Rolex · Dec 31, 2025

Make Your Rolex Smurf Stand Out: Strap Pairings That Elevate the Blue Dial

Discover the best replacement strap options for the Rolex Smurf Submariner 116619LB. This in-depth guide explores leather, canvas, suede, and exotic strap pairings that enhance the iconic blue dial and bezel, with fit tips, styling advice, and our top recommendations to transform how your Smurf wears and feels.

In This Guide :

About the Rolex Smurf Submariner
Strap Fit & Buying Checklist
Best Strap Materials for the Rolex Smurf (116619LB)
Our Top Replacement Strap Picks
Installation & Daily Use Tips
What Our Customers Say
Supported Models
FAQ

1. About the Rolex Smurf Submariner 116619LB

The Rolex “Smurf” Submariner — reference 116619LB — is a watch that doesn’t behave like most Submariners.

Yes, it’s a Sub. Yes, it has the same legendary silhouette.
But the full white gold case, paired with the electric blue dial + blue ceramic bezel, gives it an identity that is both sporty and outrageously luxurious at the same time.

And that’s exactly why the Smurf is one of the most interesting Rolexes to style with straps.

Why strap changes work so well on the Smurf:

The blue dial is unusually saturated, meaning strap color changes impact the vibe dramatically
The white metal case behaves like steel visually, so it accepts casual materials (canvas, suede) surprisingly well
On smaller wrists, straps can reduce the “heavy-luxury” feeling of the bracelet
You can shift the Smurf from yacht-ready → daily modern → quiet luxury → high-fashion statement just by switching straps

If you’ve ever felt the Smurf looks “too polished” on bracelet — straps can unlock the version of it you actually want to wear every day.

2. Strap Fit & Buying Checklist

Before choosing a strap for the Rolex Smurf, confirm these key sizing details — this prevents 90% of strap mistakes.

Quick Checklist

Lug Width: 20mm (Rolex 116619LB Smurf)
Recommended Strap Thickness: medium to slim (for balance)
Best Strap Profile: tapered straps help reduce bulk + make the watch sit cleaner
Buckle Size: typically 16mm (for most 20mm tapered straps)
Spring Bars: standard Submariner spring bars (use good tools)

Why this matters on the Smurf specifically:

The Smurf is heavier than steel Subs because it’s full precious metal. A strap that’s too stiff or too thick can make it wear awkwardly — especially if you have smaller wrists.

3. Best Strap Materials for the Rolex Smurf

Strap Material	Best For	Smurf Look/Effect	Why It Works
Canvas (Padded)	Summer wear, daily casual, travel	Yacht-sport + relaxed luxury	Makes the Smurf feel lighter and more wearable
Chevre Leather (Goat)	All-day comfort, refined casual	Clean, modern “quiet luxury”	Soft structure, doesn’t overpower the blue dial
Suede (Grey / Blue tones)	Weekend style, soft vintage feel	Cool muted contrast	Great if you want the blue to pop without being loud
Alligator / Croco (Blue / White)	Dress styling, formal, luxury emphasis	High-end boutique look	Matches precious metal identity perfectly
Ostrich Leg (Blue / Teal tones)	Statement piece, collectors	Exotic + rare Rolex energy	Adds texture without ruining the dial harmony

4. Our Top Replacement Strap Picks

Below are the strongest pairings we recommend based on what buyers actually want when searching “Rolex Smurf strap”.

Blue-on-Blue Pairings

(The Smurf Signature Look)
This is the “factory upgrade” look — like Rolex could have made it themselves.

Croco Blue Batman

Ostrich Leg Blue Batman

Canvas Electric Blue

Chevre Blue

Denim New Ink

Epsom Electric Blue

Epi Electric Blue

Neutral Pairings

(Most wearable, least risky)
If you want the Smurf to feel more sporty and effortless, this is the cheat code.

Croco Light Grey

Croco White

Suede Arctic Grey (Water-resistant)

Chevre Off-White (French Goat)

Saffiano Light Grey (Waterproof)

Canvas Trench (Extreme Padded)

5. Installation & Daily Use Tips

Tools You Need:

spring bar tool (fine fork)
painter’s tape (protect lugs)
clean surface + soft cloth

Pro Tips for Rolex Smurf owners:

Use tape on lugs — white gold scratches easier than steel
Avoid thick straps — the Smurf is heavy; thick straps can feel bulky
Consider softer linings — improves comfort and makes the watch sit better
Rotate straps — canvas for summer, suede for daily, croco for evenings

6. What Our Customers Say

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The Smurf is gorgeous but the bracelet made it feel too heavy for daily wear. Your grey padded canvas made it lighter instantly — now it’s my everyday watch.”

— Santiago D., Austin

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I didn’t expect suede to work on a white gold Rolex, but the Arctic Grey Suede makes the blue dial look unreal. It looks calm, expensive, and modern.”

— Maritza B., Barcelona

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Blue chevre is the most ‘Rolex correct’ strap I’ve tried. It matches the bezel without looking costume-like. The Smurf finally feels complete.”

— R. Barack., Osaka

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “White croco turned the Smurf into a summer flex piece. People notice it, but it still looks tasteful and clean.”

— J. Rollinson., Malibu

7. Related Models We Support

This guide is designed primarily for:

Rolex Submariner “Smurf” 116619LB (white gold blue dial)

Straps recommended here also work well for:

Rolex Submariner 116610 / 126610 (especially if you want a more modern strap look)
Rolex Submariner 116613LB (blue dial + gold/steel — similar strap logic)

If you’re unsure, the lug width and fit confirmation should be checked before ordering.

8. FAQ

Q: What is the lug width for the Rolex Smurf 116619LB?
A: The Rolex Smurf uses a 20mm lug width. Most straps should be ordered in 20mm, typically with a taper to 16mm for comfort and balance.

Q: What strap color makes the blue dial look even better?
A: Grey tones (especially Arctic Grey suede or trench canvas) make the blue look sharper and more vibrant. They create contrast without clashing, which is why grey is the safest upgrade color.

Q: Is white croco “too loud” for daily wear?
A: Surprisingly, no — because the Smurf already has a bright blue dial. White croco works when you want the watch to feel more modern and luxury-forward. It’s especially good in warm climates and summer styling.

Q: What strap gives the Smurf the most “luxury” look?
A: Blue croco and blue ostrich leg are the most premium-looking pairings. They match the precious-metal identity of the Smurf and elevate it beyond “just a Submariner.”

Q: Does suede get dirty quickly on a luxury Rolex?
A: Not as fast as people think. Grey suede hides wear well, and it’s one of the most “forgiving” materials visually. For best results, rotate suede with canvas or chevre depending on season.

Q: Can I use my original Rolex clasp on Liger straps?
A: Most Rolex clasps are designed specifically for bracelets, but if you have an aftermarket tang buckle or deployant, we can usually match sizing. If you’re unsure, send a photo and we’ll guide you to the best fit.

Footer disclaimer :

Liger Straps is an independent strap maker. We are not affiliated with Rolex SA. All brand names, watch references, and trademarks are used for descriptive purposes only. Strap fitment may vary depending on case year, lug condition, spring bars, and prior servicing.