Rolex GMT-Master II with Jubilee Bracelets | The Watch Club by SwissWatchExpo

The Rolex Jubilee bracelet is an icon in its own right. Introduced in 1945, it was created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Rolex.

The five-piece link bracelet is particularly loved for its flowing contours, comfortable wear, and lustrous shine that makes it wear like jewelry. It was specifically designed for the Datejust line, but as many Rolex fans would know, that is not the case today.

It also appears on the Rolex GMT-Master – the only Rolex sports watch commercially available with the iconic bracelet style. Let’s take a closer look at Rolex GMT-Master models paired with the Jubilee:

Rolex GMT-Master II Jubilee Bracelet Steel Watches: Pepsi, Sprite and Batman

A Bit of History on the Jubilee Bracelet

When the Datejust was introduced in 1945, not only did it become the world’s first automatic chronometer timepiece with a date component, but it also came with a specially designed bracelet for the collection — the Jubilee bracelet.

Steel Jubilee Bracelet (photo: Rolex)

Characterized by its five-piece link design and elegant appearance, The Jubilee bracelet is available in a range of metals, including steel, gold, and a two-tone mix of steel and gold. However, when it was first released, it was only made in gold.

The Jubilee bracelet has largely remained an option in the Datejust range of dress watches as it gives the timepiece a more formal appearance. However, since the late 1950s, the GMT-Master has been the only Rolex sports watch available with the Jubilee bracelet, equipped with either an Oysterclasp or a Crownclasp.

Steel and Yellow Gold Jubilee Bracelet (photo: Rolex)

Rolex GMT-Master Line and the Jubilee Bracelet

For a long time, the Rolex GMT bracelet series has been teetering between the Oyster and Jubilee bands. The inaugural reference 6542 was introduced with the Oyster, but from 1959 to 1989, within references 1675, 16700, 16710, 16713, and 16753, it was available on Jubilee and Oyster. That said, the GMT-Master was the first Rolex timepiece to be available with both bracelet styles.

Rolex GMT-Master Jubilee Bracelet Steel 1675 (photo: Christie’s)

The Jubilee has a five-piece, semi-circular link design, which appears more luxurious than the three-piece link Oyster. Because of the added number of links, the Jubilee bracelet catches the light beautifully and almost appears to be a piece of jewelry in and of itself.

While beautiful, one disadvantage that seasoned collectors point out is that vintage Jubilee bracelets require more maintenance due to their smaller center links, and don’t have the same solidity and robustness as their Oyster counterparts.

Rolex GMT-Master II Jubilee Bracelet Steel Yellow Gold 16713 (photo: Sotheby’s)

Today’s Rolex GMT-Master II with Jubilee Bracelets

The Jubilee bracelet has certainly kept up with the times. In 2018, the Jubilee bracelet returned to the stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master, in a more robust design that is specifically made for the collection.

This redesigned Jubilee bracelet first appeared in the GMT-Master II Pepsi ref. 126710 BLRO. A year later, it made its appearance on the GMT-Master II Batman ref. 126710 BLNR.

Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi Bezel Jubilee Steel 126710

The modern Jubilee bracelet is stronger than ever. While older models use hollow center links, the modern edition features a solid center link. These new versions also include Rolex’s proprietary Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents unintentional opening.

Additionally, the Jubilee includes an Easylink comfort extension link for a more snug fit on the wrist. This feature also increases the bracelet length by around 5 mm, while a discreet attachment system provides visible continuity between the bracelet and the case.

Rolex GMT Master II Black Blue Batman Steel 126710 /
Rolex GMT Master II Sprite Bezel Oyster Steel 126720

Today, the Jubilee bracelet is available as an option with three Rolex GMT-Master II models: the 126710 BLRO or Pepsi, the 126710 BLNR or Batman, and the new 126720VTNR or Sprite. The GMT-Master II Sprite, introduced in 2022, comes with a new green-and-black Cerachrom bezel combination and is also the first modern left-handed watch from Rolex.

This trio of GMT-Master II models often begs the question “Oyster or Jubilee?”. While you can’t go wrong with either option, those who will choose the Jubilee bracelet can enjoy a dressier appearance with equal solidity and robustness.

The Rolex GMT-Master II Jubilee exudes a sophisticated style while effortlessly combining superb practicality and robustness. Explore our collection of Rolex GMT-Master II Jubilee watches at SwissWatchExpo.com.