This article will inform you of the main forms of rubber watch straps that will help you determine what’s finest for you.
FKM rubber, often known as fluoroelastomer or Viton®, presents superior efficiency in comparison with pure rubber and polyurethane in a number of key areas. It excels in high-temperature environments, chemical resistance, and sturdiness, making it a most well-liked alternative for demanding purposes. Nonetheless, it’s additionally usually dearer than the opposite two.
In accordance with Helvetus Straps, “Pure rubber has a barely softer, extra natural really feel on the wrist, nevertheless it’s much less secure long-term below UV, sweat, or oils in comparison with FKM. Some prospects nonetheless want it for the feel and luxury, so we maintain each choices within the assortment.
Polyurethane rubber has its makes use of in different industries, however for luxurious watch straps, it doesn’t strike the best stability of efficiency and luxury, so we don’t use it.”
Beneath is a comparability of the three major forms of rubber straps.
FKM (Fluoroelastomer/Viton®)
Excessive Temperature Resistance: FKM can stand up to considerably larger temperatures than each pure rubber and polyurethane, making it appropriate for purposes the place warmth is a significant factor.
Chemical Resistance: FKM is very immune to a variety of chemical substances, together with oils, fuels, acids, and different aggressive fluids.
Sturdiness: FKM presents glorious put on resistance and a low compression set, that means it maintains its form nicely below strain.
Value: FKM is mostly dearer than pure rubber and polyurethane as a consequence of its superior properties and the complexity of its manufacturing.
Pure Rubber
Decrease Temperature Vary: Pure rubber performs nicely in decrease temperature ranges however degrades extra shortly at larger temperatures.
Restricted Chemical Resistance: Pure rubber is inclined to degradation from chemical substances, oils, and UV gentle.
Value: Pure rubber is a comparatively cheap materials.
Polyurethane
Good Abrasion Resistance: Polyurethane excels in purposes requiring excessive abrasion resistance and sturdiness.
Flexibility: Polyurethane presents good flexibility, however might not be as versatile as pure rubber.
Decrease Temperature Resistance: Polyurethane has restricted temperature resistance in comparison with FKM.
Restricted Chemical Resistance: Polyurethane has limitations in chemical resistance in comparison with FKM.
Value: Polyurethane is mostly inexpensive than FKM.
Closing Ideas
In case your software requires resistance to excessive temperatures and harsh chemical substances, FKM is your best option, although it comes at the next value.
If value is a major concern and the applying doesn’t contain excessive temperatures or harsh chemical substances, pure rubber generally is a viable choice.
Essentially the most cost-effective materials with good abrasion resistance and adaptability is polyurethane rubber; nonetheless, it has temperature and chemical limitations, and doesn’t really feel wherever close to as pliable and opulent as FKM or pure rubber.
We extremely suggest FKM or pure rubber straps, ideally customized molded to your particular case, as proven with the Omega Speedmaster Skilled Moonwatch on this article.
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Skilled pictured in black FKM rubber by Perpetual Straps.
