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IS RUBBER THE NEW STEEL? A DEEP DIVE INTO OMEGA’S CONTEMPORARY STRAP MATERIAL

Traditionally watches were first worn on a leather strap as it was the most refined and elegant material. As time went on, watchmakers got much better at using metal as a material until they developed metal bracelets. Even today in 2025, the vast majority of all watches come on a metal bracelet. However, over the last few decades we have seen household watchmaker names like Omega using rubber more frequently. Since ZEALANDE is very specialised in this field we thought it would be a good idea to look into why brands like Omega are using rubber as a key strap option.

Historically, Omega’s icons—the Speedmaster, Seamaster, and Constellation—were paired predominantly with steel bracelets or leather bands. These choices underscored durability, formality, and a certain old‑world charm. Which has certainly not been lost as they offer many of their watches with these straps too. But, as luxury watch buyers became more adventurous in lifestyle and taste, Omega recognized an opportunity, their straps needed to do more than look good, they needed to perform. Enter the 21st century, where Omega began introducing integrated rubber straps with high‑end finishing, tone‑matched stitching, and sculpted designs. These weren’t afterthoughts, they were engineered with the same precision as the watches themselves. Far from the cheap, flexible bands you might associate with digital watches, Omega’s modern rubber straps are amongst the best in the industry.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M co-axial black ceramic on black rubber strap

If we take a closer look at them, you will notice that Omega makes them from vulcanized rubber blends that resist UV degradation, saltwater corrosion, and temperature extremes. This will ensure they will look like new for many years to come no matter how much you wear them. Omega do not just offer a solid lump of rubber so go around the wrist, they take the time to meticulously design the finishing of the rubber strap to ensure it fits the design language of the watch. From the wavy patterns on Seamaster straps to the sailcloth‑like embossing on Aqua Terra models, these surfaces add visual depth and tactile appeal. Many straps integrate directly into the case, offering a seamless fit and distributing weight evenly across the wrist. This also gives a more premium look as the strap was clearly built for that specific model. A single watch can shift from yacht deck to cocktail bar simply by pairing it with a supple rubber option. In short, Omega has elevated rubber from utilitarian to aspirational.

When Omega reintroduced the Seamaster Diver 300M in 2018, one of the standout updates was the new rubber strap. Its wave‑pattern underside allows airflow, reducing sweat build-up, while its structured integration with the case lends a sleek, modern aesthetic. Now, for a dive watch you probably would expect them to have a rubber strap option but Omega continued to expand their strap offerings across other iconic ranges too. Traditionally paired with textile or leather, certain ceramic Speedmaster editions now come with a hybrid rubber‑leather strap that melds sportiness with luxury, perfect for collectors who wear their watches beyond the glass display case.

PRODUCTS FEATURED IN THE ARTICLE

Rubber Strap for OMEGA® Seamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial 42mm White Ceramic

20mm wide NATO Single Pass Rubber Strap for Omega® Speedmaster

Rubber Strap for OMEGA® Seamaster AQUA TERRA 150M CO‑AXIAL 41MM White

20mm Straight Rubber Strap For Omega® Speedmaster

While steel will always embody tradition and mechanical toughness, rubber is carving its own niche as a modern luxury material, especially for Omega. Collectors no longer view a rubber strap as a compromise, instead, it’s a signal of intent for a watch meant to be worn everywhere, not babied. Omega’s approach proves that luxury is no longer defined by weight or shine, but by experience, how a watch feels on the wrist during a day of adventure or an evening out. In this light, rubber doesn’t replace steel, it complements it, offering a new dimension of versatility and innovation.

This is exactly ZEALANDE’s school of thought when creating their luxury rubber straps for Omega’s, they are there to enhance and offer a different but equally as luxurious wearing experience. The vulcanised rubber creates a lighter and softer wearing experience making any watch that bit more comfortable on the wrist. The design of their straps is simple and elegant making them easy to pair with even the most expensive of luxury watches. Like Omega, ZEALANDE offers the same level of durability and details on the pin buckle strap to keep that premium look continued on to the strap. For those of you looking for a way to add a touch of colour to your Omega then make sure to have a look at ZEALANDE’s incredible straps designed to fit your watch perfectly.

As a last point of interest, Omega have also just recently released two new solid sedna gold (their own creation of rose gold) Seamaster 300 M models and both of them only come on a rubber strap. Regardless of the watch’s material, Omega really has invested a lot into the rubber strap offerings and likely we will continue to see more of them across their other lines.

Green omega rubber strap with Omega buckle

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M white dial on ZEALANDE black rubber strap

And there you have it, an overview of Omega’s strap material usage and how their rubber strap offerings continue to grow and become more popular. From the Seamaster 300 M and its brother the Aqua Terra to the likes of the iconic Moon watch, Omega is really pushing rubber as the future. With it being a material that makes any watch feel like a dream on the wrist, it is of no surprise we are seeing an increase of it and it’s for the same reason ZEALANDE does what they do. ZEALANDE have been looking after your Omega watches for many years and know exactly what they are doing so make sure to go and pick yourself out the perfect rubber strap from them for your Omega.

James Talbot