Oysterflex bracelet longevity?

[atsauveur]

Hi everyone--

This is my first TRF post, ever. I have been on a months-long hunt for the perfect watch for me, and I think I have settled on the Yachtmaster Oysterflex (pictured here http://www.watchtime.com/cms/wp-cont...r_side_560.jpg).

As many of you are probably aware, the Oysterflex bracelet is an Elastomer material, and this is the first time Rolex has attempted to do something with a bracelet of this material.

My question is: given that this watch is an extremely large investment and will be a timepiece I wear (hopefully) every day for the rest of my life, is it unreasonable for me to have my doubts about the Elastomer bracelet's longevity? After all, it hasn't been on the market long enough for anyone to know just how well it will endure the tests of time. You can't argue with a steel bracelet, but an Elastomer one.... The price tag on that model is just too high for me to regret my decision 5 or 10 years down the line.

[GradyPhilpott]

Any strap will have to be replaced periodically.

I would expect no less of the Oysterflex.

As you said, it's too soon to know what the life expectancy would be.

Perhaps the Oysterflex can be serviced with the watch, if necessary, i.e, replace the elastomer only.

[jkf2112]

Originally Posted by atsauveur

Hi everyone--

This is my first TRF post, ever. I have been on a months-long hunt for the perfect watch for me, and I think I have settled on the Yachtmaster Oysterflex (pictured here http://www.watchtime.com/cms/wp-cont...r_side_560.jpg).

As many of you are probably aware, the Oysterflex bracelet is an Elastomer material, and this is the first time Rolex has attempted to do something with a bracelet of this material.

My question is: given that this watch is an extremely large investment and will be a timepiece I wear (hopefully) every day for the rest of my life, is it unreasonable for me to have my doubts about the Elastomer bracelet's longevity? After all, it hasn't been on the market long enough for anyone to know just how well it will endure the tests of time. You can't argue with a steel bracelet, but an Elastomer one.... The price tag on that model is just too high for me to regret my decision 5 or 10 years down the line.

The Oysterflex bracelet is a bracelet and not a strap which is important to distinguish because Rolex made it this way with longevity in mind. There is a patented special metal alloy--titanium and nickel--blade with the elastomer over the top. The idea is for longevity...we will see how it works out, but knowing Rolex with the level of testing that they put the watches through, the Oysterflex bracelet will likely have a lengthy wear-life.

[crowncollection]

time will tell imho

[jeffgo888]

with legendary Rolex quality, longevity is expected

[aagahi]

So I'm in the same boat with that watch but I did lots of research and that bracelet is a beast Bc it has fluorine added to it which apparently make it hold up like steel durability and temp rating of extremes and against corrosion and salt. I have the hulk and was either going to get the batman also or trade in the hulk and pay for the yachtmaster. I also want a lifetime everyday watch.

[japenney]

I would not worry about it. You might have to replace it once every 10-20 years. If you can hold onto it that long I'll buy it for you. Lol.