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Eric88 · 21 June 2010, 12:39 PM

Hey folks,

I'm fairly new on this forum and I promise I have searched for a similar thread to no avail. So before you throw me under the bus with an umm, click here newbie thread, please hear me out for a bit.

I've really become smitten by the oyster bracelet and how it integrates with the lugs and watch head to provide a fairly dramatic taper into the clasp. My least favorite feature is the bulky flip-lock clasp and this is accentuated my small ~6.5" wrists. Aside from this, the oyster bracelet (on my LV Sub and similar on my GMT Master) is simply beautiful.

The Rolex oyster bracelet is downright seductive. The way the lugs end a little bit sharply and the brushed bracelet tapers...it is drool-worthy for sure. I don't really love the flip lock clasp and how it stands out from my wrist, but the whole package looks so great that I really can get used to this.

I'm immediately drawn to the way the bracelet and the lugs work together. I keep looking down at the watch thinking, "yep, this is part of the 50+ years of Sub perfection...those guys really have nailed the bracelet/lug/watch case transition."

Does this resonate with others? I presume the lug/bracelet transition dates back to the earliest of Rolex days on the Sub and GMT models (perhaps others?) and I'm curious how much this plays into the overall desirability of the watch. Comments and photos appreciated!

Regards,
Eric

Nicko · 21 June 2010, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric88

Hey folks,

I'm fairly new on this forum and I promise I have searched for a similar thread to no avail. So before you throw me under the bus with an umm, click here newbie thread, please hear me out for a bit.

I've really become smitten by the oyster bracelet and how it integrates with the lugs and watch head to provide a fairly dramatic taper into the clasp. My least favorite feature is the bulky flip-lock clasp and this is accentuated my small ~6.5" wrists. Aside from this, the oyster bracelet (on my LV Sub and similar on my GMT Master) is simply beautiful.

The Rolex oyster bracelet is downright seductive. The way the lugs end a little bit sharply and the brushed bracelet tapers...it is drool-worthy for sure. I don't really love the flip lock clasp and how it stands out from my wrist, but the whole package looks so great that I really can get used to this.

I'm immediately drawn to the way the bracelet and the lugs work together. I keep looking down at the watch thinking, "yep, this is part of the 50+ years of Sub perfection...those guys really have nailed the bracelet/lug/watch case transition."

Does this resonate with others? I presume the lug/bracelet transition dates back to the earliest of Rolex days on the Sub and GMT models (perhaps others?) and I'm curious how much this plays into the overall desirability of the watch. Comments and photos appreciated!

Regards,
Eric

Obviously you put a lot of time and thought into this post, it's a shame no one has bothered to reply. If it were a joke or something silly I'm sure everyone would have been all over it....

Anyway, I own a 5513 Sub with an Oyster folded link bracelet and simply love it. IMO, a Rolex sans Oyster bracelet simply lacks something. The integration of the links to the case is splendid and shows just how much thought went into putting this together. Great post!

And welcome to the forum if I hadn't already done so...

Dr. Robert · 21 June 2010, 04:18 PM

The "oyster" style of bracelet, whether on a Rolex or other watch is my favorite bracelet.

sturgeon123456 · 21 June 2010, 04:35 PM

Personally, the way the brushed steel contrasts with polished gold centre links is a thing of beauty in my eyes. Wether it be on an oyster style or jubilee style.

Leasky · 21 June 2010, 04:50 PM

Yes, the Oyster combined with the smooth bezel makes a very sleek package indeed.

Colnago · 21 June 2010, 05:05 PM

It's true....but then again the Jubilee and the President are also design classics.....all three are heavily copied, that says a lot.....

Rolesor · 21 June 2010, 10:39 PM

Many people fret over how easy it is to scratch but I saw LONG LIVE THE PCL'S haha

To me the Oysters looks rugged / beautiful at the same time! It feels extremely well bit and secure on the wrist.. I love it!

The jubilee band is the epitome of comfort but I'm still an Oyster man all the way!

great thread and welcome to the forum!

Safetrends · 21 June 2010, 10:46 PM

The Oyster is a great band and it will not let you down.

chris russell · 22 June 2010, 12:33 AM

As some others mentioned, it has been copied by other mfrs., and that has influenced a couple of other purchases for me. My purchase of a Grand Seiko was partly because it has a clone of the Oyster bracelet. Anything more ornate and I would have passed on it. Similarly the Omega Aqua Terra 8500.

Just wondering; how do you feel about the way the lugs look in concert with the bracelet on the new maxi cases?

Safetrends · 22 June 2010, 12:37 AM

It is really sad when other watch companies are always copying Rolex. Why can't they design something different?

DRAWTOOL · 22 June 2010, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Safetrends

It is really sad when other watch companies are always copying Rolex. Why can't they design something different?

They do but it's usually crummy.

alpinab7 · 22 June 2010, 01:05 AM

When one copies...it's the greatest recognition of approval.

dalip · 22 June 2010, 12:47 AM

Great thread....welcome to the forum Eric....I enjoyed your reflections on the oyster....I have just put my gmt pepsi back on it after it being on a super jub for a while.....it's a fantastically designed bracelet....!

DSJ · 22 June 2010, 01:06 AM

I love the Oyster bracelet too.

Prince · 22 June 2010, 02:02 AM

Eric, I like the Oyster bracelet on a "tool" Rolex, such as the Submariner, Daytona or the GMT. I like the clean, uncluttered lines of the Oyster on these watches. However, I personally like the Jubilee bracelet on a DJ and the President bracelet on a DD. These bracelets, in my opinion, provide an added dimension of elegance that enhances these two watches.

Oysters are GREAT!!!

Dan Pierce · 22 June 2010, 02:12 AM

I love all the Rolex bracelet options and the Oyster is a timeless classic that just plain works.

dP

BASSETHOUNDS · 22 June 2010, 02:16 AM

I have to agree with Allan : I love the oyster on my sports Rolex's but somewhere "regret" to have bought the DJ2 that unfortunately comes on an oyster style bracelet . It doesn't seem to work for me : I have now decided to have a top quality leather strap made , with curved lug end and the original clasp integrated .

Quicksilver · 22 June 2010, 02:35 AM

The Oyster is an absolute classic - strong, functional and beautifuly designed.

sea-dweller · 22 June 2010, 02:44 AM

I love the Oyster myself and all of my Rolexes have them !

Eric88 · 5 July 2010, 12:14 AM

Thanks for all the excellent responses! I've continued to love the Sub's oyster bracelet, most recently noticing how comfortable it is when I'm wearing the Sub on stage performing (keyboard player) with my band. It is light and gracefully falls away from the watch head to allow secure placement of the watch head on my wrist. I can't stop looking at it! When I compare this to some other bracelets I've worn with other brands, the Rolex oyster wins.

bournehall · 12 July 2010, 05:21 AM

I just joined this forum today. I have a G/S GMT Master and would like to trade a jubilee bracelet for an oyster bracelet. Can anyone let me know if this is even a possibility? Thanks and I look forward to searching out this forum.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric88

Hey folks,

I'm fairly new on this forum and I promise I have searched for a similar thread to no avail. So before you throw me under the bus with an umm, click here newbie thread, please hear me out for a bit.

I've really become smitten by the oyster bracelet and how it integrates with the lugs and watch head to provide a fairly dramatic taper into the clasp. My least favorite feature is the bulky flip-lock clasp and this is accentuated my small ~6.5" wrists. Aside from this, the oyster bracelet (on my LV Sub and similar on my GMT Master) is simply beautiful.

The Rolex oyster bracelet is downright seductive. The way the lugs end a little bit sharply and the brushed bracelet tapers...it is drool-worthy for sure. I don't really love the flip lock clasp and how it stands out from my wrist, but the whole package looks so great that I really can get used to this.

I'm immediately drawn to the way the bracelet and the lugs work together. I keep looking down at the watch thinking, "yep, this is part of the 50+ years of Sub perfection...those guys really have nailed the bracelet/lug/watch case transition."

Does this resonate with others? I presume the lug/bracelet transition dates back to the earliest of Rolex days on the Sub and GMT models (perhaps others?) and I'm curious how much this plays into the overall desirability of the watch. Comments and photos appreciated!

Regards,
Eric

jnkay · 12 July 2010, 01:51 PM

The oyster bracelet is a huge part of my attraction to Rolexes. I love the classy taper down to the clasp. The fact that Rolex uses only 3 types of bands for the vast majority of its models makes Rolexes (and immitators) easy to spot. The only thing I wish Rolex had not done is to make the newest Oyster bracelets thinner, which was a cost-cutting move now that all of the links are solid. But, even those are growing on me as I wear my GMT-IIc and TT sub-c.

Speed · 12 July 2010, 02:14 PM

Love the Oyster...

but also love this one:

Dylan Wade · 12 July 2010, 11:22 PM

The Oyster bracelet was in fact the 1st thing I noticed on a friends Rolex years ago, it's sheer design and finish just oozes quality. This is why I just don't get the Nylon and leather changes some make on their Rolxes as this seriously downgrades the Rolex IMO but some do see it differently..

Dan Pierce · 12 July 2010, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dylan Wade

The Oyster bracelet was in fact the 1st thing I noticed on a friends Rolex years ago, it's sheer design and finish just oozes quality. This is why I just don't get the Nylon and leather changes some make on their Rolxes as this seriously downgrades the Rolex IMO but some do see it differently..

No reason you can't have it all.

dP

rmfnla · 13 July 2010, 03:28 AM

Very timely post; I just switched out the original jubilee band on my TT DJ for an oyster and I love it!

The smooth bezel didn't huirt, either.

The best part is I did it myself, and replaced the crystal at the same time. Very satisfying!

nauticajoe · 13 July 2010, 03:51 AM

The oyster, hands down, is a classic! We can tell a mile away its a Rolex because of the oyster.

MagedMS · 13 July 2010, 04:20 AM

I love the Oyster bracelets.. They are perfectly designed and machined.. Strong, Durable yet classic and good looking.. Looks Rolex from a distance even if you don't see the case.. I like also all the combinations of metals [ SS/SS YG/YG/WG]

rmfnla · 13 July 2010, 04:39 AM

One thing about those polished center links; they REALLY show smudges and fingerprints!

I thought I was OCD about my Rolex before; now I'm constantly polishing it against my shirt sleeve to keep it nice & shiny.

DG123 · 16 January 2011, 03:29 PM

I agree. One of the primary reasons I chose a silver colored dial was because I liked how the watch face and bracelet colors were nearly identical, creating an overall look which emphasizes the Oyster bracelet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MagedMS

I love the Oyster bracelets.. They are perfectly designed and machined.. Strong, Durable yet classic and good looking.. Looks Rolex from a distance even if you don't see the case.. I like also all the combinations of metals [ SS/SS YG/YG/WG]

21 June 2010, 12:39 PM	#1
Eric88 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: 88 keys Posts: 2,241	Let's talk about the oyster bracelet Hey folks, I'm fairly new on this forum and I promise I have searched for a similar thread to no avail. So before you throw me under the bus with an umm, click here newbie thread, please hear me out for a bit. I've really become smitten by the oyster bracelet and how it integrates with the lugs and watch head to provide a fairly dramatic taper into the clasp. My least favorite feature is the bulky flip-lock clasp and this is accentuated my small ~6.5" wrists. Aside from this, the oyster bracelet (on my LV Sub and similar on my GMT Master) is simply beautiful. The Rolex oyster bracelet is downright seductive. The way the lugs end a little bit sharply and the brushed bracelet tapers...it is drool-worthy for sure. I don't really love the flip lock clasp and how it stands out from my wrist, but the whole package looks so great that I really can get used to this. I'm immediately drawn to the way the bracelet and the lugs work together. I keep looking down at the watch thinking, "yep, this is part of the 50+ years of Sub perfection...those guys really have nailed the bracelet/lug/watch case transition." Does this resonate with others? I presume the lug/bracelet transition dates back to the earliest of Rolex days on the Sub and GMT models (perhaps others?) and I'm curious how much this plays into the overall desirability of the watch. Comments and photos appreciated! Regards, Eric

21 June 2010, 05:05 PM	#6
Colnago "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Bill Hart Location: Richmond, NY, UK Watch: Rlx=3, Tdr=3, Om=3 Posts: 3,053	It's true....but then again the Jubilee and the President are also design classics.....all three are heavily copied, that says a lot..... __________________ Bill "There's only three kinds of people in this world....those that can count....and those that can't" TRF's "JJ's" Bar & NightClub Patron

21 June 2010, 10:46 PM	#8
Safetrends Banned Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: David Walz Location: San Diego CA USA Watch: my hand. :) Posts: 9,156	The Oyster is a great band and it will not let you down. Attached Images

22 June 2010, 12:33 AM	#9
chris russell Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Peterborough, ON Watch: your mouth. Posts: 1,023	The Oyster bracelet is close to perfect in looks and utility. As some others mentioned, it has been copied by other mfrs., and that has influenced a couple of other purchases for me. My purchase of a Grand Seiko was partly because it has a clone of the Oyster bracelet. Anything more ornate and I would have passed on it. Similarly the Omega Aqua Terra 8500. Just wondering; how do you feel about the way the lugs look in concert with the bracelet on the new maxi cases?

22 June 2010, 12:47 AM	#13
dalip "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Dalip Location: Mumbai and Perth Watch: Rolex PAM Omega Posts: 18,656	Great thread....welcome to the forum Eric....I enjoyed your reflections on the oyster....I have just put my gmt pepsi back on it after it being on a super jub for a while.....it's a fantastically designed bracelet....! __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------ *"The liar's punishment is not in the least that he is not believed, but that he cannot believe anyone else." George Bernard Shaw*

21 June 2010, 04:18 PM	#3
Dr. Robert 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 64,258	The "oyster" style of bracelet, whether on a Rolex or other watch is my favorite bracelet.

21 June 2010, 04:35 PM	#4
sturgeon123456 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 2,551	Personally, the way the brushed steel contrasts with polished gold centre links is a thing of beauty in my eyes. Wether it be on an oyster style or jubilee style.

21 June 2010, 04:50 PM	#5
Leasky "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: Colin Leask. Location: Scotland, UK. Watch: 118238 YG DD. Posts: 723	Yes, the Oyster combined with the smooth bezel makes a very sleek package indeed.

21 June 2010, 10:39 PM	#7
Rolesor "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Brandon Location: Toronto, ON Watch: 116234 Posts: 4,150	Many people fret over how easy it is to scratch but I saw LONG LIVE THE PCL'S haha To me the Oysters looks rugged / beautiful at the same time! It feels extremely well bit and secure on the wrist.. I love it! The jubilee band is the epitome of comfort but I'm still an Oyster man all the way! great thread and welcome to the forum!

22 June 2010, 12:37 AM	#10
Safetrends Banned Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: David Walz Location: San Diego CA USA Watch: my hand. :) Posts: 9,156	It is really sad when other watch companies are always copying Rolex. Why can't they design something different?

22 June 2010, 01:05 AM	#12
alpinab7 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Bunratty, Ireland Watch: Explorer 2 Posts: 96	When one copies...it's the greatest recognition of approval.

22 June 2010, 01:06 AM	#14
DSJ "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: David Location: USA Watch: your step! Posts: 7,882	I love the Oyster bracelet too. __________________ Rolex. The Rolex of watches. 16570 Expy2 Noir, 116710 GMT Master II, 2552.80 SMP

22 June 2010, 02:02 AM	#15
Prince "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Real Name: Allan Location: St. Augustine, FL Watch: Daytona/Sub/GMT/DJ Posts: 20,323	Eric, I like the Oyster bracelet on a "tool" Rolex, such as the Submariner, Daytona or the GMT. I like the clean, uncluttered lines of the Oyster on these watches. However, I personally like the Jubilee bracelet on a DJ and the President bracelet on a DD. These bracelets, in my opinion, provide an added dimension of elegance that enhances these two watches. Oysters are GREAT!!! __________________ Member: Rolex Keeper's Society "You see, you can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself." - Rick Nelson

22 June 2010, 02:12 AM	#16
Dan Pierce 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: D'OH! Location: Kentucky Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3 Posts: 36,215	I love all the Rolex bracelet options and the Oyster is a timeless classic that just plain works. dP Attached Images __________________ TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club

22 June 2010, 02:16 AM	#17
BASSETHOUNDS Banned Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Tristan Location: GIRONA , SPAIN Watch: 116520/660/710/334 Posts: 7,147	I have to agree with Allan : I love the oyster on my sports Rolex's but somewhere "regret" to have bought the DJ2 that unfortunately comes on an oyster style bracelet . It doesn't seem to work for me : I have now decided to have a top quality leather strap made , with curved lug end and the original clasp integrated .

22 June 2010, 02:35 AM	#18
Quicksilver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: David Location: London+Guangzhou Watch: ing watches Posts: 2,603	The Oyster is an absolute classic - strong, functional and beautifuly designed. __________________ Rolex Sea Dweller 116600, GMT Master II 16710 (Pepsi) and 116710 BLNR, Daytona 116500LN, Submariner 14060M.

22 June 2010, 02:44 AM	#19
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	I love the Oyster myself and all of my Rolexes have them ! __________________ TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007)

5 July 2010, 12:14 AM	#20
Eric88 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: 88 keys Posts: 2,241	Thanks for all the excellent responses! I've continued to love the Sub's oyster bracelet, most recently noticing how comfortable it is when I'm wearing the Sub on stage performing (keyboard player) with my band. It is light and gracefully falls away from the watch head to allow secure placement of the watch head on my wrist. I can't stop looking at it! When I compare this to some other bracelets I've worn with other brands, the Rolex oyster wins.

12 July 2010, 01:51 PM	#22
jnkay "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: South Florida, US Watch: du jour Posts: 1,815	The oyster bracelet is a huge part of my attraction to Rolexes. I love the classy taper down to the clasp. The fact that Rolex uses only 3 types of bands for the vast majority of its models makes Rolexes (and immitators) easy to spot. The only thing I wish Rolex had not done is to make the newest Oyster bracelets thinner, which was a cost-cutting move now that all of the links are solid. But, even those are growing on me as I wear my GMT-IIc and TT sub-c.

12 July 2010, 02:14 PM	#23
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,706	Love the Oyster... but also love this one:

12 July 2010, 11:22 PM	#24
Dylan Wade Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: BC, Canada Watch: EXP II Posts: 545	The Oyster bracelet was in fact the 1st thing I noticed on a friends Rolex years ago, it's sheer design and finish just oozes quality. This is why I just don't get the Nylon and leather changes some make on their Rolxes as this seriously downgrades the Rolex IMO but some do see it differently..

13 July 2010, 03:28 AM	#26
rmfnla "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Richard Location: Los Angeles, CA Watch: TT DJ Posts: 4,456	Very timely post; I just switched out the original jubilee band on my TT DJ for an oyster and I love it! The smooth bezel didn't huirt, either. The best part is I did it myself, and replaced the crystal at the same time. Very satisfying! Attached Images

13 July 2010, 03:51 AM	#27
nauticajoe "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Joe Location: PA Posts: 14,774	The oyster, hands down, is a classic! We can tell a mile away its a Rolex because of the oyster.

13 July 2010, 04:20 AM	#28
MagedMS "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Maged Location: Egypt Watch: SUBMARINER 114060 Posts: 514	The Oyster Bracelet I love the Oyster bracelets.. They are perfectly designed and machined.. Strong, Durable yet classic and good looking.. Looks Rolex from a distance even if you don't see the case.. I like also all the combinations of metals [ SS/SS YG/YG/WG] Attached Images __________________ ROLEX SUBMARINER-114060/116610 LN/116613 LB ROLEX DEEPSEA-116660/116660 DBL/SD43-126600 ROLEX GMT II C-116710 LN/EXPLORER II-216570 BK ROLEX DAYTONA-116503 BLABR ROLEX MILLGAUSS-116400 GV

13 July 2010, 04:39 AM	#29
rmfnla "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Richard Location: Los Angeles, CA Watch: TT DJ Posts: 4,456	One thing about those polished center links; they REALLY show smudges and fingerprints! I thought I was OCD about my Rolex before; now I'm constantly polishing it against my shirt sleeve to keep it nice & shiny.

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