The Best Straps for the Omega Speedmaster

At a Glance

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Few watches are as universally loved — or as universally strapped — as the Omega Speedmaster. It went to the moon on a steel bracelet and came back a legend. But here on Earth, the Speedmaster is something rarer than a space-certified chronograph: it's a watch that genuinely looks good on almost anything you put it on.

I've spent the better part of the last year cycling through straps on my own Speedmaster Professional (ref. 310.30.42.50.01.002), and what keeps surprising me is how much range this watch has. Throw it on rubber and it's a weekend beater. Dress it up with alligator and suddenly you're reaching for it before dinner. That 42mm case with its asymmetric pushers and domed hesalite crystal gives you just enough visual weight to anchor a strap without overwhelming it.

Here are my 7 picks — and why each one works.

Quick Specs

The 20mm lug width is one of the most common in the industry, which means your options are wide open. The case sits at 14.3mm thick — not slim by any standard — so straps with a bit of substance tend to look more proportional than paper-thin ones. That said, slim straps still work beautifully when you want to dress the watch down.

Already know what you're looking for? Browse all Speedmaster-compatible straps on the Strap Finder →

Best Overall — Black CTS Rubber Strap (Curved Endlinks)

If you're only going to buy one aftermarket strap for your Speedmaster, make it this one.

The Black CTS Rubber Strap (Curved Endlinks) is designed specifically for the Speedmaster — the endlink profile matches the case contour, and it ships with a custom deployant clasp that snaps shut with a satisfying click. CTS stands for "Cut-To-Size" — you trim the strap to your exact wrist measurement, so there's no leftover tail flopping around and no strap keepers to deal with. It fits like it came from Omega, except it didn't.

The strap is made from FKM fluoroelastomer, a rubber compound known for its chemical stability and resistance to aging and weather. Unlike silicone, FKM doesn't attract dust or lint. At 3.3mm thick, it's substantial enough to match the Speedmaster's 14.3mm case without adding unnecessary bulk. Fully waterproof, sweat-proof, and genuinely easy to live with — zero break-in required.

The deployant clasp deserves its own mention: it's a custom-made leaf spring mechanism with 2 micro-adjustment positions on each side, so you can fine-tune the fit throughout the day. Once you go deployant on a rubber strap, pin buckles start to feel like a compromise.

Start with black — it's the most versatile and keeps the watch looking cohesive. But the range goes deep:

• Grey — understated contrast against the black dial
• Navy — adds depth without being loud
• Olive Green — military-field-watch feel that plays into the Speedmaster's tool-watch roots
• Orange — genuinely striking against the black dial

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Best Sporty — Navy Sailcloth Signature

Rubber is practical. Sailcloth is practical with personality.

The Navy Sailcloth Signature Strap is crafted from FKM rubber molded with a sailcloth weave pattern — so you get the texture and rugged aesthetic of traditional sailcloth without the fraying, water absorption, or break-in period that comes with the real thing. Inside, there's a layer of calfskin padding that gives it the Signature profile: 4.5mm thick at the lug end, tapering down to 2.2mm at the buckle. On a 14.3mm-thick Speedmaster, that padded construction looks proportional and substantial.

The sailcloth weave pattern catches light differently than smooth rubber, giving the strap a more textured, technical look. It's fully waterproof and sweat-resistant — you can take it swimming, running, or through a humid day without thinking twice. And the veg-tan leather core ensures the strap holds its curved shape after being broken in on your wrist.

Navy is my pick for the Speedmaster's black dial — there's just enough contrast to be interesting without being loud. Other options worth considering:

• Black — clean, stealthy, works with everything
• Olive Green — leans into the tool-watch aesthetic
• Grey — the kind of neutral that works from a t-shirt to a blazer

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Best Leather — Chestnut Buttero Slim

Here's the thing about the Speedmaster on leather — it doesn't need to be dressed up. The watch already has enough presence. What leather does is add warmth and character, and for that, nothing beats a strap that develops a patina.

The Chestnut Buttero Slim Strap is my go-to. Buttero is produced by the Walpier tannery in Italy using vegetable tanning methods, and it's often called the "king of patina" for good reason. The leather has an aniline finish — meaning the surface isn't coated with pigment, so the hide's natural grain shows through. Within a few weeks of wear, the surface starts developing a natural sheen and the color deepens into something uniquely yours. Scratches and marks don't ruin it; they blend into the subsurface and become part of the story.

The Slim profile at 2.2mm throughout keeps things casual and lightweight. It's soft from day one — no break-in period — which balances nicely against the Speedmaster's chunky 14.3mm case. The chestnut tone sits right between warm and neutral, making it one of the most versatile leather colors you can pair with a silver case and black dial.

Alternatives in the patina family:

• Taupe Buttero — softer, cooler tone that pairs beautifully with silver
• Natural Buttero — starts pale and ages the most dramatically; the most rewarding patina journey

If you prefer something more structured and maintenance-free, Taupe Epsom Slim is an excellent alternative. Epsom's hatch grain embossing is highly resistant to scratches and holds its color — it won't patina, but it'll look as sharp a year from now as day one.

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Best Dressy — Glossy Taupe Brown Crocodile Signature

Can you dress up a Speedmaster? Absolutely — and it might surprise you how well it cleans up.

The Glossy Taupe Brown Crocodile Signature Strap transforms the Speedmaster from a tool watch into something you'd confidently wear with a suit. Each strap is handcrafted from crocodile — the most prized section of the skin, where the scales are the most symmetrical and distinctive. The glossy finish catches light in a way that adds texture without flash.

These take 4 to 6 hours of handwork from start to finish. The construction uses saddle stitching with linen thread — the same technique used in high-end leather goods — and the edges are sealed and sanded through multiple layers of paint. The result is a strap that's surprisingly soft and flexible with zero break-in, despite looking like it belongs in a display case. The Signature padding (4.5mm tapering to 2.2mm) gives it enough body to sit comfortably under the Speedmaster's 42mm case.

The taupe brown is particularly versatile — warm enough to complement the steel case but neutral enough to work with navy, grey, or charcoal tailoring.

Alternatives for dressing up:

• Glossy Grey Crocodile Signature — keeps the look monochromatic and cool
• Navy Saffiano Signature — less formal but still elevated, with Prada's signature cross-hatch grain; excellent scratch and water resistance

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Best Everyday — Navy Nubuck Slim

Your daily strap needs to be comfortable from the jump, pair with most of what you wear, and not make you anxious about scuffs. Nubuck checks every box.

The Navy Nubuck Slim Strap has a soft, velvety surface with a short, even nap — it feels broken-in from day one with no stiff first week. Nubuck is crafted from the outer layers of calfskin, which gives it more structure than suede despite that plush texture. It's robust enough for daily wear, and marks tend to blend in rather than stand out — which is part of the appeal for a strap you're not babying.

The navy tone adds just the right amount of contrast against a black Speedmaster dial and silver case. At 2.2mm throughout, the Slim profile keeps things lightweight and casual — a deliberate contrast to the Speedmaster's chunky case that reads as relaxed rather than undersized. It works with jeans, chinos, and even shorts without looking out of place.

Other excellent everyday options:

• Light Grey Nubuck Slim — the most neutral option in the lineup
• Dark Brown Nubuck Slim — for warmer palettes and earth tones

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Best Refined — Black Saffiano Stitchless

Most people wouldn't think to put a stitchless strap on a chronograph. That's exactly what makes this pairing work.

The Black Saffiano Stitchless Strap strips everything back to just leather and edge paint — no stitching at the lug area, no visual clutter. The stitchless construction lets the Saffiano's distinctive cross-hatch grain pattern take centre stage. That pattern, first popularized by Prada, is created by embossing a cross-hatch onto wax laid over calfskin, which makes it highly resistant to scratches and water. At 2.2mm, it's slim enough to feel refined without disappearing under the watch.

On the Speedmaster, this combination creates an interesting tension: a no-nonsense tool watch on a clean, refined strap. It bridges smart casual and dressy — equally at home at a business lunch or a weekend dinner. The stitchless design also gives the strap a slightly vintage feel, as if it's a well-kept secret rather than an obvious flex.

If you want the same leather with more structure, the Navy Saffiano Signature adds the padded profile and saddle stitching for a more traditional look.

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The Wildcard — Black Hook Strap

This one's different — and that's the point.

The Black Hook Strap is a Delugs collaboration that completely rethinks how a strap attaches to your watch. Instead of threading through the spring bars from the front, it uses a lateral hook system that anchors from the side of the lug, distributing tension more evenly around your wrist. The result is a strap that lies flatter and feels more balanced than a traditional pass-through.

It's made from a fabric that's soft, flexible, and built for all-season wear — rain, humidity, daily use. At just 1.3mm thick, it's the thinnest strap in this lineup by far, which means zero bulk under a shirt cuff. There's no break-in, and the one-size-fits-all design means you just adjust and go, with infinite adjustability and no excess strap to tuck in. Think of it as a premium take on a NATO-style setup, but without the extra layer under the watch.

And here's the kicker: the Hook Strap only comes in 20mm — the Speedmaster's exact lug width. It's almost like it was made for this watch.

Worth considering:

• Navy — the most versatile color in the lineup
• Anthracite — a subdued grey that pairs seamlessly with steel

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A Note on Buckle Colour

Quick but important: always match your buckle to your case. The Speedmaster's steel case calls for a silver (brushed or polished) buckle. If you're one of the lucky few with a Sedna Gold or yellow gold Speedmaster, go rose gold or yellow gold accordingly. All Delugs leather straps ship with a pin buckle and can be upgraded to a Spring Deployant Clasp for extra security and convenience.

How to Change the Strap on Your Omega Speedmaster

Swapping straps on the Speedmaster is one of the easiest upgrades you can make — and with Delugs straps, you don't even need a tool.

All Delugs straps come with quick-release spring bars already pre-installed, so changing straps is completely tool-free. Here's how:

1. Prepare your workspace. Lay the watch face-down on a soft cloth or microfiber pad to protect the caseback from scratches.
2. Release the spring bar. Locate the small lever on the quick-release spring bar. Pull it back with your fingernail or fingertip to compress the bar.
3. Remove the strap. While holding the lever, angle the strap out from between the lugs. Repeat for the other side.
4. Insert the new strap. Slide one end of the spring bar into the lug hole. Pull the lever on the quick-release spring bar knob, guide the entire spring bar into the opposite lug hole, and then release the knob. You should hear a small click when the spring bar extends and seats into the lug hole.
5. Check the fit. Give the strap a gentle tug to make sure both spring bars are securely locked in. If there's any play, reseat the spring bar.

The entire process takes under a minute once you get the hang of it — no spring bar tool required. The Speedmaster uses a standard 20mm lug width, and all Delugs straps in 20mm will fit perfectly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What lug width is the Omega Speedmaster?

The Omega Speedmaster Professional (Moonwatch) has a 20mm lug width, which is one of the most common sizes in the industry. This means most aftermarket straps in 20mm will fit. Some older or special edition Speedmasters may differ — the Speedmaster Reduced uses 18mm, and certain 44mm models use 21mm or 22mm. Always check your specific reference number.

Can you put a rubber strap on a Speedmaster?

Yes, and it's one of the best upgrades you can make. A rubber strap makes the Speedmaster significantly more comfortable in warm weather and is fully waterproof. The CTS Rubber Strap (Curved Endlinks) is designed specifically for the Speedmaster with a contoured endlink that matches the case profile.

What's the best strap material for everyday wear?

For daily use, rubber and nubuck are the most practical options. Rubber is virtually maintenance-free and handles sweat, water, and heat without issue. Nubuck leather offers a softer, more refined look while being forgiving with scuffs and marks. If you want the best of both worlds, sailcloth gives you the texture of leather with the water resistance of rubber.

Do aftermarket straps void the Omega warranty?

No. Changing the strap on your Omega does not void the manufacturer's warranty. The warranty covers the movement and case — not the bracelet or strap. As long as you're careful not to scratch the lugs when changing straps (use a spring bar tool, not a knife), you're fine.

What strap did NASA astronauts wear with the Speedmaster?

During the Apollo missions, astronauts wore the Speedmaster on a long nylon strap that went over the spacesuit sleeve. On Earth, the Speedmaster was issued on a stainless steel bracelet (ref. 1171/1). The tradition of swapping the Speedmaster onto different straps has been part of the watch's DNA since the beginning.

How thick should a strap be for the Speedmaster?

The Speedmaster's case is 14.3mm thick, so straps with some substance — 2.2mm to 4.5mm — tend to look most proportional. Slim 2.2mm straps (like the Buttero or Nubuck Slim) create a casual, lightweight feel. Padded Signature straps at 4.5mm match the watch's heft and look more substantial. Ultra-thin straps under 1.5mm can work (like the Hook Strap at 1.3mm) but create a deliberate contrast.

How do I remove the OEM bracelet from my Speedmaster?

Removing the factory bracelet is straightforward, but the Speedmaster's bracelet uses fixed spring bars that are held in place with small screws or friction pins — you can't simply pull a quick-release lever. The easiest and safest way to do it at home is with a Bracelet Removal Tool, which lets you compress the spring bars without risking scratches to the lugs or caseback. Once the bracelet is off, you can slide your new Delugs strap straight in — our straps come with quick-release spring bars pre-installed, so reattaching is tool-free.

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Finding Your Strap

The beauty of the Speedmaster is that it rewards experimentation. Rubber one day, leather the next, sailcloth on the weekend — each one brings out a different side of the watch. If you're just getting started, the CTS Rubber (Curved Endlinks) (#1) is the safest first purchase. If you're building a rotation, branch into leather and sailcloth to cover all your occasions.

Use the Omega Speedmaster Strap Finder to see every compatible strap in one place, filtered to your exact reference. Or if you'd rather explore by feel, the general Strap Finder lets you browse the full Speedmaster lineup and find your match.

Not sure which strap is right for your specific Speedmaster? Our team is available 24/7 via live chat — drop us a message and we'll help you find the perfect match for your watch, wrist size, and style.

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About Delugs

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Singapore, Delugs is dedicated to elevating the experience of watch ownership through the simple yet powerful act of strap changing. We believe that straps are integral to how a timepiece is worn, perceived, and enjoyed. Our mission is to make strap changing a lifestyle — an everyday act of self-expression and versatility.

Delugs is an independent brand with a global community of clients, with a strong online presence and growing physical retail footprint. Our direct-to-consumer focus keeps us closely connected with the watch enthusiast community — fostering conversations, hosting events, and helping shape a more inclusive and expressive culture around watch collecting. We also work closely with watch brands to craft straps that complement their timepieces, bridging the gap between brand and collector, form and function.

Our catalogue spans leather, rubber, and fabric straps, with options for every watch and every occasion. We are committed to craftsmanship and quality, product design and innovation, and outstanding customer service. We offer watch owners the freedom to change straps as easily as changing outfits, and the opportunity to engage more deeply with the watches they love.

Visit our flagship boutique at Raffles Hotel, Singapore →

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— Marcus