Rubber Strap Guide For Rolex Deepsea 126660 & 136660
The Rolex Deepsea is one of the most substantial Rolex dive watches ever made. Its 44mm case, thick construction and solid Oyster bracelet give it an unmistakable presence on the wrist, but they also make the watch considerably heavier than most everyday watches.
For owners who want a lighter and more flexible wearing experience, putting a rubber strap on a Rolex Deepsea is an increasingly popular option.
The 116660, 126660 and 136660 may all have 44mm cases, but their strap connection dimensions are different. Choosing the correct lug width and case-specific strap design is essential for a secure and clean fit.
In this guide, we’ll cover Rolex Deepsea strap sizes, 116660 vs. 126660 vs. 136660 compatibility, rubber strap benefits, strap length selection and installation, along with practical tips for converting your Deepsea from its original Oyster bracelet to a replcement rubber strap.
Strap Size Guide: Rolex Deepsea 116660 vs. 126660 vs. 136660
Before ordering any replacement strap, check your exact Deepsea reference.
| Rolex Deepsea | Case Size | Lug / Strap Width | Recommended Strap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 116660 | 44mm | 21mm | 21mm Deepsea strap |
| 126660 | 44mm | 22mm | 22mm Deepsea strap |
| 136660 | 44mm | 22mm | 22mm Deepsea strap |
This is one of the most important differences to remember when shopping for a Deepsea strap.
The older Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea 116660 uses a 21mm connection, while the later 126660 and 136660 use a wider 22mm configuration.
For a broader overview of replacement options across Rolex models, see our Replacement Straps Guide for Rolex .
Why Put a Rubber Strap on a Rolex Deepsea?
The original Oyster bracelet is one of the defining features of the Deepsea. It is strong, substantial and perfectly suited to the watch’s professional diving character.
However, that same construction makes the Deepsea feel heavy on the wrist.
A Rolex Deepsea rubber strap can provide a different wearing experience.
Lighter on the Wrist
The Deepsea is already a large 44mm watch. Replacing the heavy steel bracelet with a rubber strap can significantly change how the watch feels during everyday wear.
More Flexible
Rubber bends and follows the wrist more naturally than a solid steel bracelet.
This can be particularly noticeable when sitting at a desk, driving or moving your wrist frequently.
Better for Everyday Wear
FKM rubber is resistant to moisture and easy to clean, making it practical for warm weather, travel and active daily use.
A More Sporty Appearance
A black rubber strap for Deepsea gives the watch a more contemporary and aggressive appearance while maintaining the large tool-watch character of the Deepsea.
For owners of the D-Blue model, a black rubber strap can also create a strong contrast with the blue dial.
How to Remove the Original Rolex Deepsea Oyster Bracelet
Step 1: Locate the Spring Bar
Turn the watch over and locate the spring-bar access holes on the rear side of the lugs.
Insert an appropriately sized spring-bar tool into the access hole and carefully depress the spring bar.
At the same time, apply gentle downward pressure to the bracelet while pulling it away from the case.
The three movements should work together:
Press inward → press the bracelet downward → gently pull the bracelet away
Once the spring bar releases from the lug hole, remove that side of the bracelet.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Important
Do not use excessive force.
If the spring bar does not release easily, reposition the tool rather than forcing it.
A slipped spring-bar tool can easily scratch the case or lug.
Removing the Original Clasp
If you plan to keep using the original Rolex clasp with your Deepsea rubber strap, you first need to remove the clasp from the original Oyster bracelet.
The factory screws on the Deepsea bracelet are usually secured with factory-applied beeswax, which helps prevent the screws from loosening during use. On a new watch or a bracelet that has never been disassembled, the beeswax can be quite hard, making the screws difficult to turn.
Do not force the screwdriver immediately. The beeswax should be softened first.
Step 1: Remove the Screw on the Safety Clasp Side
- Open the clasp safety cover and locate the screw hole on the side of the safety clasp. There is a screw on one side; the opposite side does not have a screw hole.
- Because the original screw is secured with hardened beeswax, it may feel extremely tight when you first try to loosen it.
- Before turning the screw, soften the beeswax using one of the following methods:
Method 1 – Hair Dryer
Use a hair dryer to apply warm air directly to the screw-hole area for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute. The heat will soften the beeswax and make the screw easier to remove.
Method 2 – Warm Water
For more effective softening, boil water and carefully immerse the clasp screw area in the hot water for approximately 1 minute. This helps soften the beeswax inside the screw connection.
- Once the beeswax has softened, place the screwdriver firmly into the screw slot and slowly loosen the screw.
- Remove the screw and detach the bracelet from the safety-clasp side.
Step 2: Remove the Screw on the Long Strap Side
After removing the short bracelet section from the safety-clasp side, continue with the opposite side.
- Open the clasp safety cover and extend the clasp to its maximum position.
- Lower the safety cover so that you can clearly access the clasp.
- Locate the screw to the left of the crown logo on the clasp extension. This is the key screw for removing the long bracelet section. Be careful not to remove one of the other screws.
- This screw is also secured with factory-applied beeswax.
- Repeat the same softening process described above:
- Warm the screw area with a hair dryer for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute, or
- Carefully immerse the clasp screw area in hot water for approximately 1 minute.
- Once the beeswax has softened, slowly loosen the screw.
- Remove the screw and completely separate the original Oyster bracelet and clasp assembly.
Important Tip
The screws can be particularly tight on a new or never-disassembled Rolex Deepsea bracelet because of the hardened factory beeswax.
Always make sure the screwdriver is fully seated in the screw slot before applying force.
If the screwdriver slips, stop immediately to avoid damaging the screw head.
Installing the Rubber Strap and Original Clasp
Once the original bracelet has been removed and the clasp prepared, install the rubber strap to the buckle before attaching it to the watch case.
Step 1: Check the Strap Direction
If both strap halves are the same length, orientation is less important.
If you are using different lengths, we generally recommend:
Short strap → 6 o’clock
Long strap → 12 o’clock
This helps balance the large Deepsea case and can reduce the tendency of the watch head to sit outward or rotate on the wrist.
A simple orientation check is to make sure the clasp crown logo and watch dial crown are facing the same direction when the watch is laid flat.
Step 2: Attach the Strap to the Clasp
Start with the clasp rather than the watch case.
Insert the rubber strap into the appropriate clasp channel.
Align the screw holes carefully.
Insert the original screw and tighten it securely.
There is no need to use excessive force.
Repeat for the opposite side.
Installing the Rubber Strap on the Deepsea
Now you’re ready to fit your fully‑put‑together strap and clasp onto the watch.
- Keep the clasp open Leave the clasp unclipped. This gives you extra space to manoeuvre the strap while fitting it.
- Start with the 6 o’clock side If your two strap pieces are different lengths, fit the shorter strap end first.
- Line up the strap properly Hold the strap flush against the watch case, then carefully set the spring bar between the two lugs.
- Protect your watch case The sharp, large lug edges on the Deepsea can easily get scratched by your spring‑bar tool. Pop some watch‑protective tape over the lugs before you start. Household cling film works great too if you don’t have specialist tape.
- Double‑check the spring bar Once fitted, give the strap a gentle tug in multiple directions. Confirm both ends of the spring bar are fully locked into the lug holes. Don’t put the watch on your wrist until you’re 100 % sure the spring bar is seated firmly.
Rubber Strap For Deepsea from Royalwatchstrap
Price range: $68.00 through $101.00Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
How to Choose the Right Rubber Strap Length
Strap length is not based on a fixed ratio between the two sides. The right combination depends mainly on your wrist circumference and wearing preference.
Some Deepsea owners may find a long strap + short strap combination more comfortable, while others—especially those with smaller or larger wrists—may prefer two strap halves of the same length.
For the most accurate size recommendation, we recommend sending us a photo before ordering:
For example, a 5-link bracelet configuration corresponds to a 50-size rubber strap, and other sizes can be matched in the same way.
Please send us a photo for size confirmation before placing your order. This is the most reliable way to avoid choosing an incorrect strap length.
*For reference only
| Strap Length | Wrist Circumference |
|---|---|
| 50+50mm | ≤15cm |
| 50+60mm | 15–16cm |
| 60+60mm | 16–17cm |
| 50+70mm | 17–18cm |
| 60+70mm | 18–19cm |
| 70+70mm | 19–21cm |
How to Adjust the Fit
If you are using the original clasp with fine adjustment, use it to make small changes to the wearing circumference.This fine adjustment is useful because wrist circumference naturally changes throughout the day.
What About the Rolex Deepsea 116660?
The 116660 deserves special attention because it is easy to confuse with the newer Deepsea references.
Although it is also a 44mm Deepsea, its strap connection is 21mm, rather than the 22mm configuration used by the 126660 and 136660.
That means a 126660/136660 22mm strap should not be treated as a direct replacement for the 116660.
If you own the older reference, choose a dedicated 21mm Deepsea rubber strap.
- Price range: $68.00 through $101.00Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Recommended Leather & Canvas Straps for Rolex Deepsea
If you prefer a more distinctive alternative to rubber, a custom leather or canvas strap can give the Rolex Deepsea a completely different character.
For a more luxurious and refined look, our Custom Rubber Bottom With Alligator Leather Strap For Rolex combines an alligator leather upper with a rubber bottom, offering a balance between the appearance of leather and the practicality of rubber.
For a more casual and sporty style, our Custom Canvas Watch Strap For Rolex (Multi-Color) is another option, especially if you want to move away from the traditional Oyster bracelet while maintaining the Deepsea’s tool-watch character.
- Price range: $190.32 through $222.32Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
- $98.95Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
FAQ
Q:Is a leather strap suitable for the Rolex Deepsea?
A:A leather strap can be a good choice if you want to give the Deepsea a more refined or distinctive appearance. Leather is particularly suitable for everyday, business or casual wear, but it is less practical than FKM rubber for swimming, diving and frequent exposure to water.
Q:What is the best replacement strap for a Rolex Deepsea?
A:The best replacement strap depends on how you wear your watch. FKM rubber is a practical choice for sports, travel and humid conditions, while leather offers a more refined appearance for everyday or smart-casual wear. For either material, choose a Deepsea-specific strap that matches the correct connection width and case geometry rather than a generic strap.
Q:Will a rubber strap make the Deepsea feel lighter?
A:Yes. The Deepsea is a large and heavy watch, and replacing the solid Oyster bracelet with a rubber strap can noticeably reduce the weight on the wrist.
Final Thoughts
The Rolex Deepsea is a watch built around strength and extreme performance. Its original Oyster bracelet fits that philosophy perfectly, but its substantial weight isn’t necessarily ideal for every owner’s everyday lifestyle.
A properly fitted Rolex Deepsea rubber strap offers another way to wear the watch — lighter, more flexible and more casual while maintaining the visual impact of the 44mm case.
The most important thing is getting the compatibility right:
116660 → 21mm
126660 → 22mm
136660 → 22mm
Once the correct version is selected, choosing the appropriate strap length and adjusting the clasp can make a surprisingly large difference in comfort.
For 126660 and 136660 owners, Royalwatchstrap’s Deepsea rubber strap is designed around the large 44mm case, with improved case-to-strap fit and multiple length options.
Not sure which size you need? Send us a photo of your original Oyster bracelet and your wrist measurement before ordering, and we’ll help you choose the appropriate configuration.