Rubber strap options for vintage Subs?

[Eric88]

Hi forum,

I have a recollection that RubberB and maybe Everest used to sell a rubber strap option for vintage Subs such as 1680 and/or 5513, the type where the rubber would fit perfectly in a curve against the case.

I never bought one, though am interested in one now. When I go searching, it seems that Everest only sells leather straps that would fit a 1680 (no rubber options) and RubberB has a "pre-ceramic" option that appears like its made for the 16610 or 14060 models. It's unclear that this would work with the older cases.

Perhaps the vintage watches were too much of a niche for these companies to stock rubber straps?

Does anyone know of a source of rubber straps that would fit like a RubberB or Everest with a Sub Date 1680?

Thanks so much!
Eric

[zapokee]

I don't have an answer, but somehow a rubber strap on a 1680 doesn't feel right to me.

Unless you're doing full Liberace and flamboyantly wearing a Red Sub on a red rubber strap, of course. Then it's perfectly accetable.

[Styles Bitchley]

Both companies certainly used to. You could input your reference on the website and it would tell you which strap was appropriate. Maybe shoot them an email to ask. Rubber on a sub is fun but you’ll always end up going back to the bracelet and wonder what you were thinking when you took it off.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by zapokee

I don't have an answer, but somehow a rubber strap on a 1680 doesn't feel right to me.

Unless you're doing full Liberace and flamboyantly wearing a Red Sub on a red rubber strap, of course. Then it's perfectly accetable.

I agree, but a black Tropic 22522 rubber criss-cross (circa £2 new - I sold one lightly used for £350 a few years back !!!) was a Standard Sub fitment in UK from late 50s to 70s (about 15-20% came that way) for the cash strapped buyer, so it has its place !

[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by pauldavidthorpe

I agree, but a black Tropic 22522 rubber criss-cross (circa £2 new - I sold one lightly used for £350 a few years back !!!) was a Standard Sub fitment in UK from late 50s to 70s (about 15-20% came that way) for the cash strapped buyer, so it has its place !

This is pretty interesting. Didn’t know that. Would that have been “Rolex approved?” Certainly not today!

The tropic actually looks pretty cool on a four digit sub. I guess it makes sense as it was so standard on so many dive watches back then.

[mountainjogger]

Tropic is still in business.

Might want to checkout their website, https://tropicstrap.com/

And if you get one, might want to post a review.

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

Both companies certainly used to. You could input your reference on the website and it would tell you which strap was appropriate. Maybe shoot them an email to ask. Rubber on a sub is fun but you’ll always end up going back to the bracelet and wonder what you were thinking when you took it off.

My precise feeling.

It's waste of time and money, I can vow for that.

IMHO 5 digits are more forgiving than 4. Don't think (Everest) has them for 4 digits

[douglasf13]

I would only use a Tropic or Hirsch Pure on a vintage Sub, myself.

[christian-h]

A really nice tropic is a good choice.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by christian-h

A really nice tropic is a good choice.

Nice pic.