Athletic Meets Aesthetic: Discover Luxury Watches With Rubber Straps

Here at Avi & Co., we know that luxury does not just mean one thing. The world of high-end timepieces is incredibly diverse, reflecting its wide range of collectors and shoppers. Every horological connoisseur wants something slightly different, something that reflects their unique personality and flair. While one buyer might prefer traditional timepieces with leather straps, another may lean toward more adventurous and rugged watches with durable rubber straps. A third still may prefer the cool weight of a stainless steel bracelet.

All of this is to say that there is no wrong answer when it comes to luxury watches. There is something for everyone out there, and many watchmakers make an effort to ensure that their catalogues reflect a wide variety of tastes and sensibilities. Luxury watches with rubber straps have found their footing in the horological world over the past couple of decades, and it seems as though they are here to stay. Join us as we embark on a tour of some of our favorite luxe timepieces with rubber straps, each of one which perfectly balances glamour with wearability.

Some people hesitate at the combination of rubber straps and luxury watches. Can those two things really go together in one breath? We think yes, and we will tell you why.

Luxury itself is not a homogenous term. It is not one particular look or trend, but rather a lifestyle of prestige, sophistication, and opulence. A luxury watch does not have a certain look but rather an aura of excellence. It must showcase precision engineering, impeccable artistry, and thoughtful design. It will likely come with a significant price tag that underscores its desirability and unique craftsmanship. Per these criteria, a rubber strap can certainly fall under the definition of luxury. Furthermore, rubber straps may even allow for a bridge between traditional elevated looks and new-age creativity.

With these parameters in mind, follow along as we showcase six of our favorite luxury watches with rubber straps. These watches do not skimp on memorable complications, impressive gem-setting, and skeletonized excellence. As in the world of high-end timepieces as a whole, there is something for everyone on this list.

Will you choose a diamond-studded beauty or a sporty racing watch? There are rubber straps for all different styles and all different lifestyles here at Avi & Co. Strap a taste of luxury on your own wrist when you join us at one of our three upscale boutiques. Find us in New York City, Aspen, and Miami.

It should come as no surprise that we are starting this article with our very own Color in Motion collection. Our Color in Motion rubber straps are one of the most versatile options for sporty luxury on the market today. They come in seven different bright hues and are compatible with both our Iced Collection and Frosted Rainbow collection. Choose from red, yellow, orange, pink, blue, black, and white and find the hue that speaks to you.

Above, take a look at the brand-new Frosted Rainbow watch body in 18K rose gold. We have paired it with the simple elegance of the white rubber strap to truly let the 32 decadent colored sapphires on the watch’s bezel shine. Below, enjoy the bold beauty of the red rubber strap paired with the 18K white gold Iced Collection case. The Iced Collection, our original Avi & Co. release circa 2023, is completely decked out in diamonds across the case, bezel, and bracelet. The diamond bracelets are interchangeable with the Color in Motion rubber straps, so you can even switch between gem-set glamour and rubber versatility in moments.

Some quick calculations tell us that there are over 55 different combinations you can create with our Color in Motion rubber straps and various Avi & Co. watch finishes, sizes, and collections that are compatible with the line. Now that is flexibility at its finest.

Named for the Formula 1 Grand Prix track in Sepang, Malaysia, this limited edition Richard Mille watch is a true stunner. Like many pieces from this renowned Swiss creator, the RM 010 showcases a versatile rubber strap. In this case, it is a head-turning fiery red that complements the right-hand crown and the watch’s noticeable inner bezel. True to form, this Richard Mille timepiece shows off a tonneau-shaped case and a skeletonized dial with highly legible Arabic numeral hour markers. Limited to just 20 pieces, the Sepang GP RM 010 is a collector’s dream. The rubber strap renders it both comfortable and fashionable, adding a bold pop of color to an otherwise tech-savvy and streamlined timepiece.

It is difficult to discuss high-end timepieces with rubber straps and not mention the Patek Philippe Aquanaut collection. The Swiss watchmaker is known around the globe for its centuries of incredible creativity and innovation, and the Aquanaut line is no exception. Launched in the 1990s, the Aquanaut was meant to appeal to a younger, modern audience than the brand’s classic Nautilus buyers. As such, many Aquanauts show off larger case sizes paired with the rubber “tropical” strap that the brand added to the equation. This particular rose gold Aquanaut is an elegant, contemporary riff on the 1997 version, showcasing pristine precious metal construction and a memorable annual calendar complication that does not skimp on visual interest. Form meets function with the moonphase display at the 12 o’clock position, an iconic signal of Patek Philippe’s horological prowess and design fortitude. Wearing an Aquanaut watch is a gesture of casual sophistication, meant to signify your taste and class without seeming stodgy or pretentious. This watch is a perfect example of quiet luxury.

There are many timepieces with rubber straps that are more basic, shall we say: timepieces that simply display the time and decorate your wrist. There is nothing wrong with a more minimalistic piece of wristwear, but if you are truly looking for the creme de la creme of rubber strapped watches, you may be seeking something more interesting. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph watch meets that criteria and then some. Crafted from luminous 18K rose gold, it retains the classic Royal Oak features (an integrated bracelet, an octagonal bezel, and exposed screws) while introducing a whole new level of visual interest. The openworked dial shows off the impressive tourbillon and chronograph complications in a mesmerizing display of precision engineering and artistry. This 45 mm edition is limited to just 50 pieces, making it a truly special acquisition for the right collector. You might even say it is modern Audemars Piguet watchmaking at its finest. We certainly do.

We love the juxtaposition of an elevated gem-set watch and a more laidback rubber strap, and this Rolex Cosmograph Daytona delivers on just that. Dubbed the “Eye of the Tiger” edition, this stunning timepiece is crafted from gorgeous 18K white gold and features a diamond-set bezel as well as a diamond dial decorated in a tiger-esque pattern. This watch was designed with both performance and luxury in mind. The Daytona’s highly recognizable trio of subdials stands out against the watch’s bold face and easily communicates elapsed time via the chronograph pushers located on either side of the crown. With outstanding precision, reliability, and power reserve, this watch is a functional accomplishment in its own right. Add in the exemplary diamond setting techniques and prestigious decorative look, and you have an all-around winner. Only the most daring watch aficionados will take a one-of-a-kind piece like this one home.

Here at Avi & Co., we are proud to be one of Manhattan’s premier destinations for both luxury watches and fine diamond jewelry. From Rolex to Richard Mille and from Audemars Piguet to Patek Philippe, our three showrooms are stocked with glamorous accessories and collectible timepieces that you will be thrilled to fasten around your wrist. Do not forget to explore our own Avi & Co. watch lines as well as our Diamonds by Avi & Co. jewelry line when you visit.

Make an appointment today to shop with us in person today. We cannot wait to welcome you into our Avi & Co. family.