Excellent video Josh. I knew FKM from long before they came up with using it for watch straps. We design and build process equipment for the food, chemical and other industries and often we will use FKM diaphragms in air operated fluid pump systems. FKM diaphragms can flex under huge pressure thousands of times per hour for years on end. So you can be sure your strap is going to last for many years into the future too.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching Brian! Sounds like I should have had you in this video for an interview! FKM seems like an amazing material!
@brianmsahin2 жыл бұрын
@@TheTownWatch Lol. I'm not sure it's a good idea. I do have a face suitable for radio though! 🤣
@felo60352 жыл бұрын
Terrific video Josh, and absolutely love the research and explanation of FKM. Maybe you can do more learning videos. I'm definitely going to take a look at the companies you mentioned. Thank you again for your very informative episode 👏 👍
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching Felo, appreciate your support!
@Sobruh17 Жыл бұрын
I thought it sayed terrible video for a sec
@AvgJoeWatchReviews2 жыл бұрын
I have experience with StrapsCo and Strap Seeker and like you said, the quality is the same. I’ll stick with saying FKM since I already forgot what it stands for. 😂
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
😅C'mon say it 10x's fast . . . FLUOROELASTOMER . . . 😂 Thanks for watching pal!
@claudej.l.53602 жыл бұрын
Great video. thanks for introducing me to some new brands. I will definitely be checking them out.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching! Hope you pick some up, FKM straps are awesome!
@jamesblonde22712 жыл бұрын
Wow, thats alot of straps, just put my Seiko on a navy blue FKM and I'm loving it.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
What brand did you go with? I'm loving this FKM material!
@jamesblonde22712 жыл бұрын
@@TheTownWatch Hmm, from my local market guy, they're pretty generic, but only a tenner, I'll post it on IG
@Paulfred2 жыл бұрын
Got the Zulu Diver MKII Padded Tropic FKM strap for my SPB213. Love it. Great vid!
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Nice! Thanks for watching!
@briancarpenter12552 жыл бұрын
Great video. I just ordered a couple of straps from Strap Habit. Vaer also makes a FKM tropical strap but only offer it in 20mm and black but it is really good quality. I di wish that Bartons would start using FKM in their Elite line of straps.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Hope you enjoy your straps! I'll have to check out the Vaer ones!
@gregalonzo7472 жыл бұрын
I have an FKM strap on one of dive watches and vulcanized rubber on another. I like them both for different reasons. I will say that an FKM strap is a more comfortable wear.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching Greg and sharing this information because I've heard that vulcanized rubber is similar to FKM.
@gregalonzo7472 жыл бұрын
@@TheTownWatch In my opinion, you can't go wrong with either one. A shout out to Average Joe, he knows that I have sailcloth on three of my other watches. Frankly Artem is the best and I love mine.
@JT-in-LA2 жыл бұрын
Great deep dive into these types of straps. The info at the beginning was very helpful, thanks!
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching!
@tiagodvt2 жыл бұрын
Juelong on AliExpress sells exactly those straps for 8-12 bucks, at your home in 10 days. I am almost 100% sure they are exactly the same straps. Those brands are probably just selling them at a huge profit. It would be interesting to see a comparison side by side video.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
I definitely hear what you're saying! Thanks for watching!
@halfpastblog2 жыл бұрын
If anyone watching has a line on quality extra long tropical straps please let me know. Another great review, my man.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching Alton! Hope you can find what you're looking for!
@bitterboar2 жыл бұрын
Very funny and informative bud. I had never heard of Strap Seeker. Also- I like the school picture backdrop. ;)
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed! 😅 When I was editing the video, I thought the same thing about the backdrop! 😂
@drwindsurf2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this video. I have wondered what FKM rubber is and how good it is for straps for a while. 🙂👍
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching Jeffrey! Good to hear from you again! Hope you're doing well!
@ryokan9120 Жыл бұрын
I think an FKM strap will probably last you the rest of your life. The only thing that might go is the spring bars, but they're easily replaceable. I have an FKM black waffle strap on my Captain Willard and it really is almost indestructible. Thanks for the video!
@thegorn11 ай бұрын
The WatchGecko straps that use the HNBR rubber made In Italy under contract by Bonetto Cinturini are also really nice. I have a couple of those. Expensive though. They feel similar to the caoutchouc natural rubber that Breitling uses on their divers, or at least used to use when I owned one (a SuperOcean from about 10 years ago).
@JMK15 Жыл бұрын
Once locked in, Is there a lot of wiggle with FKM straps and the spring bars? This video is FKM. Fukin Killer MOD. Amazing breakdown here, Josh. Learned so much. 👊🏻
@TheTownWatch Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed! One the ones that I have, there wasn't much wiggle room
@thegorn11 ай бұрын
FKM also stands for FKn Mofo - someone who cuts you off in heavy traffic so bad you have to pump the brakes and then get rear-ended.
@dalerichardson88422 жыл бұрын
Love fkm straps so comfortable and hard wearing .
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Amen! Thanks for watching!
@dariosandoval51404 ай бұрын
This material is so great!
@chriskelly509Ай бұрын
Just ordered several, hope they are worth the hype 😀
@Dave062YT2 жыл бұрын
My brain hurts.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
😅
@mrbacchus61272 жыл бұрын
Preaching to the choir man, I am wearing my Clockwork Republic fitted strap on my SKX
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Very nice! Thanks for watching!
@noobfl2 жыл бұрын
FKM is a great material.. only toped on the Rubbery side of life from vulcaniced natural rubber (wich is expensive as hell). Its sometimes realy hard to find good rubber straps, because a lot of companies or seller dont delcare the rubber correct.. and i personaly hate silicone. i mean silicone is flexible, wears great, looks nice, but the lint man, the lint. what also can happen is, that a company change the supplier or the rubber material. i bougth one a realy nice Seiko style waffle strap. nice, flexible, a typical higher end FKM rubber strap. because i like it, i bought another one for a smaler watch.. it was silicone and matt and a lint magnet. for buying Rubber strap: never trust a Product shot or a product description. i have stoped to buy Rubber straps, because its just cambling. there is only one type of product with more lies in the watchstrap world: leather.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Good points! Thanks for watching Stefan.
@noobfl2 жыл бұрын
@@TheTownWatch you'r welcome Dude
@tiagodvt2 жыл бұрын
@@noobfl If you are after the "Waffle" Seiko stlyled strap, I can 100% recommend Juelong on AliExpress. Costs 8 bucks, made of FKM, doesn't pick up dust nor lint at all. No joke.
@exkal2152 жыл бұрын
Very informative video. I have a few watches I’ve been think about changing the ss straps for rubber straps. I would like to see multi colored straps.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Appreciate it my friend!
@anthonyonline47402 жыл бұрын
Great vid. I actually have the Ali versions and love them, for a fraction of the cost and they're essentially the same. Unless you're going to wear the same one for years, then maybe I'd pay more. Delivery times are a gamble but, like $12 usd, in can live with that.
@lk7542 жыл бұрын
They are indeed exactly the same, produced in the same factory. These sellers are basically ripping their customers off hard, no other way to put it. They buy them in bulk even cheaper and resell them for 5-8 times as much.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching Anthony.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
@@lk754 This is something to consider for sure! I guess buying from a US based strap company you get quicker (more reliable) shipping and better customer service.
@lk7542 жыл бұрын
@@TheTownWatch There's no doubt about that. But FKM from Ali reaches EU in 3-4 weeks easily, should be about the same for US, and they are roughly 10 USD a piece. You could pretty much buy 4 or 5 of them for the price of a single strap purchased from US store. And again, they are exactly the same, produced in the same factory. As far as customer support is concerned, these are bulletproof, don't think much assistance is needed. To each their own of course, keep up the good work. :)
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
I definitely hear you! These are all valid points.
@Dave062YT2 жыл бұрын
I use Barton rubber straps on my divers ,super comfortable but these look cool too
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
I've heard of Barton for sure! What material do they use for their rubber straps?
@Dave062YT2 жыл бұрын
@@TheTownWatch Just silicone I think .They do claim to be "Soft as a babies bottom" and makes my hefty Orient MForce feel light as a feather .Maybe a side by side comparison would make a good video ?
@candide17722 жыл бұрын
@@TheTownWatch They have number of different options, including silicon, TPU, D80 rubber and leather hybrid, and silicon and canvas hybrid. I have a TPU strap and an elite silicon strap, and they are both good options that feel similar on my wrist to the FKM strap I have from Long Island Watch.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
@@Dave062YT Good idea! Silicone straps are nice too but sometimes I've found debris to stick to them.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
@@candide1772 I'm not familiar with TPU or D80 rubber, what is it?
@LuisGarcia-lu9db2 жыл бұрын
The Orient with the red FKM strap looks fantastic! Great video Josh! 👏👏👏
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching Luis!
@WesWatchRoom2 жыл бұрын
Got a few FKM rubber straps and they are awesome, have one on my 7002 currently and it is so comfortable to wear and they aren't that expensive if you know where to buy them from. Great job on the video mate
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Thanks for watching! Where'd you pick yours up at?
@WesWatchRoom2 жыл бұрын
@@TheTownWatch anytime and AliExpress
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
@@WesWatchRoom 👍Some of the ones on there seem like the exact same styles as from these other companies. Seems like these companies source them from the same places in China most likely.
@WesWatchRoom2 жыл бұрын
@@TheTownWatch they do, buy em cheap, mark up and sell. I just go straight to the source and pay less for the same stuff
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
I hear ya! 😄
@Watch_Love1997 Жыл бұрын
Orange is my weakness 😊
@av3255 Жыл бұрын
Really nice & informative straps video 🙏
@TheTownWatch Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed, thank you so much!
@lukegalloway24022 жыл бұрын
Great video thanks man. I bought 3 fkm straps from Ali express that Peter kotsa recommended and they look exactly like all of these except they are 8$ each. But China gets a lot of our custom these days so maybe go with homegrown companies 💪
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching! Yeah, I hear you on that! Definitely something to consider! Peter is great! I love his channel!
@Autotrope6 ай бұрын
Watching this cos I just bought some $5 replacement straps from aliexpress and wondering if I did ok
@oldedwardian17788 ай бұрын
WOW, did I just hear him say that you can bend these RUBBER straps. A BENDING RUBBER STRAP, what will they think of next.
@anthonydevono883311 ай бұрын
To much info about the meaning of the word and not enough strap showing
@matto.1074 Жыл бұрын
Please help me out… difference between a $20-$30 FKM strap vs a… $200+ FKM strap from say Marathon as just one example. What’s the difference???
@TheTownWatch Жыл бұрын
There is probably not much difference but I couldn't tell you for sure! Thanks for watching.
@JogieGlenMait16 Жыл бұрын
I have the red design but in blue. FKM changed my view on rubber strap. I am biased towards bracelets.
@TheTownWatch Жыл бұрын
👍👍
@TimeToGoTravelAndTimepieces2 жыл бұрын
You would have made a great science teacher 😁👍
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
😂😂 I don't know about that!!! Most of what I was reading I didn't understand! 😅
@9-1-juan67 ай бұрын
Wait a minute here, so all these new multi-colored straps I'm seeing all over the different shopping sites are being incorrectly advertised as "silicone"? (are actually FKM? they sure look so much like the examples you provided in your video, albeit from different makers (but like what you said they all seem to be the same)
@oktc68 Жыл бұрын
NBR are good too, perhaps a little harder to find and more expensive, but very good.
@TheTownWatch Жыл бұрын
What does NBR mean? I'm not familiar. Thanks for watching!
@thegorn11 ай бұрын
Yeah the WatchGecko HNBR ones are made In Italy under contract by Bonetto Cinturini are also very nice. They also have a nice vanilla scent too. HNBR stands for hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber.
@ignaciopadilla5150 Жыл бұрын
Hi I bought the same San Martin on a bracelet and looking for a good "rubber" strap and stumble on this video.
@TheTownWatch Жыл бұрын
That's awesome! Thanks for watching! Hope you check the links in the description for some good FKM rubber straps!
@scottp4402 Жыл бұрын
FKM ..What does it really mean in hidden terms: I'd say from the chemical composition: F-uh-K-eM : meaning, its it going to cause cancer or other long term disease, it's the customers problem. But hey, thats just a drop in the bucket of poisons that we are all exposed to. I'm no big worrier of these things, but it sure came to mind. I personally prefer stainless steel bracelets on my watches, but I'm not aware of the effects of that on the wrist. Anyway, good job on the video, but the introduction was corny if not annoying.
@TheTownWatch Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@scotts6596 Жыл бұрын
I retract my harsh comments. I'm going to get the vented slot design from Strapsco or Strap habit for my Seiko Arnie Pepsi: Black( maybe) , red or blue , more likely! 😊
@ivanmirones9220 Жыл бұрын
Springbar tip size?
@zippofluid6259 Жыл бұрын
Do you have any advice where to find these FMK straps but for people with larger wrists? i cant find anything for my monster wrists lol
@TheTownWatch Жыл бұрын
That's a good question! Probably something you would have to reach out to the companies about. Sorry. Thanks for watching.
@illtronics2 жыл бұрын
Hey! Have you used any of the strapseeker fkm butterfly clasp straps??
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Hello, thanks for watching! I have not tried their butterfly clasp, I didn't know they had one. Sorry!
@AHDudeGuy2 жыл бұрын
Yes but what's atomic number 9? 🤔 hmm.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Great question! 😅 Thanks for watching!
@whyFINAL Жыл бұрын
what about skin iritation, carcinigens etc. How safe is FKM to health?
@TheTownWatch Жыл бұрын
That's a great question! I'm not sure! Thanks for watching!
@joeyb52288 ай бұрын
Doesn’t cause any skin irritation. Amazing stuff
@ExtremeSquared7 ай бұрын
this elastomer is used pretty often in both food and medical industries, so unless you're a homesteader, it's probably not worth worrying about.
@u.u.u99692 жыл бұрын
Does FKM rubber feel like SWISS rubber? Used on the Omega Seamaster or like the Everest strap ?
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Good question, I am really not sure. I wonder if you can find any information about the actual rubber that is being used by those you mentioned. Thanks for watching!
@u.u.u99692 жыл бұрын
@@TheTownWatch Can you take a trip to your local AD and put hands on some swiss rubber found on the Omega and report back to us. Swiss rubber vs fkm rubber?
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
@@u.u.u9969 😅 Perhaps.
@u.u.u99692 жыл бұрын
@@TheTownWatch Thanks that would be cool to see you jump up the price bracket a bit. Everest vs Rubber B vs Tropic vs Zulande vs Swatch Group Rubber ect...
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
@@u.u.u9969 I would love to try all those out! If the companies would send in a sample I would definitely do a video on them but I don't think they're willing to do that for a channel like mine.
@Joker-yb6ks2 ай бұрын
Juelong fkm strap also good quality
@takashi78542 жыл бұрын
What will happen if i use alcohol to sanitize FKM straps?
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
I think it would probably be fine but there is only one way to find out. Try it!
@campshay197 ай бұрын
Just got an fkm strap for $300 they better be good
@Biblicalgiants2 жыл бұрын
Nice Zodiac Sea Dragon !
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Thank you and thanks for watching!
@deanwaller82832 жыл бұрын
So how long do they last?
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
That's hard to say because that depends on a lot of factors... Thanks for watching.
@deanwaller82832 жыл бұрын
@@TheTownWatch ball park figure if worn every day?
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
@@deanwaller8283 I would say, with normal wear on a daily basis these could last you 15 years plus, I mean FKM material is used for gaskets and such which are many times exposed to pressure and high temperatures.
@deanwaller82832 жыл бұрын
@@TheTownWatch wait,,, seriously??? 15 years!!!
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
@@deanwaller8283 That would be just a guess, but I encourage you to do your own research on FKM as a material in general and also try out a watch strap made of it to see for yourself what you think. Use any of my links in the description of this video...😁
@takashi78542 жыл бұрын
Is it okay to disinfect FKM watch straps using soap or alcohol? To clean the coronavirus off of the strap.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Sure!
@fredericmarchini4005 Жыл бұрын
Je suis français, depuis que j'ai des bracelets tropique fkm, je les adore Avec en plus les pompes rapide, c'est super pratique
@TheTownWatch Жыл бұрын
I'm sorry, I don't understand.
@taroutak8 ай бұрын
I like your video, but your sound effects and intro are a lot louder than your speaking voice and they are very sudden.
@vipnetworker2 жыл бұрын
What is an FKM strap? Before I show you, let me explain how the universe was formed and elements came into existence.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Not quite! 😅 Thanks for watching!
@vipnetworker2 жыл бұрын
@@TheTownWatch just kidding, I enjoyed all the details. Well done. 👍🏻
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
@@vipnetworker 😅
@ThecrazyJH96 Жыл бұрын
Just get to the point damn😂
@jinxUKBK2 жыл бұрын
Dude what weed is your favourite
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
I don't understand, I don't smoke. Thanks for watching.
@thegorn11 ай бұрын
All of them
@gerry4b10 ай бұрын
Plastic isn't rubber. Fix your header.
@bent5402 жыл бұрын
i use hirsch! i dont give a shit about american made in china kickstarter dime a dozen rubber bands! i hate colored rubber straps!
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
What's Hirsch? Is that a strap company?
@bent5402 жыл бұрын
@@TheTownWatch hey fun fact smartass: Hirsch is 10y older than your dumbass nation! lol so is my local brewery.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
@@bent540 I'm not following . . . I'm not being "smart" . . . I have no idea what you're talking about or what Hirsch is. . .
@noobfl2 жыл бұрын
@@TheTownWatch hirsch is a german watchstrap maker. they are considered as higher end. Hirsch is well known for their dressy leather straps and their more tooly rubber straps. here in germany, probably their most well known line is the performance line. those are rubber straps with a leather upper. BUT.. i personaly think, the performance straps are overhyped. there are a lot (and i meen a lot) of unsadisfied costumers, for wich the leather uppers get broken of.
@TheTownWatch2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I had to look them up! Seems like they make some good stuff but definitely a little pricey!