Rolex Bracelets and Straps

The Oyster bracelet is possibly the oldest bracelet variation. However initially this was not made by Rolex and was supplied by Gay Freres. There were 2 main reasons for this. When wrist watches were first being made, it was unusual for watch manufacturers to provide a strap with their watch and this was usually purchased separately. Rolex also used Gay Freres to manufacture metal bracelets, under pinning Rolex’s claim to use only the best materials for their products. The bracelets made by Gay Freres would later be appreciated on the oyster bracelet. It had a 3 row metal bracelet with wide and flat links. This design was considered to look robust and sporty. It was introduced at the end of the 1930s and then patented in 1947. At the beginning the Oyster bracelet had straight joints but a few years after the patent the hollow curved and flush fit end links were nestled into the case. It wasn’t until much later that the large end links we see today were to become a part of the oyster bracelet.

This bracelet type is usually fit onto Rolex’s sport models and designs, however more classic models can be bought with this popular bracelet design.

The Jubilee bracelet is just as iconic as the Oyster bracelet and was first introduced in 1945. The Jubilee bracelet was initially developed to be on the Oyster Perpetual Datejust, but is regularly seen on the other models today. The 5 row metal bracelet is characterized by its shape and contours. This bracelet is considered to be a more elegant and comfortable bracelet.

The President bracelet was initially created to be worn on the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date model in 1956. The bracelet is only made of precious metals and is always equipped with a concealed crown folding clasp. The three-row bracelet is clearly distinguished by the crescent or half moon shaped links which very harmonious and elegant.

The Pearlmaster bracelet was made to be worn on the watch to which it shares its name with and was released in 1992. Although this bracelet was designed to be worn with its name sake it can also be seen on special edition Day-Dates or Datejust. The bracelet is a 5 row and its links are rounded. The flowing design and concealed Crown-Folding-Clasp make this a discreet, elegant and soft looking bracelet.

The most recent strap that Rolex have released and initially placed on the Yacht-Master is the Oysterflex rubber strap. This is very different to other Rolex straps and has a very sporty look. Although it is made of rubber it has a elastic metal spring leaf core. This type of strap is super comfortable yet very sturdy and stable on the wrist.

Leather straps are less common on Rolex watches compared to metal straps, however initially Rolex watches were almost exclusively equipped with leather straps usually with a folding clasp. Even today some models can be bought with a leather strap.