Silicone is a synthetic material used in watchmaking for its flexibility, durability, and resistance to environmental factors, often utilized in watch straps and gaskets.
Silicone straps are made from vulcanized silicone rubber, offering exceptional durability, flexibility, and water resistance. They're hypoallergenic, making them suitable for sensitive skin, and maintain flexibility across extreme temperatures. Silicone straps are common on sports, dive, and smartwatches where durability and easy cleaning are priorities over traditional aesthetics.
Standard silicone is softer and more flexible but less resistant to oils, solvents, and extreme chemicals than FKM (fluoroelastomer rubber), used by brands like Rolex and Omega on professional dive watches. Natural rubber is more elastic but degrades faster with UV exposure. FKM offers superior chemical and temperature resistance, while silicone provides better biocompatibility and color consistency at lower cost.
Quality silicone straps are highly UV-resistant and don't degrade from sunlight or saltwater like leather or natural rubber. However, silicone can collect skin oils over time and may develop surface tackiness. Cleaning with mild soap and water restores them. The main degradation mode is tearing at strap holes from repeated buckle use, though this typically takes years of daily wear.