Development process

At Divecore, we take pride in the fact that the straps we offer is developed entirely from scratch. We don’t take generic straps off a shelf and simply stamp our logo on the buckle. That is not who we are. The HP, WFL and all future designs, are born out of our own creative and engineering process with a relentless focus on performance, durability, and originality.

Concept and Sketch Phase

The development of a Divecore strap begins with a pencil and paper. We start with raw hand-drawn sketches. No templates, no pre-made molds. These early drawings are where we lay out the core features of the strap, guided by a strict priority list:

1. Functionality

2. Durability

3. Comfort

4. Feel

We believe that every strap should first and foremost serve the needs of a diver. It has to be secure, reliable, and functional even under extreme conditions. 

Digital Modeling and Refinement

Once we are satisfied with the hand-drawn concepts, we bring the design into a 3D modeling program. Here, the strap is digitally sculpted to exact specifications. We pay close attention to tolerances, dimensions, and curvature. This step is critical for ensuring the strap works seamlessly in relation to the buckle, keepers and different lug types, spring bars, and dive watch cases. We design everything with the real-world use of a diver in mind.

Prototyping and Real-World Testing

With the digital model complete, we move on to 3D printing a physical prototype. This is where concept meets reality. The printed strap allows us to test fitment, articulation, function of the buckle, keepers and comfort on the wrist. Most importantly, it allows us to stress test key areas of the design.

The spring bar zone and the strap body are subjected to load testing. We hang weights from the strap to simulate the kind of stress a diver’s watch might endure underwater or during rugged use. Our benchmark for strength and integrity is inspired by ISO 6425, the international standard for dive watches. ISO testing requires, among other things, that a strap or bracelet can withstand a pulling force of 200 Newtons, which is roughly 45 pounds. We use this as a minimum standard and aim to go beyond it in our internal tests.

Finally, after the strap passes our tests and demonstrates to work smoothly, we begin mass production.