The Submariner ref. 116610LN is the modern classic that everyone pretends they’re not obsessed with. Black dial, black bezel, date at three, and that slightly bolder “maxi” attitude Rolex leaned into for this generation. It’s also one of the easiest luxury watches to wear daily because it never feels fragile, even when you’re treating it like a proper tool watch.
But here’s the funny part: the watch is so recognizable on its bracelet that swapping straps can feel risky. Do it wrong, and it looks like a Sub trying to cosplay as something else. Do it right, and the 116610LN becomes more comfortable, more personal, and honestly a bit fresher without losing what makes it a Sub.
Strap size and fit on the Submariner 116610LN
This is the section that saves you from an annoying mistake.
The Rolex Submariner 116610LN is a 40mm case and it takes a 20mm strap at the lugs. Simple numbers, but the selection is where people slip up.
On Helvetus product pages, the option you must choose is Submariner 40mm.
Not “Submariner 41mm” (different generation). Not anything that sounds close. If you pick the wrong model option, you’ll usually notice it immediately around the case area: the strap won’t sit cleanly, and the whole look feels slightly wrong, even if you can technically install it.
So before you check out, do the quick sanity check:
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Your watch is the Rolex Submariner ref. 116610LN
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Your case size is 40mm
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Your lug width is 20mm
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Your Helvetus selection is Submariner 40mm
That one dropdown choice matters more than people think.
The best strap choices for the Rolex Submariner 116610LN
Because the 116610LN has a black dial and black bezel, straps either blend in beautifully or stick out like a bad idea. The case also has real presence, so the strap needs to match that confidence.
Black rubber
If you want the Sub to feel like a Sub, just slightly more relaxed, this is the move. A black strap keeps the watch’s “all business” look, but it changes the vibe from bracelet-sharp to a bit more stealth and sporty.
I also think black rubber suits the 116610LN specifically because of the date cyclops. The cyclops already draws the eye, so keeping everything else calm and monochrome makes the watch feel more balanced. It’s the strap you put on and forget about, in the best way.
White rubber
White on a black Submariner is unapologetic. And that’s why it works.
The contrast makes the dial and bezel look even darker and glossier, which is a cool effect in bright daylight. It gives the 116610LN that “summer Sub” energy without needing a loud dial or a special edition. If you wear a lot of neutrals, linen, or even just plain black tees, a white strap makes the watch look intentional rather than just “changed for the sake of it”.
It’s not the most forgiving color if you’re rough on your straps, but if you like a cleaner, sharper look, it’s easily the most fun option here.
Black/White LuxLine ® (deployant)
Black/White Submariner Rubber Straps
This one hits a sweet spot between subtle and different. On the wrist, the black/white combo echoes the Submariner’s own design language: bright markers, bold hands, dark base. So it doesn’t feel random.
What I like is how it changes the tone depending on what you’re doing. With a polo or something slightly dressier, it looks crisp and composed. With casual clothes, it leans more sporty. And because the 116610LN case has that broader, more modern stance, the strap doesn’t get visually “overpowered”. It keeps up.
Choosing the right one on Helvetus without getting lost
If you’re deciding between colors or buckle styles, the easiest way is to browse the Submariner collection page and pick based on how you actually wear your watch:
Submariner Rubber Straps
There’s a variety of color options, and the straps are available in both deployant and pin buckle versions. Some people prefer deployant because it feels secure and consistent once it’s sized. Others like pin buckle because it’s simple and quick, especially if you swap watches often.
Either way, the point is the same: these straps are designed specifically to sit properly against the Submariner case, so you get that clean, “meant to be there” look instead of a strap that feels generic.
The kind of details you appreciate after a month of wearing it
A good strap choice is the one you stop thinking about. It fits the 116610LN the way it should, it wears comfortably, and it doesn’t make you baby the watch.
That’s also why it’s nice that Helvetus backs the straps with a lifetime warranty, ships free worldwide, and you’re not playing the annoying game of surprise fees because there are no import costs. And when a brand is trusted by 30,000+ customers worldwide, that’s usually a sign the basics are handled: fit, comfort, and consistency.
If you want the safest daily option, go black. If you want your Sub to look sharper and more seasonal, white is the statement. If you want something that feels thoughtfully matched to the Sub’s design, black/white LuxLine® is the one I’d pick.
