Let's talk about the oyster bracelet

[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

[Nicko]

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]

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

[sturgeon123456]

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]

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

[Colnago]

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]

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]

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

[chris russell]

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]

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

[dalip]

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....!

[DRAWTOOL]

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]

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

[DSJ]

I love the Oyster bracelet too.

[Prince]

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]

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

[BASSETHOUNDS]

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]

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

[sea-dweller]

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

[Eric88]

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]

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.

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]

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]

Love the Oyster...

but also love this one:

[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..

[Dan Pierce]

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]

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]

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

[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]

[rmfnla]

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.

[ingoodtime]

I know this thread is not current. However, I must say that the oyster looks great on my tt sub. But, I would love a jubilee or super jubilee on my GMTIIC