The Best Deployant Strap for the Rolex Submariner (2025 Buyer's Guide)

The Rolex Submariner is one of the most recognised watches in the world. Whether you're wearing the classic no-date 114060, the date variant 126610, or a vintage Sub from the 1960s, one thing is certain: the right strap transforms the experience of wearing it.

And if you've never used a deployant clasp strap on your Submariner, you're missing out on the single best upgrade you can make without touching the watch itself.

This guide covers everything you need to know: what lug width to buy, which materials suit the Sub best, and why a deployant clasp is worth every penny.

What Lug Width Does the Rolex Submariner Take?

Before anything else, strap width.

All modern Rolex Submariner references (including the 114060, 116610, and the current generation 126610LN and 126610LV) take a 20mm strap at the lug. The taper and buckle end is typically 16mm, though many aftermarket straps use a straight 20mm throughout.

If you're fitting a vintage Submariner (5512, 5513, 1680 references), you'll still need 20mm. Rolex has been consistent on this across decades.

The bottom line: You need a 20mm deployant strap for any Submariner.

Why a Deployant Clasp Is the Right Choice for a Submariner

The Rolex Submariner was designed as a diving tool watch. It's built for function. So why pair it with a traditional tang buckle, the same fastening system used on a £30 fashion watch?

A deployant clasp (also called a butterfly clasp or folding clasp) is the upgrade that matches the engineering of the watch itself. Here's why Sub owners make the switch:

1. Security

A tang buckle relies on a single pin through a hole. A deployant clasp locks with two or three folding blades, distributing tension evenly. For a watch worth thousands of pounds, this matters.

2. Even Wear on the Strap

Tang buckles create a crease at the same hole every single day. Over months, that crease becomes a weak point. With a deployant, the strap opens flat with no repeated stress in one spot. Your strap lasts significantly longer.

3. A More Comfortable Fit

Once fitted correctly, a deployant clasp goes on and comes off in one smooth motion. There's no fumbling with a pin, especially one-handed. For daily wear, this is a genuine quality-of-life improvement.

4. It Looks the Part

The Submariner is a serious watch. A deployant clasp gives the strap a cleaner, more finished profile on the wrist, particularly noticeable on dress-down rubber and leather combinations.

Best Strap Materials for the Rolex Submariner

The Submariner suits several strap types, each giving the watch a different character.

Rubber with Deployant Clasp

This is the most popular pairing for the Submariner and arguably the most natural one. A high-quality vulcanised rubber strap mirrors the sporty DNA of the Sub perfectly. It's water-resistant, comfortable in warm weather, and pairs beautifully with both the black and green bezels.

Look for a moulded rubber strap with an integrated deployant clasp at 20mm. The result is a cohesive, modern look that holds up to daily wear.

Best for: Everyday wear, sport, travel, warm climates.

Leather with Deployant Clasp

A leather deployant strap shifts the Submariner into a different register entirely, from smart-casual to formal. Dark brown or black calf leather with a matte finish is the classic choice. It adds a dressy edge that works surprisingly well on the Submariner's clean dial.

The key with leather is quality. A deployant clasp in brushed or polished steel should match the tones of the watch case. Rolex uses 904L steel, which sits between silver and white gold in appearance.

Best for: Office wear, dinner, occasions where you want the Sub to read as a dress watch.

Sailcloth / NATO-Style with Deployant

For a more relaxed, vintage-inspired look, a woven sailcloth or textile strap with a deployant clasp adds texture and personality. Navy, grey, and olive colourways work particularly well with the Submariner's black dial.

Best for: Weekends, casual wear, collectors who want variety.

What to Look for in a Deployant Clasp

Not all deployant clasps are equal. Here's what separates a quality clasp from a cheap one:

• Clasp width: Match the strap's end width. On a 20mm tapered strap, you'll typically want a 16mm clasp. On a straight strap, 18-20mm.
• Steel quality: Solid stainless steel (316L or better) is the minimum. Avoid pot metal or plated clasps, as they wear quickly and can stain the strap.
• Blade action: The opening blades should move smoothly with a positive click when locked. Loose, wobbly clasps are a sign of poor construction.
• Push-button release: A double push-button deployant (press both sides simultaneously to open) provides the best security and is closest to what Rolex themselves use on the Oysterlock clasp.

Fitting Your Deployant Strap: A Quick Note

The Submariner's case has a tight lug-to-lug distance. When fitting a new strap, you'll want spring bars rated for tool watches, as standard spring bars are too light for a watch of this size and daily wear intensity.

Use a proper bracelet removal tool, and take care not to scratch the lug interior. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, any watchmaker will fit a strap for a minimal charge.

Finding the Right Fit

Every wrist is different. Before ordering, measure your wrist circumference and check the strap's adjustable range. Most quality deployant straps will accommodate wrists between 155mm and 210mm, but check the spec before buying. A deployant clasp has fewer micro-adjustment holes than a tang buckle, so getting the size range right matters.

The Bottom Line

The Rolex Submariner deserves more than a basic buckle. A premium 20mm deployant strap, whether in rubber, leather, or textile, improves daily wearability, protects the strap from premature wear, and gives your watch the secure, finished feel it was built to inspire.

If you're looking to upgrade your Submariner strap, our deployant clasp straps are built specifically for Rolex lug dimensions, with solid steel clasps and a fit that holds all day.

Browse Our Rolex Deployant Straps

Looking for a guide for a different watch? We cover deployant strap options for OMEGA, Tudor, Hamilton, Cartier, and Breitling too.