Rolex Submariner Watch & Strap Guide

The Rolex Submariner watch is the most recognizable dive watch ever made. Since 1953, it has combined genuine underwater capability with a design so clean that it crossed over from tool watch to everyday icon. If you own one, you already know the watch. What you may not know is that the Rolex Submariner strap you pair it with changes how it wears, how it looks, and how it fits your wrist.

Rolex Submariner 16610: The Last Classic (1988–2010)
The 16610 is often described as the final “pre-modern” Submariner, and for good reason . It retained the slender lugs, slim crown guards, and aluminum bezel insert that defined the Submariner for decades. At 40mm in diameter, it wears smaller than its successors—not because the number is different, but because the case profile is genuinely more compact.
Key specifications:
Case: 40mm, 316L stainless steel
Bezel: Aluminum insert (black standard, green on the 16610LV “Kermit”)
Lume: Tritium on early examples (“Swiss-T <25”), transitioning to Super-LumiNova around 2000 (“Swiss Made”)
Movement: Caliber 3135, approximately 48-hour power reserve
Bracelet: Hollow center links on earlier examples, stamped clasp; later examples improved incrementally
Lug width: 20mm
The 16610’s appeal for vintage-leaning owners lies in its proportions. The lugs taper gently, the crown guards are subtle, and the whole watch sits closer to the wrist than the models that followed. For watch band purposes, this means 20mm leather and rubber straps sit flush with minimal gap at the case. 

Rolex Submariner 116610: The Maxi Case Era (2010–2020)
The Rolex Submariner 116610 introduced the most dramatic visual shift in modern Submariner history. Rolex retained the 40mm diameter but widened the lugs, enlarged the crown guards, and widened the bezel, creating what collectors call the “Maxi Case” . Simultaneously, the aluminum bezel gave way to Cerachrom ceramic, and Chromalight replaced Super-LumiNova, changing the lume glow from green to blue.
Key specifications:
Case: 40mm, 904L Oystersteel, Maxi Case proportions
Bezel: Cerachrom ceramic insert
Lume: Chromalight (blue glow)
Movement: Caliber 3135 (same as 16610)
Bracelet: Solid links, solid clasp, Glidelock micro-adjustment
Lug width: 20mm 
The 116610LV “Hulk,” with its green dial and green ceramic bezel, is the same case and takes the same 20mm straps. Its bold color palette opens up different strap possibilities—black, green leather, or dark green leather can work, but neutral browns may clash with the green dial. That is a consideration for owners of the LV variant specifically.

Rolex Submariner 126610: The Current Generation (2020–Present)
The Rolex Submariner 126610 is the most significant change since the Maxi Case, but the headline number—41mm—is slightly misleading. Rolex increased the nominal diameter to 41mm, yet slimmed the lugs and refined the crown guards, so the watch actually wears more compact than the 116610 in some respects . The bracelet end links widened from 20mm to 21mm, which is the number every 126610 owner must know before ordering a watch band .
Key specifications:
Case: 41mm, 904L Oystersteel, slimmer lugs than 116610
Bezel: Cerachrom ceramic insert
Lume: Chromalight
Movement: Caliber 3235, approximately 70-hour power reserve
Bracelet: Solid links, Glidelock clasp, 21mm end links
Lug width: 21mm
This is the single most important practical detail for custom watch strap orders: a 126610 requires a 21mm strap. A 20mm strap will leave a visible gap at the lugs, and it will not seat securely. The 126610 also represents the most refined wearing experience of the three—the slimmer lugs mean it sits closer to the wrist than the 116610, and the longer power reserve makes it a more practical daily wearer. For watch band selection, the 126610 is forgiving: its balanced proportions accept both flat and padded straps, and the 21mm width gives leather and rubber makers more surface area to work with.

Rolex Submariner Watch Key Features

Unidirectional Bezel Insert
Rotates counterclockwise only, so dive timing can never be accidentally extended. 60-minute scale.

Blue Glow in the Dark
Blue-glowing hour markers and hands for long-lasting underwater legibility. Simple dial layout for instant reading.

Oystersteel Oyster Case
904L stainless steel built for saltwater and corrosion resistance.

Glidelock System
Tool-free micro-adjustment of roughly 10–15mm via toothed notches. Lets the watch be worn over a diving suit.
Rolex Submariner Watch & Strap Quick Comparison
 
Reference
Production
Case Diameter
Lug Width
Bezel Material
Lume
Movement
Wearing Character
16610
1988–2010
40mm
20mm
Aluminum
Tritium / LumiNova (by year)
3135
Slim, vintage proportions
116610
2010–2020
40mm
20mm
Ceramic
Chromalight
3135
Bulky, Maxi Case presence
126610
2020–present
41mm
21mm
Ceramic
Chromalight
3235
Refined, balanced, modern

Custom Velcro watch band 20mm 21mm for Rolex Submariner (Curved End)

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$149.95

Custom High-density Nylon watch band 20mm 21mm for Rolex (Black, blue)

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$89.95

Custom Alligator leather watch strap for Rolex watch 20mm 21mm 22mm

(1 Review)


$189.95

Green leather strap for Rolex Hulk Submariner Curved End watch band 20mm 21mm

(1 Review)


$189.95
4 Things to Know Before Buying a Custom Rolex Submariner Strap
Ordering a custom strap for a Rolex Submariner watch is straightforward, but a few details make the difference between a strap that fits perfectly and one that almost does. Here are the four points we walk through with every customer before production begins.
1. Rolex Submariner Watch Lug Width

Everything begins with the lug width—the distance between the inner surfaces of the two lugs where the strap attaches to the case. As covered earlier in this guide:
16610: 20mm
116610: 20mm
126610: 21mm
Vintage 5-digit references (5512, 5513, 5508): 19mm or others.
If you are unsure of your reference or your watch is a transitional model, measure the gap with a digital caliper before ordering. A millimeter of error cannot be corrected after the strap is made.


Custom canvas watch band 20mm 21mm for Rolex
20mm flat end, made to fit original Rolex Oyster watch band buckle.
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2. Flat Ends vs. Curved-End Adapters

Custom leather straps for Rolex Submariner watch can connect to the case in one of two ways, and each has a different visual result.
Flat ends are the traditional approach. The strap ends are cut straight, and when mounted, a small gap remains between the strap and the case. This is normal and period-correct, especially on vintage references. If you prefer a seamless look with a flat-end strap, you can add an stainless steel end links adapter for Rolex —a small curved piece that fills the gap between the strap and the case.
Thick curved-end adapters are made to follow the contour of the case precisely, creating a flush, integrated connection with no visible gap. This is the cleaner, more modern look, and it is the option many owners of ceramic Submariners prefer.
Important fitment note: We currently produce thick curved-end adapters that are confirmed to match the 116610 (40mm) and 126610 (41mm) ceramic models, with strap widths of 20mm and 21mm respectively. For the older 16610, we have not yet confirmed whether our curved-end adapter matches the case contour. If you own a 16610 and want a curved-end fit, contact us first—we will ask for photos and measurements before accepting the order.


Alligator leather strap for Rolex Submariner Curved End 20mm 21mm
Curved end, seamless fit. 20mm lugs on 16610/116610. 21mm on 126610.
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3. Using Your Original Oyster Clasp—or Adding a Pin Buckle

If your Rolex Submariner watch came on a stainless steel Oyster bracelet, you have two practical options for the buckle end of your custom strap.
Option A: Reuse your original Oyster clasp.
We shape the buckle end with a raised profile to accept your original Rolex steel clasp. You keep the OEM finish and branding, and the strap looks like it belongs on the watch. The trade-off: length is essentially fixed. Almost no adjustment is available—size changes only through the Glidelock system, which offers roughly 10mm of range.
Option B: Pin buckle strap.
We make the strap with a pin-buckle end and include a free no-logo pin buckle. Length adjusts through the holes on the strap—roughly a 10mm–30mm range—so you can fine-tune the fit to your wrist and to different conditions. The trade-off: you are no longer using the original Rolex clasp.
Neither option is better in absolute terms. If you value the OEM clasp and a consistent fit, choose Option A. If you value adjustability and a lighter, more casual setup, choose Option B.


Custom Watch Strap for Rolex Submariner / Deepsea
Pin Buckle Type Strap, Easy Adjustable. Compatible for Rolex Submariner / Deepsea
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What is Glidelock?
Glidelock is Rolex’s micro-adjustment system built into the clasps of modern Submariners. It allows the wearer to fine-tune the bracelet length in small increments—typically around 2mm per step—without tools, and it also provides a longer extension for wearing the watch over a wetsuit. It is an excellent system for fine-tuning fit, but it is not a substitute for a strap made to the correct length. (Insert your Glidelock image here.)

The Oysterflex Rubber Bracelet
The Oysterflex is Rolex’s patented high-performance rubber bracelet, first introduced in 2015 on the Yacht-Master 37 . While it looks like a simple rubber strap, it is technically a hybrid. Inside the black elastomer exterior, Rolex places two flexible titanium-nickel alloy blades. This internal metal core gives the bracelet the structural integrity and durability of a metal bracelet, while the outer rubber provides comfort and flexibility . It also features patented longitudinal cushions on the underside to stabilize the watch and improve airflow . Rolex officially refers to it as a “bracelet” rather than a “strap” to emphasize this engineering .

What D, E, F, G, H Mean for Oysterflex bracelet
Do Not Rely on “DF” or “EF” Length Labels
Many customers who have bought Rolex rubber straps —including Rolex Submariner Oysterflex bracelet—ask for a “DF” or “EF” length, assuming those labels translate to our sizing. They do not. Measurement methods vary between customers, and the market includes both genuine and replica rubber straps with non-standardized labels. A label is a reference point, not a specification.
What we need instead: Measure your existing strap with a ruler marked in centimeters, and send that measurement together with your wrist circumference. Photos of the strap laid flat next to the ruler are ideal. With those two pieces of information, we can make a Rolex Submariner leather strap that fits properly rather than guessing from a label.
Rolex Submariner Rubber Strap Length Guide Reference:
Code (Current)
Code (Older Style)
Approximate Length
D
ED
50 mm
E
EE
55 mm
F
EF
65 mm
G
EG
75 mm
H
EH
85 mm
Checklist Before You Order Your Rolex Submariner Strap
Confirm your reference and lug width (measure if unsure)
Decide between flat end and curved-end adapter (confirm adapter fitment for 16610)
Choose Option A (reuse steel clasp) or Option B (pin buckle, 10–30mm adjustment)
Send strap length in centimeters and wrist circumference—not only “DF/EF” labels
Important Notes
Drwatchstrap is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or manufactured by Rolex watch company. 
No logo is included on our custom leather watch straps.
Due to the natural characteristics of genuine leather, each strap will feature slightly unique grain patterns and textures.
Leather color may vary slightly depending on lighting and screen settings.
Made to Order Strap
A Rolex Submariner strap should fit like it was made for your watch—because it was. Confirm your lug width, choose your connection style, and send us your measurements. We will take care of the rest.
Questions about adapter fitment or lug width? Contact our team with photos of your watch between the lugs and we will confirm before you order.
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