Bridging the gap with our Semi-Integrated Straps

Our CTS Rubber strap collection has a new addition: The Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber Strap!

When we released our brand-specific, fully integrated straps, the rationale was simple: We wanted to provide our customers with high-quality straps that would integrate seamlessly with watches like the Tudor Black Bay 58, Tissot PRX and Cartier Santos de Cartier. Over time, it became clear that there was a strong demand for Delugs to provide more integrated strap options for different watch models.

What is the Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber Strap?

Enter the Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber Strap — our latest collection that sits between our fully integrated and Curved straps. In other words, this is a strap with a higher-volume curved lug end, designed to fill the gap between integrated straps and curved straps.

As such, the curved shape of the Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber Strap remains unchanged. What has changed is its springbar hole: Adjusting the location of the springbar back by 2mm allows the strap to sit closer to the case (and allows us to use a straight springbar), but not to the point where it abrades against it. This allows the strap to pair with most modern watches, along with the added benefit of minimising any strap gap. Click here to jump ahead and learn more about its usage.

The 'Why' Behind the Strap

Generally, we've found that certain watches, when paired with straight straps, present a slightly wider-than-normal gap (between the strap and case) due to factors like lug design and springbar hole placement. This can feel 'weird' for some people and even creates the illusion of your watch wearing slightly larger than it actually is.

While it seems like integrated straps would be the catch-all solution, the truth is that it would be impractical in the long run. Integrated straps are costly to design, both money- and time-wise. Instead, a far more practical solution would be a strap that addresses the issue at hand while remaining compatible with the majority of watches in the market.

As we revisited the drawing board, we realised that this project presented us with the opportunity to address another growing community concern — people seeking integrated straps for watches that aren't currently within our brand-specific offerings. Ideally, this new strap would be able to present a convincing appearance of an integrated strap, without the usual issues surrounding tolerances.

Semi-Integrated VS Straight VS Curved VS Integrated

Here's a look at how each of our 4 strap types compares to the others. When it comes to minimising the gap between the strap and the watch case, our integrated straps still top the list, provided they're used with the watches they're designed for. Our Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber Strap is the next best thing, due to its universal design. Curved straps, when paired with watches with short lugs, also help to reduce this gap to a certain degree. Meanwhile, straight straps leave this gap untouched.

When would I use a Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber strap?

The first thing to remember about our Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber Strap is that it is essentially a straight lug strap, dressed as a curved strap. Unless your watch has very short lugs (like what you find with brands like MING, H. Moser & Cie, Singer, Ressence, MB&F, etc.) or has its lug holes drilled very close to the case, fitting a Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber Strap shouldn't be an issue.

This makes the Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber Strap a slightly more flexible choice. If you're looking for a more integrated aesthetic that your current straight lug strap cannot provide and it's not a watch currently covered under our brand-specific offerings, opting for our Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber Strap would make for a great choice. Conversely, the same logic applies if pairing your watch with our Curved strap creates a gap wider than what you're comfortable with. 

Alternatively, if you have a watch that is just begging for an integrated strap, but can't find one under our brand-specific designs, then our Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber Strap could be the answer you're looking for.

To be clear, we see the Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber Strap as an alternative strap choice. It is not meant to deliver the exact same effect as our fully-integrated straps, nor is it intended to create a 1:1 effect of your watch's OEM integrated bracelet/strap. Depending on the watch it's paired with, the result could be a very close fit or something that looks more 'normal' — it all depends on the length of the lugs and the position of the lug holes (relative to the case).

How do I tell if a watch pairs better with a Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber Strap?

Like most other strap pairings, this is highly preferential. Assuming the watch in question doesn't have very short lugs, the first step would be to take any regular straight strap as a starting point — attach it to the watch and observe the fit. Does the gap between the watch case and the strap look too awkward? While several factors (like wrist shape and strap thickness) can influence this, a gap of ~1.5mm is still typically considered 'normal'. If the gap exceeds this amount AND creates an unsettling feeling, then you may want to consider our Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber Strap. Of course, you can always reach out to one of our friendly Strap Specialists to address any other uncertainties you might have!

A potential fit consideration

While the Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber Strap works well for most watches, there is one scenario where the look may not be ideal. If a watch’s lug-to-lug dimension is very close to the width of your wrist, the strap can sit more upright than intended, causing the curved ends to extend outward and create a slight “horned” appearance. This is not a defect of the strap, but a natural result of pairing this strap with a watch that is already at the upper limit of what the wrist can comfortably accommodate. In such cases, the visual benefit of the semi-integrated profile is often reduced, as the watch is effectively being worn larger than it was designed for.

TL;DR?

In a nutshell, here's when you can consider picking up our Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber Strap:

• If your watch is currently paired with a straight strap and you wish to reduce the gap between the strap and the case.
• If you want a more integrated strap pairing on a watch that's not currently included under our integrated strap collection.
  

What sizes, colours and lengths will the Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber Strap come in?

As it is a CTS Rubber strap, the Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber Strap will come in a fixed length, which you can then trim down to suit your wrist size for a tailored fit. Currently, this strap will only be sold in black and with a 20mm lug width. Depending on how well it's received, we may decide to expand the collection and bring in more colours and lug widths. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, feel free to shop our Semi-Integrated CTS Rubber Strap here.