Help Centre · CTS Rubber Straps

How to Cut Your CTS Rubber Strap to Size

Every cut-to-size rubber strap arrives at maximum length — you trim it once for a tailored, bracelet-like fit. All it takes is a pair of scissors and about ten minutes. This guide walks you through every step.

Step-by-step guide Watch the video FAQ

★★★★★  4.8/5 from 1,500+ rubber strap reviews

How to Cut Your CTS Rubber Strap to Size
3 simple steps: Test, Cut, Check ~10 minutes, start to finish Only household tools needed Cut too far? Spare segments — just ask

How it works

Cut along the groove. Click it in. Done.

CTS straps attach to your watch like any other strap — by quick-release spring bars, or an integrated adapter where the watch demands it. It's the other end of the strap where the magic happens.

The tail of every CTS strap is a series of repeating segments: a cutting groove followed by spring bar holes. Cut along the groove, place the spring bar into the last available hole, and click it into the deployant clasp. That's the whole system.

We understand the trepidation of making a permanent cut to your new strap — that's exactly what this guide is for.

Attaching a CTS rubber strap with quick-release spring bars

The clasp

The leaf-spring deployant clasp

The other half of the system. Designed to complement the CTS straps in both operation and look, the clasp flips open and shut via a leaf-spring mechanism with a satisfying tactile snap — no buttons, no pushers. Formed of 316L stainless steel, it holds its strength through relentless daily use, sea water and rain.

There are two versions: the classic CTS Deployant Clasp, and the Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp, which adds 6mm of tool-free fit adjustment (3mm per side) so you can fine-tune the fit for the season. Learn more about the Micro-Adjust clasp.

Delugs leaf-spring deployant clasp for CTS rubber straps

Watch the full video guide

The whole process, start to finish. Scroll on for the pictorial version you can follow along while cutting.

Watch the full video guide

Before you begin

Lay everything out on a clean, soft surface. Here's what you're working with.

What's in the box — CTS rubber strap kit

In the box

  • Main strap body
  • Quick-release spring bars
  • Cut-to-size segments (the tail you'll trim)
  • Deployant clasp
Tools needed to cut a CTS rubber strap

Tools you'll need

  • A soft surface — a mousepad or a valet tray
  • Scissors, or a box cutter with a cutting mat
  • A thin tool to depress spring bars — a spring bar tool or a toothpick
  • Your watch, with its existing strap removed

The guide

Three steps: Test, Cut, Check

Go slow on the first pass — you can always cut again, but you can't add rubber back.

Step 1

Test

Install the strap on your watch — the quick-release spring bars make quick work of that. Place the watch face down on your soft surface, rest the top of your wrist against the case with your palm facing up, and gently pull the straps up and over your wrist so they overlap. Don't tug — your wrist shouldn't feel pulled at. This keeps the watch centred.

The clasp holds the two rubber ends close together, so the aim is to cut just enough that the clasp sits snugly — but not too tightly — at the centre of your wrist. Count the number of holes you need on each side, relative to the centre line of your wrist.

💡Leave one segment more than you think you need on the first cut — and don't expect both sides to match. Wrists aren't symmetrical; uneven cuts are completely normal.
Test Test — detail
Step 2

Cut

Make the initial cuts with your scissors or box cutter — and always cut along the groove. There's nothing more to it. If you're unsure, cut one segment at a time and re-test between cuts.

💡Count twice, cut once.
Cut
Step 3

Check

Install the included spring bars into the last available hole on each side, then install the strap onto the clasp. Take care that the clasp faces the correct direction — towards your watch. The spring bar should drop in with a click. If your clasp has micro-adjustment positions, start with the hole furthest inside the clasp; you can fine-tune the fit afterwards.

Put the watch on and close the clasp — slowly, the first time, so you don't pinch yourself on the leaf spring. Then test the fit: shake your wrist, adjust the watch, flip your hand over and check the clasp sits centred.

💡A little loose on the first attempt means you're on the right track.
Check Check — detail
Repeat

Repeat until it's perfect

From here, just repeat the loop. If the clasp sits skewed to one side, cut the other side only — one segment at a time — until it sits snug and centred. That's all there is to it. Enjoy your new strap for the years to come.

Daily use

How to wear it

Different from run-of-the-mill button-actuated deployants, the leaf-spring clasp is secure by design — and putting it on takes two seconds:

  • Pinch one side of the clasp closed;
  • Pinch the other side closed as the curved base rests on your wrist.

Removal is even easier — pull upwards on either side and the deployant springs open.

Two mistakes to avoid

Each cut is permanent, so it pays to know what 'wrong' looks like. Both of these are avoidable by cutting conservatively, one segment at a time.

Overly tight

Overly tight

The clasp shows an excessive gap and the strap pulls on the wrist. This happens when too many segments are cut away — usually by cutting too far on the first try. Leave an extra segment on your first pass.

Clasp not centred

Clasp not centred

Cutting both sides to equal length in one go is the usual culprit. Wrists aren't symmetrical — most people need different lengths on each side, so test and trim one segment at a time.

Note: some people prefer a very snug fit — a slight gap between the two sides of the clasp is normal and doesn't affect the mechanism's security.

Sized at home by thousands

Rated 4.8/5 across 1,500+ rubber strap reviews. Here is how the cutting went for everyone else.

★★★★★

“From opening the package to putting it on my wrist took no more than 10 minutes. The instructions were very helpful and straightforward.”

Zachary K.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas CTS strap
★★★★★

“Initially I was a bit afraid of the fact of having to cut the strap and adjust it, but it looks insanely good. Very worth it.”

Marco C. · Singapore
Tissot PRX CTS strap
★★★★★

“The quality of the strap and clasp could not be better! It is a perfect fit, and the sizing was SOOO easy! Will definitely be back to get more straps in the future!”

Phil D. · Utah, US
Cartier Santos sailcloth CTS strap
★★★★★

“Cutting it to size is straightforward and the two micro-adjust positions on the clasp give you sufficient peace of mind during the warmer days.”

Adrian B.
Cartier Santos sailcloth CTS strap

Frequently asked questions

What if I cut more than I should have?
If you follow the steps above — especially leaving one extra segment on your first cut — there is very little chance of that happening. If you do end up needing an additional piece, reach out to us via live chat or email and we will sort you out.
Must I cut the same number of segments on both sides?
No! Wrists come in a variety of shapes and widths, and straps often need to be uneven for the butterfly-style clasp to sit centred and comfortable on your wrist.
After cutting, can I adjust the strap for another watch?
If your package contains 3 straps (Regular Rubber CTS straps only), you can use the spare for this — keep the existing side that works on the new watch and trim the spare to suit. A different length is typically needed on one side if the lug-to-lug distance differs.

This gets difficult if the lug-to-lug distance varies by a significant amount. For example, a Cartier Tank Large (19mm lug width) has a 33.7mm lug-to-lug distance, while a Grand Seiko SBGH267 with the same lug width measures 47.4mm — a disparity of 13.7mm (almost half an inch!) that would place the clasp in a very different position on your wrist. In that case, we'd recommend a second set.
Will you be releasing more colours in future?
We have been ever since this guide was first written! Beyond the core colours, the range now includes patterned CTS straps — Tropical, Waffle, Pilot and Mosaic — plus integrated CTS straps designed for specific watch models. Browse the full range here. If there is a colour you would love to see, let us know and we will look into it.
Can I place a custom order using the same rubber?
No — rubber straps are not available for custom order, as they are made via injection moulding, which requires the use of specialised moulds.
Can I buy the clasp separately?
Yes — both the CTS Deployant Clasp and the Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp are available separately, in 16mm, 18mm and 20mm widths. Do check the width your strap needs. Note that the clasps are designed to work only with our rubber CTS straps.
Will the clasp cause any issues for those of us with more arm hair?
It is unlikely that the clasp will cause any issues — we've tested this ourselves! However, as with any metal mechanism near skin, we advise taking some care while wearing the strap not to pinch yourself by accident.
How do I care for the rubber strap?
The FKM rubber is chemically stable and highly resistant to the elements. If it does happen to require cleaning, running it under water and wiping with a cloth should do the trick.
Can I wear the strap to swim?
Definitely! Both the strap and the clasp are made of materials which do well in water, even sea water. We offer no guarantees as to the viability of your particular timepiece in water, though — and as with any metal, prolonged exposure may cause issues, so we advise drying and cleaning your watch and strap after any water activity.
What if my watch requires a larger diameter spring bar? (e.g. some Seiko divers)
Indicate via the checkbox on the product page when ordering and we will swap in larger-diameter spring bars for you. See our spring bar guide for more on whether you need them. You can also remove the included spring bars and fit your own OEM ones for an even more secure fit. Once the strap is mounted, always give it a few good tugs to make sure it is properly installed.
Will the strap suffer from "case rub" on watches with short lug arms?
We have seen no issues so far — do let us know if you come across any in your experience. If you are considering curved spring bars to combat this, see our article on curved straps; the rubber strap accepts our quick-release curved spring bars.
Can I use these straps with a watch that requires curved lugs?
Yes! The strap does not come with curved spring bars by default, but it accepts our curved, quick-release spring bars. Here is the guide: Converting Regular Straps to Curved Straps. Note there may be a slight effective narrowing of the strap width once a curved spring bar is installed (e.g. 20mm may sit closer to ~19.5mm). There is also a full third-party review of the CTS strap on curved spring bars.
How does the clasp work? Does it have any magnetic parts that may damage my watch?
The clasp relies on the deflection of a long metal bar built into the centre of the clasp whenever the two wings are pulled open or shut. This solid bar provides security and rigidity when the clasp is closed, and longevity for repeated use. There are no magnetic parts whatsoever that could risk harm to your mechanical movement!

Ready for effortless wear?

Precision-moulded FKM rubber, trimmed once for a fit no off-the-shelf strap can match. Swim-ready, easy to clean, and available in universal and watch-specific fits.

Shop CTS Rubber Straps Shop Deployant Clasps

More guides

Inserting & removing quick-release spring barsCurved straps — do you need them?Converting regular straps to curved straps