Just like all of their popular timepieces, Rolex has created a unique niche for their bracelets. Distinguished
by their own names, distinct design aesthetics, and established histories, Rolex bracelets have invariably become an integral part of the illustrious brand’s success.
You might have noticed that whereas other watch companies use the term ‘strap’ for part of a watch, Rolex prefers the more specific term ‘bracelet’. Not surprisingly, Rolex dedicates extensive time and resources in celebrating the watch bracelet.
Whenever someone mentions the names Oyster, Jubilee, President and Pearlmaster in the same sentence, people who are familiar with watches instantly know what type of Rolex bracelet it refers to.
In addition to the original designs, Rolex bracelets have undergone various upgrades and adaptations to keep up with the demands of modern users. This has inevitably ushered in a myriad of fresh, contemporary styles to adhere to the trends, while blending its designs with traditional favourites.
Many people wonder what constitutes the ideal Rolex bracelet. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal taste. Generally, a Rolex watch is already sold with a bracelet that has been picked for it, which could make this decision easier for you. When considering a Rolex watch, it is important to look into everything, from the dial to the band, as these are integral parts for a great timepiece.
Click here to read our Rolex Bracelet Blog.
Here we take a closer look at the Rolex bracelets that are available on the brands timepieces.
Rolex is renowned for their commitment to producing only the highest quality products and materials for their timepieces. Therefore, it’s no surprise that in the early days of its wristwatch business, the company had Gay Frères, a famous manufacturer of metal watch bracelets, supply them with high-quality watch bracelets. It was uncommon for watchmakers to include mass-produced bracelets with the timepiece in those days, so people generally purchased bracelets separately.
Due to this, the price of a special bracelet could have been as much as half the value of the timepiece itself. The design of the Gay Frères bracelet is believed to be the predecessor to the Rolex Oyster bracelet, the oldest Rolex bracelet apart from the leather strap.
The Oyster bracelet consists of a three-piece link metal bracelet with wide, flat elements, giving it a distinctively robust and sporty appearance. It was patented in 1947 and initially featured straight lugs, before the hollow, curved ‘flush-fit’ end links were added several years later. Those were then changed again at the turn of the century to solid end links, which are still in use today. The Oyster bracelet is compatible with all Rolex clasps, the most popular of which is the Oysterlock clasp with a safety bar.
This classic look is found on both sporty Rolex models like the Submariner or the Explorer, and dress watches like the Datejust, the Daytona, or the Sky-Dweller. The Oyster bracelet also comes in different sizes, ranging from the smaller Lady-Datejust watch to the larger GMT-Master and Deepsea models. When it comes to classic and timeless style, there’s none better than the Rolex Oyster bracelet.
Since its debut in 1945 on the Datejust timepiece, the Jubilee bracelet has been a mainstay in the Rolex collection. Notable modifications have been made to the links over the years, including folded, oval, D–shaped and solid versions. Parts for the bracelet were once outsourced to specialists and certain bracelets were even made in the USA and Mexico with distinct oval–shaped links.
The bracelet has five–piece links that feature two different link sizes – three thinner interior links flanked by larger links, especially noticeable on two–tone Rolesor versions. It is a dressier style than the Oyster bracelet and comes in a variety of metal options and sizes.
Fitted with a concealed folding Crownclasp, which is a Rolex coronet lever that opens to reveal folding blades, the intricate pattern of the Jubilee bracelet runs seamlessly around the wrist. Recently, the Jubilee has been seen on the sporty GMT–Master II watch in a steel version.
Fit wise, it is often said that the smaller links of the Jubilee enable it to better follow the contours of the wrist for an even more precise fit. Production of the Jubilee bracelet with the concealed clasp ceased in 2018 when Rolex changed the design, ultimately creating an surge in interest and demand for the discontinued models.
Click here to read our guide on Rolex Jubilee Bracelets.
The President bracelet was crafted specifically for the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day–Date in 1956, and has since only been made available with this model of watch, and certain versions of the Lady Datejust in gold or platinum. It initially did not come with Rolex‘s Crownclasp, but this has been the case for every subsequent edition. The Crownclasp enables a seamless look along the entire length of the bracelet. Inspired by the Jubilee bracelet for the Datejust collection, the President bracelet has seen minimal change in design since its launch.
The President bracelet stands out as a unique design by combining elements of both the Oyster bracelet and the Jubilee. Its three-part link structure and special semi-circular links give it a dressier, more elegant look than the Oyster bracelet, whose flat-surfaced links are polished to a shine to capture the ambient light. Even though other brands have tried to replicate this design, the President bracelet remains a timeless creation with a distinct appeal in its own right.
In the mid-1960s, almost 10 years after Rolex’s President Bracelet was first released, it was officially named “the presidents’ watch”. This name came about because of the lavish use of precious metals and the fact that United States President Lyndon Johnson was seen wearing a yellow gold Rolex Day-Date. This had been publicised in a magazine advertisement.
In the 1980s, Rolex changed the official name of the watch from the Day–Date to the “Rolex President Day–Date Chronometer,” reflecting the close association between the watch and its distinctively designed bracelet. While the official name was short–lived, the “President” moniker stuck and has remained popular among Rolex collectors and watch enthusiasts alike. Ultimately, Rolex reverted to referring to the Day–Date simply as the “Day–Date.”
Click here to read our article on the do's and dont's for Rolex President Bracelets.
In 1992, Rolex designed the Pearlmaster bracelet, an elegant and luxurious accessory to be paired with its Lady–Datejust Pearlmaster watches. These exquisite watches feature diamonds and other precious gemstones decorating the dial, bezel, bracelet, or combination of all three.
The Pearlmaster bracelet features rounded five–piece links made from 18k yellow, white, or Everose gold which can be found with a pair of diamond–set links, or, for those wishing to make a more opulent statement, full diamond pavé.
In the early 2000s, Rolex also created special edition Day–Date “Masterpiece“ watches which featured a grand 39mm case and the lavish Pearlmaster bracelet. Although the brand captioned these pieces as “Oyster Special Edition“, they have since become widely known as the ‘Masterpiece‘ bracelet.
Whichever style of Rolex bracelet you are looking for, we are sure to have something to suit every taste. View our selection of carefully curated watches below. Should you not see what you are looking for, please feel free to contact us and one of our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you.
For further reading, click here to read our article on Rolex straps.
