Best Watch Straps for the Seiko SKX007 and SKX009
By James Alderton . 8 min read . Updated June 2026
The Seiko SKX007 and SKX009 are the most popular entry dive watches in the world, and their 22mm lug width and curved lug profile make strap selection slightly more specific than a flat-lug sport watch. The stock rubber strap is functional but generic, and swapping it reveals how much character the SKX case has underneath it. This guide covers the best 22mm strap upgrades for the SKX, including the ZULUDIVER FKM Rubber Dive Strap for dive use, the ZULUDIVER Genuine G10 NATO Strap for casual wear, and the Barton Elite Silicone NATO Strap for active daily use.
The short answer
For active diving, the ZULUDIVER FKM Rubber Strap is the best SKX upgrade. For casual daily wear, the ZULUDIVER G10 NATO or BluShark AlphaShark in 22mm are the most period-appropriate choices. For metal wear, a 22mm Barton Milanese Loop transforms the SKX for office or dress use.
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Why the SKX lug profile matters for strap selection
The SKX has a thick, curved case with lugs that sweep downward. A strap with a curved or pre-formed end profile seats more cleanly against these lugs than a flat-end strap, reducing the visible gap between strap and case. This is primarily a cosmetic consideration, but it affects how finished the watch looks on the wrist.
The 22mm lug width is straightforward to find in most strap brands. Make sure any strap you order specifies 22mm, and confirm the end radius suits curved lugs if you are buying a fitted rubber or leather option.
Best dive strap for the SKX: ZULUDIVER FKM Rubber
The ZULUDIVER FKM Rubber Dive Strap is made specifically for dive watch lug profiles in 20mm and 22mm, with a curved end that fits the SKX cleanly. FKM fluoroelastomer is the correct material for a watch that actually gets wet: it resists salt water, chlorine, and UV in a way that standard silicone does not over the long term.
The ventilated design reduces suction during water entry and keeps the strap comfortable during extended underwater wear. The signed stainless tang buckle is more appropriate for a dive tool watch than a plain generic buckle.
ZULUDIVER FKM Rubber Dive Strap
A fluoroelastomer rubber strap made for dive watches, with a curved end profile for popular sport watch lug shapes, a signed stainless tang buckle, and a ventilated design for underwater comfort.
Best NATO strap for the SKX: ZULUDIVER G10
A 22mm ZULUDIVER Genuine G10 NATO Strap in military olive or black is the most authentic casual pairing for the SKX. The G10 specification is the historically correct format for a dive-watch-inspired military tool watch, and the 22mm width matches the SKX lug exactly.
The BluShark AlphaShark Nylon NATO Strap in 22mm is the higher-quality weave option if you want more colorway choice and a slightly denser feel.
ZULUDIVER Genuine G10 NATO Strap
A military-spec single-piece nylon strap woven to the original British MoD G10 specification. 1.2mm nylon, polished stainless keeper ring, and a solid buckle. Available in 20mm, the specification width.
BluShark AlphaShark Nylon NATO Strap
A premium woven nylon NATO with a smooth inner liner and a polished PVD-coated steel keeper. The AlphaShark is the default recommendation in most watch collector communities for its stitching consistency and slow, even break-in.
Best silicone NATO for daily wear: Barton Elite Silicone
The Barton Elite Silicone NATO Strap in 22mm is the most practical daily strap for an SKX in a hot climate or for anyone who does not want to think about strap care. Waterproof, odor-resistant, and ready for anything the day throws at a dive watch.
Pair with the brushed stainless hardware option for the cleanest match to the SKX case finish.
Barton Elite Silicone NATO Strap
A single-piece silicone NATO in Barton's signature smooth finish with a stainless steel buckle. Waterproof, odor-resistant, and notably more comfortable than nylon on hot days.
Transforming the SKX with a mesh bracelet
A 22mm Barton Milanese Loop Watch Bracelet does something unexpected to the SKX: it makes the diving tool watch look appropriate in an office. The mesh breathes better than a linked bracelet in warm weather, the magnetic clasp adjusts without tools, and the brushed steel finish complements the SKX case.
This pairing works because the SKX case is clean enough to carry off the dressy look of a mesh bracelet. It is a more unexpected transformation than a rubber or NATO swap and worth trying if you wear the same watch in different contexts.
Barton Milanese Loop Watch Bracelet
A stainless steel Milanese mesh bracelet with a magnetic folding clasp that adjusts infinitely along the band. Available in silver, black, and gold tone in 18mm, 20mm, and 22mm.
Featured in this guide
ZULUDIVER FKM Rubber Dive Strap
A fluoroelastomer rubber strap made for dive watches, with a curved end profile for popular sport watch lug shapes, a signed stainless tang buckle, and a ventilated design for underwater comfort.
ZULUDIVER Genuine G10 NATO Strap
A military-spec single-piece nylon strap woven to the original British MoD G10 specification. 1.2mm nylon, polished stainless keeper ring, and a solid buckle. Available in 20mm, the specification width.
BluShark AlphaShark Nylon NATO Strap
A premium woven nylon NATO with a smooth inner liner and a polished PVD-coated steel keeper. The AlphaShark is the default recommendation in most watch collector communities for its stitching consistency and slow, even break-in.
Barton Elite Silicone NATO Strap
A single-piece silicone NATO in Barton's signature smooth finish with a stainless steel buckle. Waterproof, odor-resistant, and notably more comfortable than nylon on hot days.
Barton Milanese Loop Watch Bracelet
A stainless steel Milanese mesh bracelet with a magnetic folding clasp that adjusts infinitely along the band. Available in silver, black, and gold tone in 18mm, 20mm, and 22mm.
Bergeon 6767-F Spring Bar Tool
The Swiss-made professional spring bar tool used by watchmakers and serious collectors. A forked stainless tip with a replaceable plastic grip handle. The benchmark tool for strap changes on fine watches.
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