Rolex sports watches. Is the bracelet a huge part of the appeal?
Ok. Let's get something out of the way. Most of you guys hate to see a modern Rolex watch paired with a leather strap. I can't think of a brand other than Rolex where people seem to care about the bracelet almost as much as for the watch itself. But what about vintage models? 😄 Even though they still do look amazing on the Oyster/Jubilee bracelets, those old bracelets are not made to the same standards they are today. Some of them have hollow end links, the buckles can a pain and the whole bracelets can be fiddly. So the best way to freshen up the watch is definitely getting a new strap! But for some people, Rolex watches should only be worn on their original bracelets (especially when talking about their Professional collection). And I can see their point, because Oyster and Jubilee bracelets are a huge part of the brand identity and are very recognizable.
But I'm curious, how much do you guys care about the original bracelet? Do you look at a Rolex watch as a whole package where the bracelet is definitely a part of the appeal? Or do you simply don't care about the bracelet that much and like to try out different combinations?
We take pride in handcrafting our watch straps from the finest quality leather. Our strap manufacturing process is highly time-consuming, and each strap is meticulously handled with great care and att...
If I were buying a vintage Rolex, I would want the bracelet with it. The bracelet is part of the watch, and I believe it should come with the watch head whenever possible. That said, I'd have no problem wearing it on a strap.
I think it’s part of the package and particulary modern Rolex the bracelets are the best in the industry.
Vintage watches are fragile, fancy, and a spectacle. The old, rickety, stretched, rusty bracelets they came with are just as fragile and mostly useless. Just like people don’t replace a “patina’d” (crappy) bezel, so too do they not replace a vintage (useless) bracelet.
The original bracelet is always a must-have for any watch, but I like seeing vintage Rolex watches on a leather strap too.
For me, the Yacht-Master on a rubber Oysterflex strap is proof that a modern Rolex sports watch can retain its visual identity without the usual Oyster/Jubilee bracelet:
The catch is nothing else beats the look of a first-party Rolex strap -- especially since Rolex has gotten us so accustomed to seeing specific design cues in the strap and its hardware:
I think vintage Rolex models can look great on straps - an older battler scarred DJ or OP with a nice leather bracelet looks great. With the more modern sports models, I tend to have a preference for the bracelet, however I find that the appropriate strap can pair nicely. I recently tried my Sub on an Everest rubber strap, and quite like it, but part of the appeal is the way that it conforms to the case shape.
As @robbits has mentioned, a gold YM or Daytona on black Oysterflex looks every bit as nice (if not nicer) than the bracelet versions.
The response from Rolex when asked about straps has been (from what I've heard: "Why? We have made a perfect watch and the bracelet is a part of that watch". They don't even finnish in between lugs with a proper finnish because they don't see why anyone would take the bracelet of. My Blackbay36 is that way too. Very rough and industrial finnish between the lugs. I wear it on a MN-strap and actually find this oddity charming 😅
I'm a leather strap guy all the way but if the watch is made with the bracelet, I would only ever consider putting a strap on it if:
1. There's a strap option for the watch.
2. The bracelet is an afterthought for the watch - Think cheaper seiko watches and especially microbrands that do this often to cut on costs to focus more on the dial, case, movement, etc.
Bracelets are my least favorite way of affixing my watch to my wrist.
Rolex makes a nice one, but I'd still rather wear fabric, rubber, or leather.
If I were buying a vintage Rolex, I would want the bracelet with it. The bracelet is part of the watch, and I believe it should come with the watch head whenever possible. That said, I'd have no problem wearing it on a strap.
I agree, I would want the bracelet but would also wear it with straps in a heartbeat.
One of the problems with vintage bracelets other than wear and tear is the missing extra links. No box and papers for vintage watches when keeping those wasn't a thing is one thing (who collected watches way back then) BUT not having enough links for our more fat wrists these days (at least in American) can be a problem.
It's a good thing that my late 80s/ early 90s era DJ is 36mm and a little dressy so I don't tend to wear it as much these days because the bracelet is pretty tight now (30+ pounds adds a little bit of mm's to the wrist). While I am sure I have the extra links somewhere in the house, digging through almost 30 years of accumulated stuff to find them is daunting.
I love changing up the straps on watches but when it comes to Rolex I prefer it on the bracelet, not because that's how it should be but I just simply really like the bracelets on them.
That being said the strap oprions you posted on the vintage pieces look awesome.
I'm not bothered if it's on the original bracelet or a cheap £12 from eBay ,my wife goes mad about removing the bracelet
While I definitely prefer my Sub on bracelet, fitted straps look great on it too! Here is mine on several from Everest Bands 😎👍🏼
I think the bracelet is great, but no bracelet in the Sport watch category is so amazing to prevent me from still wanting to play around and customize.
I think the rubber with the deployment clasp is great option for a more casual everyday look and desk diving 😆
For most watches I have no issue swapping out a bracelet for strap, especially for most inexpensive brands. For a Rolex, I treat it like I do certain high end cars, OEM is generally best.
Another wild card: More often than not a Rolex on anything but an original bracelet is usually a replica, particularly on modern pieces. I know people do it, and good on them, but seeing an $11k watch on an $11 Barton strap is absolutely odd. The strap, even aftermarket, to me, should be of equal quality to the watch. I do appreciate it when I see folks wearing rubber bs, but I am not swapping a bracelet out anytime soon on mine.
I can't say the bracelet gives much appeal. But if I bought new, I would prefer to get one with a bracelet and use whatever later on may it be leather or rubber. These days I wear my Sub 114060 using a Zealande rubber strap because it just fits better since I've got small wrists.
Having said that, wear what makes you feel comfortable. Maybe someone has issues with 904L steel (which I do at times but only on the wrist area).
For the newer Rolex, I think their bracelets are class-leading and that is a huge part of the appeal. However, I agree that for vintage watches, that it’s no necessary. I think most vintage Rolexes look fantastic on leather straps, probably not NATO bands though.
Yes.
If it is a newer precious metal Rolex with solid bracelet then yes, it’s a must and looks odd to be paired with anything else IMO. But steel sports looks good on straps like Zealande or genuine Oyster Flex. Anyway it’s your watch, do what you want with it.
I agree with earlier comments about vintage watches coming with original straps, that’s a must in my book! It’s like driving a 1969 car with modern alloy rims? sometimes it works if done with class and sometimes it doesn’t.
Having said that … I do like sports watches on straps (I know it’s not a Rolex, it’s my 20yr old wedding watch)
I don't know why someone hasn't made a fitted rubber strap option for OP, Explorer I and Datejust models? Looks like the Dive lineup is set. Who's going to make these options for all Rolex models?
Personally, I like the look of a leather strap on vintage Rolexes. I think it fits the vintage look. I have the bracelet for me DRSD but don’t wear it since I don’t want to stretch it out. Currently has a thin leather NATO strap on it but looking for a different one. Would like one with a clasp.