today I would like to introduce you and review one of the best watch strap I owned: the ZULUDIVER 284 Rubber Watch Strap by WatchGecko, here mounted on my Seiko SBBN035 aka "The Dark Tuna"
ORDERING, SHIPPING, PACKAGE
First things first. I ordered my strap throughout WatchGecko site on 2018 May 10th. The package landed at my door on May 17th, so just one week from UK to Italy after my on-line order. Not bad at all. In the package, I found:
- invoice (32.99 GBP grand total, 22.95 watch strap, postage 4.09 GBP, VAT 5.95 GBP)
- WatchGecko company card (welcome on board, how to leave feedbacks, ecc.)
- cleaning cloth marked WatchGecko
- small plastic bag with three stainless steel spring bars (22mm, SST-178S)
- ZULUDIVER 284 Rubber Watch Strap (Sandblasted bucle, Green, 22mm)
First impressions are really positive. Easy to order on line (WatchGecko site is clear and friendly to navigate), fast shipping, fast communications via email, item well packaged, customer care, and also two gifts besides the item I ordered, the cleaning cloth and the spring bars. I can't ask for more.
But now, of course, let' see the subject of the review, the ZULUDIVER 284 Rubber Watch Strap.
THE WATCH STRAP ITSELF
The ZULUDIVER 284 Rubber Watch Strap is manufactered by Bonetto Cinturini, an italian brand located in Vicenza (Italy) with more than 30 years of experience in watch straps making. There are 11 colours available for these straps, I choose the GREEN 22mm to match my Seiko SBBN035 also knowed as the "Dark Tuna" which previously sit on a green Zulu strap
Let's see now some technical data of the Zuludiver 284 Rubber Strap, as per WatchGecko site:
| Length(s) | 140 / 80mm |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 2.8mm - 5.7mm |
| Material Type | Rubber |
| Material Finish | Smooth |
| Padding Style | Flat |
| Tongue Width | 2.4mm |
| Clasp Type | Buckle |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Fittings Supplied | Spring Bars |
| Strap Style | Diver |
| Strap Material | Rubber (ITALIAN) |
| Strap Style | 2 Piece |
The strap seems to be very well made (which is not a surprise to me knowing Bonetto Cinturini is the supplier of many high-end Swiss watch brand). The rubber is soft but substantial, all the details are well executed and precise. Same for the sandblasted steel buckle, which has the ZD (Zuludiver) logo laser engraved on
On the strap tail we find the circular wave motif, that's remind the "Tsunami" logo of the Seiko watches
ON THE WATCH
Despite WatchGecko provided his own spring bars with the strap, I used the original Seiko 2.5 mm spring bars to fit the strap on my Tuna. They are a tight fit, but no biggie.
I'm glad to say that the Zuludiver 284 Rubber Strap match the watch very well, providing the Dark Tuna a look even more masculine, if he needs
ON THE WRIST
Zuludiver 284 Rubber Strap is really comfortable to wear, at the same time keep firmly the watch on the wrist. My wrist circumference is 200 mm / 7.87", and I place the buckle at the 5th hole of 9 holes, so there is a lot of space still available. Placing the strap tail through the loop it's easy (appreciate: I own several Isofrane straps and the same operation it's always a pain), anyway the tails sit firmly even while some intense activities (biking, swimming, hiking)
As a side note, I like more the loop the way below; not a problem, you
just need to work the buckle spring bar, remove the buckle and turn back
the loop
CONCLUSIONS
I'm wearing my Seiko Tuna on the Zuludiver 284 Rubber Strap since three days. Despite this is definitely not a long period, I'm sure this strap won't be not the last one Zuludiver I will buy. In fact, this rubber strap is one of the best - if not the best - I owned so far in his price range. Moreover, I found WatchGecko customer service simply perfect. I will use my Seiko Tuna on his Zuludiver 284 Rubber Strap for my next vacations in Croatia and Montenegro, so expect a short update of this review in September!
Thanks to all of you for reading my script!
(C) Alfredo Doricchi
WatchGecko
PO Box 185
Tewkesbury
Gloucestershire, GL20 9BL
United Kingdom
