INCOMING - Explorer I on Oysterflex

[mmalek1]

Wow, just wow! I love it. I recently joined the exp1 club a week ago. I can’t believe it took me this long to add this one. Now I want the OF band.

[Jojoshop]

That looks nice

[Boaters]

Looks really classy on the Oysterflex Big Congrats

[RolexWearinSonOfAGun]

Really enjoyed the write up and agree with everything you said. I recently picked up a 214270 while on vacation in Europe and love it to bits, for all the same reasons you mentioned. I may have to grab a rubber strap (or two) as well.

Cheers.

[Crown & Shield]

It's an Explorer on Oysterflex, what's not to like

[SodiumMonkey]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Wow Incredible responses and show of support my friends. Thank you all that commented and congratulated me. Being a daily the fact that I will get so much use out of this watch has me more excited than so many other amazing pieces I own or owned in the past! Thanks again Everyone!




I don't know the part number, but it's the one and only OEM Rolex Oysterflex Rubber Bracelet. Thanks!



The watch is an AD bought complete set with bracelet, hangtags, card (no stickers :( lol ). I already had the end links and straps and assumed they'd all fit but wasn't sure till I tried. They certainly work!



Thank you! Smartyendlinks.com



I don't hate the idea in theory, especially while comparing it to the RG YM. However, the big difference is the lug hole location. On the YM the holes are drilled much closer to the case than any other rolex (i know of). So it diminishes the gap between strap and case, providing that super clean look of the YM. The gap on this watch would be a lot bigger and I already know, not to my personal taste.



Smartyendlinks.com Aftermarket! Thanks.



Thanks my friend! You're a brave man. I let my kids run wild with my gshock but never a Rolex, not even this one haha! But either way, i'm glad you have a watch that you truly enjoy and live a carefree lifestyle with. That's the whole point right!?

Could you post a picture of the underside of the watch? I’d like to see how the endlinks, case, and strap all come together.

Unfortunately the endlinks appear to be out of stock at smartyendlinks.com

[thepress83]

Did the clasp that came with your watch fit the oysterflex or did you have to source a custom one and if so may I ask where you bought it? I just bought the oysterflex bracelet and want to do something similar but am not sure if the clasp will transfer over.

I appreciate any tips you can share.

[woof]

Thank you for sharing your story. I truly enjoy reading it. The EXP looks fantastic on oysterflex.

[cleanupinaisle3]

That works really well. Does the Oysterflex also fit on an OP39 then? I know the Rubber B is available as well but I like the look with the end-links. Gives a more 'integrated' rather than simply 'curved strap' look.

[Jerz616]

Originally Posted by 4srolex

Here are the PN’s for size EF & EE OF Bands. This is the standard size that come with Daytona so depending on your wrist size, you will have to order accordingly. I have the OF on my BLNR and it is very comfortable.




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Could you post a pic of your BLNR with the OF? I am getting the OF for my GMT LN and would like to see what’s in store for me. Also, do you have it with endlinks or without? Thanks.

[mobster600]

Love it

[Investr]

That is looking pretty sweet!!! My pleasure bro!

[junamuan]

Love your post.

I've been meaning to buy wifey a Rolex since she's been wearing my Sub lately. But I don't like ladies watches. I want unisex so I can also borrow it.
Exp comes in my mind.

[Chadridv]

Thank you all again for the kind words and support

btw: someone asked me about the pen and can't seem to find the post to quote it, but it's made by Nottingham Tactical. This particular pen is a collaboration with Triple Aught Design.

I know there are a lot of pen aficionados in the house, I am not one lol. I like to keep a couple high quality clicky pens around, but I really don't know that much about pens. That said, This one has a really nice feel and quality to it though as best I can tell.
https://tripleaughtdesign.com/shop/t...r-tad-edition/

Originally Posted by 4srolex

Looks sharp and clean. I think the OF Bands should be offered on all watches since they are so comfortable. I know there is a stigma that it's " a rubber band " but unless you have tried the OF band, it is very versatile and a great daily band.

Agreed. It's amazingly stylish, minimal, practical and rugged. Perfect for daily wear

Originally Posted by jonnyz1245

Nice and big congrats. I think it looks great on OF! You were the inspiration for me to get an OF for my 500LN and I love it.

Enjoy your new watch and thanks for the great write up and pics.

Always great to hear! The oF on SS Daytona is similar to this in the way it feels. Extremely comfortable with a really natural OEM feel with perfect weight balance. Better balance than the PM daytonas IMO.

Originally Posted by hbombkid

Looks good chad,

Just wondering did you use the end links from your Daytona C or did you buy new ones?

In no order here are the models that should give the option to purchase a oysterflex

Sub LN
Daytona C
GMT LN
Explorer

I agree about the options! It'd be nice if Rolex opened up the door to this. Unlikely but we'll see!

The end links are the exact same ones I use in my Daytona!

Originally Posted by SodiumMonkey

Could you post a picture of the underside of the watch? I’d like to see how the endlinks, case, and strap all come together.

Unfortunately the endlinks appear to be out of stock at smartyendlinks.com

Well as I mentioned above, these end links are from my Daytona. I also used them on my 116610, 16710, 126710, 116710 and 116500 and the ones I bought are made for a 116520 . So between all those models you can probably just pick brushed center or polished add it to your cart

Here are the pics you asked for...

Originally Posted by thepress83

Did the clasp that came with your watch fit the oysterflex or did you have to source a custom one and if so may I ask where you bought it? I just bought the oysterflex bracelet and want to do something similar but am not sure if the clasp will transfer over.

I appreciate any tips you can share.

And a pic below for you my friend...

The clasp is the OEM clasp that comes on the explorer. This is actually the first time I've used a brushed clasp on the Oysterflex and I have to say I much prefer it. The matte rubber and brushed steel contrast is amazing. Id you read the post above all the clasps from those watches (and a lot more) fit the Oysterflex (except for the 16710)

Originally Posted by cleanupinaisle3

That works really well. Does the Oysterflex also fit on an OP39 then? I know the Rubber B is available as well but I like the look with the end-links. Gives a more 'integrated' rather than simply 'curved strap' look.

Sorry I really don't know about the OP39. it'd look great though. It just comes down to whether or not the lug width is 20mm. If so you're good to go. However you'd need the end links, and I'm not 100% sure about clasp compatibility.

[4srolex]

Originally Posted by Jerz616

Could you post a pic of your BLNR with the OF? I am getting the OF for my GMT LN and would like to see what’s in store for me. Also, do you have it with endlinks or without? Thanks.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[4srolex]

Originally Posted by Jerz616

Could you post a pic of your BLNR with the OF? I am getting the OF for my GMT LN and would like to see what’s in store for me. Also, do you have it with endlinks or without? Thanks.

You have to get the endlinks to complete the factory look or it looks aftermarket IMO






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[sager]

Originally Posted by 4srolex

You have to get the endlinks to complete the factory look or it looks aftermarket IMO






Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

This really looks good.

Didn’t think the BLNR would look this good with the strap.

I guess a BLNR looks good with everything

[knightofgold]

Wow that’s beautiful. Where can I get the oysterflex? I want to do it on my explorer!

[Snow-Dweller]

Congratulations.

I find I’m enjoying my Explorer more than I expected.

[CalSRQ1]

Just looks great- endlinks add so much over an Everest strap

[MTdweller]

Wow. Great pics!

[hitman23]

never liked the exp 1, till now

looks great on rubber

[mfm22]

nice ! - have to go back and read how you were able to get the strap

anyone try an Everest strap ?

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Investr

That is looking pretty sweet!!! My pleasure bro!

As mentioned in the thread and to you privately. I plan to seriously bond with this watch! So grateful and pleased to have had your help with what is already a special piece for me. Thanks again bro!

Originally Posted by junamuan

Love your post.

I've been meaning to buy wifey a Rolex since she's been wearing my Sub lately. But I don't like ladies watches. I want unisex so I can also borrow it.
Exp comes in my mind.

oooooh slippery slope, sharing watches Hey whatever gets the watch home, i say go for it! Thanks.

Originally Posted by 4srolex

You have to get the endlinks to complete the factory look or it looks aftermarket IMO


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Looks great my friend! I've done the same in the past with both BLNR and BLRO. It feels a little more streamlined for some reason on the Daytona and Ex case size, but it's hard to not love the OF on any watch, especially with the end links.

Originally Posted by knightofgold

Wow that’s beautiful. Where can I get the oysterflex? I want to do it on my explorer!

Either classifieds or if you have a good relationship with an AD they might be able to hook you up! Thank you and good luck to you!

Originally Posted by mfm22

nice ! - have to go back and read how you were able to get the strap

anyone try an Everest strap ?

See above!

Yeah I have an everest strap on deck to get a good comparison. I might actually rock my blue everest on this for a bit of fun.

I have pretty strong thoughts on Everest vs OF. Overall very positive for both options. I've always given the slight edge to the OF, but that's mostly based on overall look and end link integration. Comfort is just about a tie, almost even give it to everest for slimmer strap profile and pliability. Price point is no brainer in favor of Everest! The OF comes in more than twice the price, and that's IF you can find one. Everest is just a click away. Also prefer Everest over Rubber B if that interests you just let me know. I have strong thoughts on that as well.

[smym18]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Also prefer Everest over Rubber B if that interests you just let me know. I have strong thoughts on that as well.

I ordered a Rubber B for my Sub that should be delivered to me any moment now. Curious, why do you prefer Everest over Rubber B? It was a difficult decision for me.

[Jerz616]

Originally Posted by 4srolex

You have to get the endlinks to complete the factory look or it looks aftermarket IMO






Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Which end links are you using?

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by smym18

I ordered a Rubber B for my Sub that should be delivered to me any moment now. Curious, why do you prefer Everest over Rubber B? It was a difficult decision for me.

Obviously all subjective.

Quality: Both products are excellent.

Overall Design: Simply prefer the natural curve that comes from the case on an everest. I don't care for the blocky faux endlink look on the rubber b. Don't like the way the rubber b comes straight out from the case and then curves down.

Comfort: I've always found the Everest to be more supple right out of the box. Combined with the varying curvature design I mentioned above I just find everest to be more comfortable.

Tang or No Tang:
This is a non issue with full tang straps, but my preference regardless of brand is to utilize the original clasp. I find the experience to be MUCh more enjoyable. I find the look to be more attractive. The functionality is much better as you can still use the micro adjustments, EZ link and in your case glidelock. I find Taking the watch on and off to be much more secure with much lesser chance of dropping the watch.

Clasp Only Straps: in regards to just the straps that use the original clasp, most of the rubber b straps are designed to be cut. Simply put, I hate that. I don't want to spend $250 on a strap and take a knife to it. I like that the everest bands are order to size just as the oyster flex is.

That said, I think rubber b offers order to size straps for the submariner and the SD43. So it's a non issue in those cases, but I'm speaking generally. and again, non issue if you prefer the tang strap.

Customer Service: I recently had a terrible experience with Rubber B customer service. While I told them I wouldn't go out of my way to share it (despite having a strong social media presence) I would share the story if asked about the company.

I'll keep it brief. I ordered their strap for my SD. As you all know, I have tons of experience tinkering with straps and bracelets. I have every tool you could ever need to perform strap changes. I often change straps on the same watch multiple times in a day (when I have some free time )

Anyway, I couldn't get one piece of strap to mount on my SD43. I tried both spring bars and both sides of the watch. Also tried the same on the piece that did fit and had no problem with either spring bar or either side of the watch. Called RB. They had me buy another piece and return the first.

Second piece arrives. I can't get it to mount.

For what I truly believe to be a high quality product I couldn't understand what the problem was. We don't need to further trouble shoot this here. I spent hours trying to get this strap piece to fit. Called RB and was basically told off by the tech.

He told me he knows exactly who I am and doesn't know what my endgame is here. He made it clear he had no intention of troubleshooting the problem any further and to just send the product back. He said he's seen that I post pictures of everest bands on my IG and on the forums and doesn't know what I'm up to. Said something along the lines of when there's smoke there's fire or some BS.

I'm no scientist, but there were only two possible explanations as to why the strap wouldn't fit. They sent me two faulty pieces or the watch case is slightly different than all others. Both are extremely unlikely, I get that. But the bottom line is that I wanted nothing more than to get the strap on the watch and enjoy it. And yes, if I liked it, which I'm sure I would have, there'd be a thread about it on the forum, with nice pictures, multiple posts and stories on instagram sharing my experiences with the strap. Exactly as I do with leather straps, rubber straps, different bracelets and all the other variety of bands I play around with on my watches.

The guy completely insulted me and called me a liar. It's unfortunate cause they offer some things everest doesn't that'd I'd be interested in but seriously don't think I can ever buy from them again.

[ale70]

Congrats! Looks really good!

[mbrown55]

where did you get a SS oysterflex? i thought they only came in Rose Gold.

thanks

[smym18]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Obviously all subjective.

Quality: Both products are excellent.

Overall Design: Simply prefer the natural curve that comes from the case on an everest. I don't care for the blocky faux endlink look on the rubber b. Don't like the way the rubber b comes straight out from the case and then curves down.

Comfort: I've always found the Everest to be more supple right out of the box. Combined with the varying curvature design I mentioned above I just find everest to be more comfortable.

Tang or No Tang:
This is a non issue with full tang straps, but my preference regardless of brand is to utilize the original clasp. I find the experience to be MUCh more enjoyable. I find the look to be more attractive. The functionality is much better as you can still use the micro adjustments, EZ link and in your case glidelock. I find Taking the watch on and off to be much more secure with much lesser chance of dropping the watch.

Clasp Only Straps: in regards to just the straps that use the original clasp, most of the rubber b straps are designed to be cut. Simply put, I hate that. I don't want to spend $250 on a strap and take a knife to it. I like that the everest bands are order to size just as the oyster flex is.

That said, I think rubber b offers order to size straps for the submariner and the SD43. So it's a non issue in those cases, but I'm speaking generally. and again, non issue if you prefer the tang strap.

Customer Service: I recently had a terrible experience with Rubber B customer service. While I told them I wouldn't go out of my way to share it (despite having a strong social media presence) I would share the story if asked about the company.

I'll keep it brief. I ordered their strap for my SD. As you all know, I have tons of experience tinkering with straps and bracelets. I have every tool you could ever need to perform strap changes. I often change straps on the same watch multiple times in a day (when I have some free time )

Anyway, I couldn't get one piece of strap to mount on my SD43. I tried both spring bars and both sides of the watch. Also tried the same on the piece that did fit and had no problem with either spring bar or either side of the watch. Called RB. They had me buy another piece and return the first.

Second piece arrives. I can't get it to mount.

For what I truly believe to be a high quality product I couldn't understand what the problem was. We don't need to further trouble shoot this here. I spent hours trying to get this strap piece to fit. Called RB and was basically told off by the tech.

He told me he knows exactly who I am and doesn't know what my endgame is here. He made it clear he had no intention of troubleshooting the problem any further and to just send the product back. He said he's seen that I post pictures of everest bands on my IG and on the forums and doesn't know what I'm up to. Said something along the lines of when there's smoke there's fire or some BS.

I'm no scientist, but there were only two possible explanations as to why the strap wouldn't fit. They sent me two faulty pieces or the watch case is slightly different than all others. Both are extremely unlikely, I get that. But the bottom line is that I wanted nothing more than to get the strap on the watch and enjoy it. And yes, if I liked it, which I'm sure I would have, there'd be a thread about it on the forum, with nice pictures, multiple posts and stories on instagram sharing my experiences with the strap. Exactly as I do with leather straps, rubber straps, different bracelets and all the other variety of bands I play around with on my watches.

The guy completely insulted me and called me a liar. It's unfortunate cause they offer some things everest doesn't that'd I'd be interested in but seriously don't think I can ever buy from them again.

Thanks for the in depth reply. I actually found Rubber B to have quick and helpful customer service. They helped me choose the right size for my Sub because I too want to use my glidelock clasp on the strap (hopefully it fits - I'll know shortly). I woudn't pay $250 for a strap I'd have to cut, either. It's weird that you got sent multiple faulty ones. Did you just end up returning it?

Since I sidetracked the thread - the Explorer still looks great on the OF