Rolex Oysterflex Bracelet – 3 Things to Know

The Oysterflex bracelet combines the best of two worlds.

Before the Oysterflex came along, it was very hard to imagine a rubber strap alongside the robust steel and elegant gold cases of Rolex watches. However, with the advent of smartwatches in the early 2010s, customer preferences have slowly evolved to include the “sport luxe” aesthetic or a combination of luxury materials with a functional and athletic look.

Typical of Rolex, it adapted to the growing trend, but only with a revolutionary and compelling take on it. When the Rolex Oysterflex was launched in 2015, Rolex was careful not to call it a rubber strap – instead, it was introduced as a sporty alternative to metal bracelets.

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Everose Gold and Yacht-Master 42 White Gold 

Developed and patented by Rolex, the outer construction of the Oysterflex is made of high-density elastomer, a material commonly used for high-performance bushings of cars. At its core is a flexible titanium-nickel alloy, giving it shape and structural integrity. With the two materials combined, the Oysterflex boasts of the same durabiity of a metal bracelet, with the comfort of a rubber strap.

Another strength of the Oysterflex is comfort: it features a tiered design that lifts the watch up and away from the wrist, providing airflow and comfort, which are commonly lacking from other sport bands.

What’s more, it also features the Rolex Glidelock extension, a system developed by Rolex, which allows fine adjustment of the bracelet length by 15 mm, without the use of tools.

It first appeared on the Rolex Yachtmaster, followed by the Rolex Daytona range.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona White Gold ref 116519

Following the Everose Yacht-Master, the Oysterflex was made available on 18k gold models of the Rolex Daytona, replacing the leather strap. Today, it is available with the 18k yellow gold Daytona (ref 116518LN), Everose Daytona (ref 116515LN), and white gold Daytona (ref 116519LN).

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 White Gold ref 226659

In 2019, Rolex introduced the new 42mm Rolex Yacht-Master in 18k white gold, the largest size of the Yacht-Master to date. Like the 2015 Everose version, it comes with a black Oysterflex bracelet and kept the matte black Cerachrom ceramic bezel.

The Oysterflex made its debut on the Rolex Sky-Dweller in 2020.

2020 Rolex Sky-Dweller watches with Oysterflex bracelets (image: Rolex)

The latest collection to feature the Oysterflex bracelet is the Rolex Sky-Dweller, Rolex’s annual calendar and dual time watch created for global travelers. In 2020, Rolex announced an updated line-up of Sky-Dwellers in 18k yellow and Everose gold, equipped with Oysterflex bracelets.

The Rolex Sky-Dweller was previously available only with steel and leather bracelets. Now, with the comfort and durability of the Oysterflex, the Rolex Sky-Dweller is even more positioned to be a go-to for frequent travelers.