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Silicone

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(sil-i-kohn)

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Silicone is a synthetic material used in watchmaking for its flexibility, durability, and resistance to environmental factors, often utilized in watch straps and gaskets.

What does

Silicone

mean?

Silicone is a versatile synthetic material widely used in watchmaking due to its unique properties. It is a polymer composed of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, known for its flexibility, durability, and resistance to extreme temperatures and environmental conditions. In horology, silicone is primarily utilized in the production of watch straps, gaskets, and seals.

Silicone watch straps are popular for their comfort and adaptability. They are lightweight, hypoallergenic, and resistant to water, sweat, and UV rays, making them ideal for sports and outdoor activities. The material's flexibility allows for a snug fit on the wrist, enhancing the wearer's comfort.

In addition to straps, silicone is used in gaskets and seals within the watch case. These components are crucial for ensuring water resistance and protecting the watch's internal mechanisms from dust and moisture. Silicone's ability to maintain its shape and elasticity over time makes it an excellent choice for these applications, contributing to the longevity and reliability of the timepiece.

Overall, silicone's advantageous properties make it an essential material in modern watchmaking, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits to enhance the performance and appeal of watches.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are silicone watch straps?

Silicone straps are made from vulcanized silicone rubber, offering exceptional durability, flexibility, and water resistance. They're hypoallergenic, making them suitable for sensitive skin, and maintain flexibility across extreme temperatures. Silicone straps are common on sports, dive, and smartwatches where durability and easy cleaning are priorities over traditional aesthetics.

How does silicone compare to rubber and FKM straps?

Standard silicone is softer and more flexible but less resistant to oils, solvents, and extreme chemicals than FKM (fluoroelastomer rubber), used by brands like Rolex and Omega on professional dive watches. Natural rubber is more elastic but degrades faster with UV exposure. FKM offers superior chemical and temperature resistance, while silicone provides better biocompatibility and color consistency at lower cost.

Do silicone straps degrade over time?

Quality silicone straps are highly UV-resistant and don't degrade from sunlight or saltwater like leather or natural rubber. However, silicone can collect skin oils over time and may develop surface tackiness. Cleaning with mild soap and water restores them. The main degradation mode is tearing at strap holes from repeated buckle use, though this typically takes years of daily wear.

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Close-up of a Himalayan Project wristwatch with a gray and pink dial and a fabric strap with a pink stripe.

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