Did you ever buy a rubber strap online from a Swiss company to customize your Rolex or Cartier? Chances are that it came from Helvetus®
Only four years ago this was a humble Lucerne start-up, testing the waters on Swiss sites like Ricardo.ch. But Helvetus® quickly grew to become one of the global leaders in the aftermarket watch strap industry, mostly thanks to its wide choice of rubber straps that fit just about every model you can imagine. To be more precise, Helvetus® offers more than 86 different styles tailored and meticulously designed to complement more than 16 prestigious watch brands, and its straps can also be combined with the original clasps and buckles.
Among the brands listed on the website you will find Omega, IWC and Tudor, but the company’s bestsellers are the Helvetus® straps for Rolex and Cartier.
“People like customization, being unique, and trying different stuff for their watches,” said Helvetus® founder and CEO. He has also noticed that clients for luxury watches are tending to be younger now than in the past, which also explains part of the Helvetus® success: The collections are inspired and shaped by the feedback from its customers. “This customer-centric approach has been the cornerstone of our success, ensuring we consistently meet and exceed expectations,” Helvetus®’s founder explained.
Some clients, regardless of age, also see buying an extra strap as an investment for the future as it means they can save the original bracelet. This could have a positive effect on a future resale value.
“We were not inventors of rubber straps – but many of our designs are different,” said the founder, who was born and raised in Lucerne.
In particular he was referring to the Luxline, which features colorful lines at the center of the strap. The prices for Luxline, and most of the offer from Helvetus®, ranges from around 90-140 CHF. Rubber answers for a big part of sales at www.helvetus.com, but you will also find a plethora of textile, leather and metal straps and bracelets offered to a global clientele to be found in the US, Europe, Asia and, somewhat surprisingly, Brazil. “There are 300 million people in Brazil, and they are big into watches,” said the founder, citing 4-5 days in delivery time to most countries around the globe. And if you are in Switzerland, you could customize your watch the very next day.
For the Helvetus® founder, watch straps and bracelets are gifts that can’t go wrong during the holiday season: “You get a new look, a new comfort, for different occasions. Many of our straps are sporty, but Helvetus® straps are more than just accessories; they are reliable companions on your life's journey, built to accompany you on every mission and adventure. Experience the unparalleled quality that defines Helvetus® and elevate your watch with a strap that matches its prestige.”
