth in a couple of posts. One of the things that was distinctive about them was the black rubber strap they come with. While unique in using a slot in the strap, behind the buckle to tuck the strap under, I find the strap to be too much strap for my normal use. First of all it is 22mm wide at lugs and tapers to 20mm at buckle. It is 5mm thick at the lugs, then down to 3mm at end. It is also pretty long. It fits my 6.75in wrist, but feels bulky, especially with a pretty chunky 41mm steel watch. On top of that it has the spring-folds (wave in profile)common to dive watch straps like Casio, Seiko, Citizen over the past half century, coming off the lugs.

Those big folds/grooves coming off the lugs make the strap look bigger than it is. Maybe the designers decided this chunky 41mm watch needed that visual heft to balance it out? At least there is a bevel on the corner for most of the strap that helps slim it out. Tucking the strap end through the slot/hole was a little awkward, too. I suppose one could get used to it, but for me, I have to tuck a l good length of strap. A conventional strap just seems easier.

I thought I could make the watch seem smaller, less bulky by getting a different strap. It keeps me from wanting to wear the watch more. It did not turn out to be that easy. After getting some other options, the original strap did not seem that big after all! Some of the bulk is real, some perceived or visual. Finally I did get another rubber strap that did make things better for me. I learned some things in the process. I like them all, but there are little details that separate them.
Taper helps
I wanted to keep the Timex buckle because it matches the case finish. It is 20mm wide, so I first looked at rubber straps that tapered form 22mm to 20mm. I definitely did not want a strap 22mm from lug to buckle. I at least wanted the 2mm taper to reduce bulk. I ended up getting a 4mm taper, from 22mm to 18mm. So, I was not able to use the Timex buckle.
Generally I will choose a taper over a straight strap. Especially if it is 22mm wide. I have few watches with 22mm straps because they just feel too big, especially if the watch is bigger, 42-45mm. I suppose if you want that presence on the wrist, a straight strap at 22mm can do that for you. Sometimes a strap can overpower the watch. It depends on several factors, so each watch is a specific case.
First choices
After looking at various rubber straps, I decided on FKM rubber and a taper. I prefer FKM over silicone. I’m not sure what “synthetic rubber” is used for the Timex strap. I looked at texture, style, taper, thickness and length. Overall length can be the trickiest factor as I will discuss more later. This is why I eliminated the classic Tropical style, which I like. They are usually too long overall.

I chose this FKM Rugged because it had some nice texture and tapered. It also has a keeper lock for that end keeper so it won’t slide off the end. That hole in the end engages a nub inside the keeper so the keeper cant move. The green looks good with the green lume on the dial and hands. The style is both retro and modern. The bottom is smooth with a large hollow cavity along the length in the middle. So a section view would show the bottom is not flat.

The first thing I noticed is that the FKM straps are heavy; heavier than the original strap. A thick 22mm one is especially heavy. So, that did not help with my goal of reducing the bulk. It also has a formed curve where it meets the lugs. It is the thickest of the FKMs I got at 4.5mm at lug and a bit over 3mm at the end. Even though the lugs on the watch are tall, I just thought this strap was too beefy. The purpose was to reduce the strap. The length of this strap was also reaching maximum for my arm. The keeper lock is nice, but…

Another option I tried was this Groove Stripe FKM. I have experience with this strap on a Timex Navi XL auto, but at 20mm wide and brown. I like the look of the small grooves. But again, FKMs are not light weight and this is still 22 wide a lugs. These fine grooves are better than the big ones on the Timex strap, but at the same time, they also emphasize wideness — one of the things I was trying to minimize. It is the shortest of the bunch but about the same thickness of the Rugged; Approx. 4mm at lugs down to 3mm at end. Every millimeter counts with these FKMs to reduce weight. I do like it better than the Rugged.

I like the clean look of the Groove Stripe. It can be modern or retro. It is more streamlined than the Timex strap but still substantial thickness and weight. The section of this one is the most flat, or slab-like. The bottom is smooth and flat. There is a shallow hollowing from the lug end to about an inch long that takes out a bit of weight. I ranked in higher than the Rugged, but not as high as the next option.
The Winner

Of the three FKMs I tried this Tapered Gridline turned out to be my pick. It let me accomplish more of the goal of reducing the bulk of the strap. It has a 4mm taper from 22mm at lugs to 18mm at buckle. It reminds me of a classic Tropical in the looks of the texture, but without the holes. It again, is more modern but at the same time retro. I don’t get to use the original buckle, but I knew that from the outset. Going down to 18mm really lightens up the whole feel of the strap, but, it still feels substantial.

The thickness of this strap varies across the section on this strap, so it feels thinner. In the center is starts at 4mm at lugs, thins out faster to 3 at end. But, the sides seem to be thinner than the center. There seems to be a roundness to the center that thins to the sides then jumps up to a thin curb. There is also a reduction in material on the bottom because it has a texture of cross-hatched pockets.


All the little details combined to make a difference. With this strap I got less overall length, a slimmer overall look and fit. At the same time I think it is a more interesting strap. It is heavier than the original. The most important change was the 4mm taper. Its just not as wide.
Closing thoughts
I could have chosen other rubber straps. One of my favorite favorites is the FKM Double Textured, which I use (in 18mm) on an old Tag Heuer, but it only tapered down to 20mm, and comes in a darker green. The Rally style type of other rubber materials and big holes might be much lighter too. For reasons of material, style and shape, I went with these. It depends on the watch and the look you seek.
I also really like some hybrid two-piece straps with rubber on the bottom and sailcloth or Cordura on top. Again, it depends on the watch. For this Timex rubber just seems the way to go.

The overall length is a factor in straps for me. Some of the standard sizes offered with different rubber strap styles leave me with too much strap. You have to also factor in the lug-to-lug length into the overall length. I probably won’t buy a strap that only comes in size Large. Still, you have know the numbers because for each brand/style the Large range can mean something different.
I like all of these rubber straps, but the one just makes the watch work better for me. I have a couple other 22mm lug watches I could use these on, too. Around water I would use a rubber strap on this Timex. I will have to experiment with some fabric or hybrid straps, but don’t feel like leather for this one. Another thing I learned is that when considering the heavy FKM straps, there is a big difference between an 18mm and a 22mm! If you want to lighten the load, don’t use FKM rubber straps.
After all the comparisons there are not big differences between the winner and the original Timex strap. It just shows the intimate connection we have between a watch and our wrist. Details matter. The original strap is fine. Just a little fussy to tuck, a little bulky looking coming off the lugs and a bit too long. It would be good for wearing over a sleeve or suit. I just don’t want to use it as an everyday strap.
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