Is aquanaut strap this brittle?

[westoque]

I was watching an episode of unboxing and they took out an aquanaut, when they opened the clasp, the rubber just broke. They mentioned that is was because it was old, but curious on aquanaut owners if this happens more frequently than not.

https://youtu.be/JvqERDoFdSw?t=540

[77T]

Had it happen long ago with another brand. Rubber does degrade - when mixed with a manufactured elastomer it can last longer.

This is a reason for the Rolex Oysterflex to have a flexible steel double spine. Sort of a “belt & suspenders” approach.

Patek might consider a hybrid like it.


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[DonLee]

oh wow. good thing that the straps don't cost that much. I find Patek rubber/leather straps are quite reasonably priced.

[sigma089]

Interesting. Mine is fine, though I've only had it for a year now.

Might this specifically apply to pieces that aren't worn frequently and stored away in a dry place somewhere? I assume water, rain etc. help naturally moisturize the strap somewhat, but do not know if that's really the case. Any experience?

[George58]

mine is still on my 1999 5066 strong as hell looks good too minus the edges are a little curled up plus it goes in a swimming pool all summer

[jesulaiman]

I am honestly kinda surprised when I watched that video. Thought it’s not that brittle.


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[Calatrava r]

My wife has a quartz Aquanaut which must be at least 35 years old or more now and the original strap is just fine.

[fsprow]

A little story. Sailing twenty years ago on Lake Malawi, a wind pulled the boom around and in an instant my Aquanaut was torn from my wrist and headed for the bottom.

I imagine a metal bracelet being torn off would have been very nasty on my wrist. In any case I am hopelessly addicted to comfy Aquanauts (have four, all on rubber). I tried the Rolex Oysterflex but found it stiff and uncomfortable.

If I remember I change the straps after five years or so. Probably more than necessary. The sailing incident probably made me too wary.

[DonLee]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

My wife has a quartz Aquanaut which must be at least 35 years old or more now and the original strap is just fine.

The first Aquanaut was from 1997, 25 years

[gqmagic]

Since May 2008, not brittle.

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[abacona]

Rubber when exposed to use/elements will actually retain more of its durability

If you keep it idle in a safe somewhere it can become brittle


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[jcatral14]

Seven year old Aquanaut here and still very pliable

[Watchguynyc8300]

Has an old aquatimer on rubber strap that broke after a few years of service. Rubber does become brittle. Just a fact of life you’ll need to think of it like tires for your watch.