While it’s often overlooked, the strap or bracelet on your Rolex is nearly as important because of the watch itself. Rolex makes a number of the foremost iconic and recognizable bracelet designs of all time; however, there exist several different bracelet styles in Rolex’s catalog – additionally to a few different strap options.
Although the case, dial, and bezel arguably draw the foremost attention, a Rolex watch’s look isn’t complete without its bracelet or strap. In fact, we’d venture to mention that switching out a strap changes the design of a Rolex watch completely.
They are comfortable and well-made most Rolex bracelets and bands are. Additionally, not only does Rolex continuously improve upon the bracelets they have already got, but the corporation also introduces new ones.
While we watch-lovers often categorize straps into several well-established types consistent with style and material (NATO, leather, bracelet, etc.), in fact, it’s an oversimplification to lump all leather watch straps together.
LEATHER
Leather Rolex bands were in every early Rolex model including vintage Oyster watches. The arrival of Rolex tool watches — Explorer, Submariner, Milgauss, and GMT-Master — caused the dominance of metal bracelets within the Rolex Oyster catalog. On the opposite hand, because of the brand’s more traditional dress watch, Cellini watches have often had leather Rolex bands. All current Cellini watches are fitted with leather straps equipped with tang buckles.
In the early 2000s, Rolex revealed some special alloy Daytona models with colorful dials and even more colorful leather Rolex bands. Dubbed the “Daytona Beach” collection, these vibrant chronographs donned pink, turquoise, green, and yellow exotic leather straps.
There is an assortment of recent watches with leather Rolex bands like the Sky-Dweller, Daytona, Day-Date, and Datejust. The Day-Date 36 with leather is yet one more collection of colorful dial and leather combinations, including green, blue, Bordeaux, and chocolate. Completing these leather straps are matching gold folding Crownclasp buckles for straightforward adjusting and optimal security.
METAL
The Oyster bracelet has been a staple within the Rolex collection for quite seventy years. The links of the Oyster bracelet have always been flat and nowadays solid links, which give the bracelet its modern character.
The Jubilee bracelet’s five-piece links construction includes three thinner interior links flanked by larger links, one among Rolex’s dressier bracelet styles, available during a bevy of metal options and sizes.
The Rolex President bracelet has signature semi-circular three-piece links that are instantly recognizable and highly sought-after. Rolex only ever produces the President bracelet in precious metals—never in steel. There are yellow, white, and rose gold, also as platinum versions of the President bracelet. For ultra-lavish versions, there also are some diamond President bracelets available too.
The Oysterflex Bracelet
The newest Rolex bracelet to hitch the catalog, the Oysterflex is that brand’s version of a rubber strap. Making its debut on the Everose Yacht-Master in 2015, the Oysterflex may appear as if it were a standard black rubber strap. But in fact, it isn’t.
First, Rolex insists on calling it a bracelet instead of a strap. This is often due to its unique construction. The proprietary Oysterflex actually begins as a titanium and nickel metal alloy blade. That metal blade is then coated in a black elastomer. This clever combination means the Oysterflex is both robust like metal yet flexible like rubber.
Flip the Oysterflex bracelet over and you’ll find a patented cushion system that resembles fins. This detail allows for much-needed air circulation to stay the sweating typically related to rubber straps cornered.
