Most of what I sell is leather, and leather has one weak spot. It doesn't like to get soaked. So I brought in a strap for the days leather shouldn't get wet: an FKM rubber watch strap. I call it the Tideguard. Here's what it is, how it works and how to pick the right one.
What FKM rubber is
FKM is short for fluoroelastomer, a kind of synthetic rubber. The Tideguard is molded in it, with a sailcloth texture pressed into the surface and thread stitched along both edges. So it looks like a sailcloth strap, but there's no fabric in it to soak up water.
It's made to be worn in water. After salt water or a pool, rinse it and let it dry. The rubber needs no conditioning.
Why there's no keeper loop
A normal strap has a buckle and one or two loops that hold the loose end. The Tideguard is built around a deployant clasp instead. The tail tucks under the clasp, so the extra length stays hidden underneath and the strap goes on with almost no bending.
The clasp is brushed stainless steel, 18mm, and it comes fitted. You don't have to buy one separately.
How to pick 20mm or 22mm
The number is the lug width, which is the gap between the lugs where the strap meets the watch case. Measure that gap, or look up your watch's reference number. Both sizes taper to 18mm at the clasp.
- 20mm fits watches like the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M, Speedmaster Professional and Tudor Black Bay 58.
- 22mm fits the Tudor Black Bay 41 and many Seiko divers.
The two pieces are 105mm and 100mm, which fits wrists of about 6 to 8 inches. To check yours, wrap a strip of paper around your wrist where the watch sits, mark where it meets and measure it flat.
The spring bars are quick release and come fitted, so the strap goes on and off without tools.
Not sure? Email me the reference number and I'll check it before you order.
The four colorways
- Night Watch: black with black stitching
- Sentry: black with white stitching
- Harbor: navy with white stitching
- Sandbar: tan with tan stitching
Each one is $85 with the clasp. Any two are $150, taken off in the cart.
Care
- Rinse after salt water or a pool and let it dry.
- Keep sunscreen and bug spray off the clasp hinge.
- No conditioning needed.
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