Coming from Omega, why are Rolex bands so dainty?

[Zanotti]

While looking at a BLRO or BLNR to add to my collection, I wore my Aqua Terra to the store to look. I was surprised that the Rolex band by comparison is much narrower and thinner.

It seems like a beefy watch with a dainty band. Why?

Is it weight, style, comfort?

A rather surprising result when looking at the watches in person was the weight difference of the bands vs the heads.

Z

[padi56]

Cannot understand todays why some think that weight is making anything better. The Rolex oyster bracelet made in their millions and myself have not heard of many that fail unless the weakest link in any bracelet the spring bars.Even the old style bracelets have been tested and will take over 525 lbs stress before breaking

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by padi56

Cannot understand todays why some think that weight is making anything better. The Rolex oyster bracelet made in their millions and myself have not heard of many that fail unless the weakest link in any bracelet the spring bars.Even the old style bracelets have been tested and will take over 525 lbs stress before breaking

I would add that a well known weakness of Omega bracelets from the past is the little pins that hold them together.
Rolex bracelets are an industry standard just like their movements.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by padi56

Cannot understand todays why some think that weight is making anything better. The Rolex oyster bracelet made in their millions and myself have not heard of many that fail unless the weakest link in any bracelet the spring bars.Even the old style bracelets have been tested and will take over 525 lbs stress before breaking

I take good care of my watches. I use my Rolexes probably no more than 50% of the their capabilities. I've never had a 5 digit (or pre 5 digit) sports watch that didn't require some type of bracelet repair after 10 years or less.

I didn't know any better in the past, but knowing what I know now, I find that unacceptable. That outdated bracelet is something that nearly had me jumping the Rolex ship about 4 years ago. Then I discovered the new glidelock and it opened the door back up to Rolex.

I totally agree with you Padi regarding the weight and "beefier" feel of a bracelet, not necessarily equating to quality. But quality and design still has everything to do with quality. The fact is the newer style Glidelock bracelet feels significantly heavier than my old 16610 bracelet. In this case I find the heavier of the two to be much much better.

I get why someone might jump to the conclusion that heavier is better, especially if they follow this design evolution that is evident within the Rolex brand.

All that said, while I find my Daytona 116500 clasp and bracelet, as well as my wife's 116234 clasp and bracelet to be totally acceptable quality, I find the glidelock on my sub to be miles above in terms of quality and design. To me it's the gold standard and towers above the rest of the industry.

I wouldn't be surprised to hear other brands (i.e. Omega) are rivaling or surpassing (non glidelock) Rolex bracelets.

[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by padi56

Cannot understand todays why some think that weight is making anything better. The Rolex oyster bracelet made in their millions and myself have not heard of many that fail unless the weakest link in any bracelet the spring bars.Even the old style bracelets have been tested and will take over 525 lbs stress before breaking

I concur......& IMHO, the older Rolex & Tudor bracelets are more comfortable

[Dirt]

Innovation by good design and classic elegance through a carefully thought out taper.
Omega like other brands such as TAG merely have a parallel bracelet because it's much easier to manufacture and hence cheaper.

In summary.
You get what you pay for.

[Beowulf]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Innovation by good design and classic elegance through a carefully thought out taper.
Omega like other brands such as TAG merely have a parallel bracelet because it's much easier to manufacture and hence cheaper.
You get what you pay for.

Tapered bracelets are probably not that pricier to make just due to that. They certainly have more SKU, but I doubt that will be a huge difference.

Originally Posted by Dirt

I would add that a well known weakness of Omega bracelets from the past is the little pins that hold them together.
Rolex bracelets are an industry standard just like their movements.

I'd say it depends here. Omega has some really,really good bracelets/clasps, and at the same time, Rolex has some really good bracelets (and clasps, like the excellent Glidelock) but just by itself they're not flawless.

Also, I prefer to see it as a per-model, case to case, not generalizing the brand. You can see that by the [stretchy/deformable] hollow links Rolex used (below you see the current Submariner vs older models with hollow links). To be fair, some are far from the best, IMO, yet people still buy models that use them.

(older hollow Rolex Oyster link vs current Rolex Oyster link)

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Zanotti

It seems like a beefy watch with a dainty band. Why?

Because that is how Rolex designed it and clearly how their customers like it.

[TonyD]

I hear what you are saying and the taper does make them look dainty sometimes. Especially on the DSSD for example. But in the end the thinner clasp section is made for comfort.

On some watches with big beefy bracelets the clasp digs in as you flex around all day.

My Ploprof has one of the best bracelets I've ever seen and its like its own piece of jewelry. Its a different goal.

[BiH115]

I can't think of a more comfortable, solidly built bracelet than the ones on my GMT-IIc and SubC. It feels meticulously over engineered, which I can't say for others brands watches. There's always a feeling of flimsiness, or excessive rattle, not so with the Oyster bracelet. The taper just adds to the overall look, and I think it's all positive, adds some uniqueness. When I put on another brand of watch with a steel bracelet, I honestly can't wait to take it off, but I suppose that'll come with wearing an Oyster bracelet 24/7 for months on end.

[rushca01]

Moving to Rolex from other brands that had bracelets as wide as 24mm I really enjoy the oyster and don't like wearing anything wider than the oyster now. Even my Pelagos feels too wide...

[Blackdog]

I'm partial to 5-digit references, that means the older Oyster bracelets/clasps. And I find them to be very rugged and over-engineered for the task. And even though the design is simple, the execution is immaculate !

These bracelets are very comfortable, and light. And have a classic look. I love the taper down to 16mm, for example. And are very durable. They've been known to be in professional service for decades, without fail.

The impression of flimsiness does not necessarily translate into a weak bracelet. Just like the impression of beefiness does not necessarily ensure strength...

But they do rattle. I'll give you that....

[kopykopy]

Taper is good.

[peterpl]

All 5 digit rolex bracelets feel tinny and rattle. Thats how they were made and I can understand when you come from an Omega PO or AP bracelet and then wear a Rolex one - well the difference in weight and feel is huge.

6 digit bracelets are better and feel more solid however they are still not that heavy when compared to others. In saying that I've never had a Rolex bracelet stuff up on me.

I felt the same way as the Op when I first ventured into Rolex and I've heard of heaps of people saying this so he does have a point. If your someone that likes to feel the heft your only option is a Precious metal piece - they are heavy.

[JnmEaton]

this guy is gonna be a popular, thread too..... subscribing, lol

[Thuilln]

I absolutely love the bracelets on the 4 and 5 digits. They may feel flimsy but they're definitely not, and they're supremely comfortable on top of that. I'd take a hundred of them before one from a Speedmaster.
As a matter of fact, the two bracelets I like the least from all my Rolex are the ones on the 214270 and the Air King 114210.

[Mystro]

I own many brands besides Rolex. The modern Rolex bracelet is miles better than anything else.

[peterpl]

Originally Posted by Mystro

I own many brands besides Rolex. The modern Rolex bracelet is miles better than anything else.

I'd have to disagree 1000% with this statement. AP bracelet on a RO/ROO is MILES better in comfort and feel than any Rolex bracelet. There is actually no comparison.

[Wildy]

I personally love the Rolex bracelet. Comfort all day long. The only other brand which I have owned with what I considered a more comfortable bracelet was an IWC Ingenuier, but the difference was negligible.

[Mastergreenhand]

I don't think they look dainty, unless you have a huge wrist, I guess that can factor in.

[tatery]

Rolex bands are quite comfortable and durable in my experience. The taper increases wrist comfort for me. It's a design that has stood the test of time already and still looks good / performs well. Not to say this is the only watch band worth having but it's the best in my limited experience that I've owned


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[breitlings]

I actually agree with the OP. Rolex bracelets are just not as good as breitling. the balanace is off the pins stretch. maybe the sd50 is different but I went with a daytona on leather strap because I didn't think Rolex bracelets were as good as the rest of their watch.

i do like the president though.

[AK797]

The taper on the DSSD is more dramatic but on the subc etc it is fine. I had Breitlings and Omegas that didn't taper and neither wore more comfy than the other.

[904VT]

Originally Posted by Zanotti

While looking at a BLRO or BLNR to add to my collection, I wore my Aqua Terra to the store to look. I was surprised that the Rolex band by comparison is much narrower and thinner.

It seems like a beefy watch with a dainty band. Why?

Is it weight, style, comfort?

A rather surprising result when looking at the watches in person was the weight difference of the bands vs the heads.

Z

Just different sized watches. I wouldn't call Rolex dainty by any means. Omega are typically larger watches. Though I'd be a bit confused if you thought the Aqua Terra bracelet wore heavier than the BLRO that is white gold.

[BiH115]

Originally Posted by 904VT

Just different sized watches. I wouldn't call Rolex dainty by any means. Omega are typically larger watches. Though I'd be a bit confused if you thought the Aqua Terra bracelet wore heavier than the BLRO that is white gold.

Not sure I understand either, the BLRO is 225g or so, while the Aqua Terra is what, about 150g or so? That's obviously with the case for both, but still.

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by BiH115

Not sure I understand either, the BLRO is 225g or so, while the Aqua Terra is what, about 150g or so? That's obviously with the case for both, but still.

I think he meant the BLNR or 5 digit BLRO... Maybe he didn't try on either... lol

[Zanotti]

Originally Posted by breitlings

I think he meant the BLNR or 5 digit BLRO... Maybe he didn't try on either... lol

Bullsh*t.

I tried on all of these:


At Bon Marche in Paris on September 9, 2017.

Z

[904VT]

Originally Posted by Zanotti

Bullsh*t.

I tried on all of these:


At Bon Marche in Paris on September 9, 2017.

Z

Did you feel the bracelets to be dainty even on the PM WG Sub and WG and YG GMT Master?

I could certainly see how you could feel that way about the SS Daytona Oyster or the OysterFlex bands/bracelets. PM are about as hefty/bank vault like as you can get, at least IMO.

Rolex also seems to do a very good job at balancing the overall feel/balance of the weight of the watch on a wrist from my experience.

Edit: See that is a Platona per breitlings below and the price. Now that's some serious heft and now I'm a and I'm thinking how they could be dainty

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by Zanotti

Bullsh*t.

I tried on all of these:


At Bon Marche in Paris on September 9, 2017.

Z

then you would not call the oyster flex dainty... It is the most robust rubber strap on the market with titanium insert. And you felt the platinum Daytona oyster is dainty???

I have some doubts about your claims. FWIW Breitling makes better steel bracelets imho, but once you get into gold platinum and oysterflex Rolex is very hard to beat. They do not do any lightening cuts afaik.

[Hands90]

Cause Rolex owners are dainty.