Strap Review: Testing Out The New Delugs Sailcloth Straps
The new Delugs sailcloth-patterned rubber straps are a refreshing addition to the brand’s repertoire, especially for collectors looking to add a more refined version of the sailcloth strap. First things first: these are not your typical ultra-modern, sports-performance sailcloth-style straps. They’re made with a nod toward traditional aesthetics and construction.
A few things stand out about this new Delugs release. Unlike genuine sailcloth, which uses woven fabric, these straps are crafted from FKM rubber with a sailcloth pattern embossed on the surface. The pattern is neither too deep nor too light, and it looks the part. While this alternative to proper sailcloth is not totally new, Delugs has gone the extra mile to construct these straps similarly to its renowned leather straps. The company doesn’t mold them as single, ready-to-go pieces. Instead, each strap takes 4–6 hours of work. This method also allows Delugs to offer extensive customizability, tailoring tapers, thicknesses, widths, shapes, and stitching to suit individual preferences. The finished product is a high-quality strap focusing on traditional construction and aesthetics rather than more modern, technical performance.
Testing out the Delugs Sailcloth straps
I had a few of the new Delugs Sailcloth straps in hand to test and get a feel for them. After all, it’s tough to say much about a watch strap without seeing how it feels. Delugs offers a total of eight color options, but I took a look at four. Here’s how each strap paired with some favorite watches in my collection.
Olive green with the RZE × Fratello Resolute Pro “Contour”
The green Sailcloth strap was an ideal match for my RZE × Fratello Resolute Pro “Contour,” a watch with an undeniable outdoorsy spirit. The luscious green hue complements the rugged feel of the watch while maintaining a cohesive look that feels at home on the trails or for more static desk-based adventures.
I think you’ll agree that the color and texture bring out the adventurous ethos of the Resolute Pro, and the benefits of the FKM rubber ensure it can handle whatever I throw its way. This is one of the more affordable watches in my collection, but it looks and feels significantly more expensive on this strap.
Black with the Zenith Chronomaster Open Power Reserve
The black Delugs Sailcloth strap was a perfect companion for my Zenith Chronomaster Open Power Reserve. This watch, with its mix of elegance and sporty flair, truly “demands” a black strap. I’ve tried other colors in the past, but nothing else comes close. While the OEM rubber strap has a sporty, modern look, this sailcloth-patterned strap offers a different vibe. While equally sporty, it has a refined edge that elevates the entire watch. The black and light gold color scheme always felt a bit dressier to me rather than purely dress-down (not that I am suggesting this is even remotely close to being a typical dress watch). This setup takes my Zenith into a slightly more formal zone while keeping it versatile for everyday wear.
On a side note, the new Delugs Sailcloth straps also work perfectly with the brand’s Spring Deployant Clasp. With it, the strap becomes even more comfortable and convenient, but, of course, it depends on whether you’re a buckle or a deployant person. Lex wrote about the Spring Deployant Clasp earlier this year, and it’s worth reading. As far as third-party deployants go, this is honestly one of my top picks out there. My favorite feature? You also can switch the clasp out to your 16mm OEM version to keep things on-brand.
Gray with the Fortis Stratoliner S-41
My Fortis Stratoliner, a watch with a bulky bracelet, got a complete personality change with the gray Delugs Sailcloth strap. The gray shade matches the tones on the Stratoliner’s dial, and the material’s flexibility provides a more streamlined, less obtrusive look on the wrist. It’s a great option for anyone who loves the watch but wants something more understated and comfortable than the stock bracelet. This strap made the Fortis feel “quieter,” allowing the dial to stand out without being overpowered by the heft of the bracelet.
I have found myself wearing this watch an awful lot more lately, and it was my main “test subject” for this strap review. I always liked this watch, but it feels much more approachable and refined on the gray Delugs Sailcloth strap.
White with the Blancpain × Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Antarctic Ocean
Finally, I matched the white Delugs Sailcloth strap with my Blancpain × Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Antarctic Ocean. The white strap complements the white and gray color scheme of this model beautifully, adding a fresh look that works especially well for summer.
I don’t think you can beat a fresh white strap during the peak of summer. That said, as fall settles in, the white strap still looks fantastic and feels seasonally appropriate, proving that white straps aren’t limited to warm weather.
It takes time to test things properly
In summary, the new Delugs Sailcloth straps are impressive. Upon opening the parcel, I got a good feeling about the straps, but I knew I wanted to take a few weeks of wearing one of these straps to see how it held up with continuous wear. The traditional construction with painted edges gave me some concerns about the longevity of the strap, but this proved totally unfounded. To be honest, knowing the excellent quality of other straps from Delugs, I was perhaps a bit paranoid, but I’m glad I can confidently put that concern to rest.
The handcrafted approach means that this material is now an option for custom strap concepts you might have in mind. Delugs opens up this avenue while simultaneously backing up its “strap changing is a lifestyle choice” mantra. I’ve always loved the material because it meshes the best qualities of rubber and fabrics into one package. The brand’s new Sailcloth straps, for €103 each, allow wearers to bring the sailcloth aesthetic to watches that suit a more traditional approach to straps.
On the other hand, if you’re still unsure about these new straps, Delugs also released four new additions to its collection of patterned cut-to-size (CTS) rubber straps. I will also review some of these new models soon. In the meantime, you can check the brand’s website for more info.
