What is next for Rolex - rubber?

[Dan Pierce]

I sure as hell ain't gonna wait for Rolex to do it.
dP

[Vincent65]

Decades ago, apparently Rolex ADs used to offer 'Tropical' rubber straps as an extra/option on some of their sports models. So, it's not such a great leap forward. Been there before. I can see it possibly happening, but they'd be at least 350 bucks.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Decades ago, apparently Rolex ADs used to offer 'Tropical' rubber straps as an extra/option on some of their sports models. So, it's not such a great leap forward. Been there before. I can see it possibly happening, but they'd be at least 350 bucks.

Good point, almost forgot about that.
dP

[Aventura]

The success and valuation of Rolex watches is to keep the style with minimum variation and I do not think it is a good idea to launch rubber straps. Even more, I think that might harm them. Besides there is not much difference in prices nor think it's the Rolex policy of seeking to lower their prices.IMHO.

[Racerdj]

I'm hoping for a slight Daytona upgrade +2mm in diameter and ceramic bezel.

[Oboema Sesetokoe]

Finally a rubber bank of rolex? I wear my Daytona (REF. 116515 LN) with a RubberB strap. But I prefer original parts.

[jshepard]

If they charge it similar to a bracelet or a difference of $100 like they do for a speedmaster (bracelet vs leather), I'd still go bracelet then buy rubber strap later. I'm betting a rubber strap by itself will be significantly cheaper than a bracelet.

[robotkiller]

A high end NATO strap (ie like the Blancpain Bathyscaphe) would be a cool addition to include with the divers (along with spring bar tool). It will never happen.

[Cc1966]

After looking at the patent application, there seems to be some similarities between their old tropical strap and the one from the patent. They both appear to take into account wrist ventilation into the design. Points to non diver appeal also.

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Good point, almost forgot about that.
dP

That's the one!

[TimeOnMyHands]

Great post, learned much. Thx.

[chorne]

Around 1997, Rolex would still sell you a Tropic strap (with inox buckle, not a rolex buckle) for $17, this included shipping. An AD told me about these straps at that time. I called Rolex direct and inquired. The nice lady in NYC was surprised when I asked and doubtful that they had this type of dive strap available. She put me on hold so she could check. She was very surprised and happy to tell me that she had them in stock. I gave her my address, payment information and the straps showed up a few days later (I ordered two straps). I made a post about these straps on another popular watch forum at the time. Others were surprised and also placed orders. Soon after, I checked with this same lady at Rolex about ordering another tropic strap for my brother. She told me that they had sold out of them and would not be getting anymore. She said that soon after my order, there was a small flood of orders for the few that they had left in stock. Something tells me that I had something to do with this. Anyway, I still have both straps, unused, in an old box of collectibles. I tried one of them on my Submariner 14060 at the time and just felt it didn't look right. I do think it looks better without the endlinks that others add to their rubber straps. More functional, less about style. Anyway, I can see Rolex adding a blue form fitting strap, like a RubberB, to the Yachtmaster line or maybe a newly designed watch, but not so sure they would do it to the Submariner line. It will be interesting to see what is to come.

Chris

[K3VB]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

I sure as hell ain't gonna wait for Rolex to do it.
dP

Does the bonetto strap say bonetto on it anywhere or anything to distinguish its brand?

[Lucky777]

Never too early to speculate about Basel, after this years Basel releases everyone was already predicting 2014...not sure about this one but my gut says no.

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by Roll the Lex

What will it be called? Because it can't be just called a rubber strap...
Rubblex? Rolbber?

I'm going with Rubbesor or Super Rubbinova.

[versatile1]

But you know if they offered rubber on a Deep Sea or a Sub that rolex would change the ref number on the watch so you couldn't order it as on "option" for your existing one.