If you’re a collector of Rolex watches, you know that each model comes with its own style and personality. Whether you’re looking for a dressy or casual watch, there’s something for everyone.
However, even though Rolex offers many different types of watches on its website, there are some models that stand out among the rest – among those are models with Oysterflex bracelets, a type of high-density elastomer found on some modern Rolex timepieces.
Although it may look like an ordinary rubber strap at first glance, this material is actually crafted from highly flexible materials designed to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures while retaining its shape over time.
What Makes the Rolex Oysterflex Bracelet Different from Rubber Watches?
Rolex Daytona Everose 116515The Rolex Oysterflex bracelet is made from a type of rubber that’s more resistant to temperature changes, water, and cracks than other types of rubber. It’s called “Oysterflex” because it was designed to be used in conjunction with the Oyster case.
You get a rubber bracelet with a classic Oysterlock clasp and the durability of their metal bracelets. Down the center of the bracelet is a titanium-nickel core that gives the bracelet shape and support for both on and off the wrist. It’s the perfect combination of metal and elastomer that functions as well as a metal bracelet with the comfort that’s provided by a rubber strap.
The shape of the rubber, which is segmented into small tiers with a wing-like component underneath, allows the perfect airflow between the bracelet and the skin of the wrist. Even on warm days, you’re guaranteed the comfort you are familiar with in the metal bracelets.
These elastomer bracelets taper perfectly into the Oysterlock clasp on each watch that sports the Rolex extension system, allowing you to extend the bracelet up to 5mm for the best fit possible, or to give a little more room in the wrist during the hot summers.
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Most Popular Rolex Models with Oysterflex Bracelets
Rolex Daytona Oysterflex Models
If you’re looking for a Rolex Oysterflex model, there are several popular options. The Oysterflex bracelet is comfortable, durable, and stylish, making it a perfect pairing for sports watches.
Rolex has only released Oysterflex bracelets for models made from yellow gold, white gold, and everose gold thus far. There’s no information yet if they plan on releasing other models with steel or platinum yet.
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Everose Gold Yacht-Master 40 ref. 126655
Rolex Yacht-Master 116655 (left) and 116655 (right)
The Rolex Yacht-Master ref 126655 was not only the first Yacht-Master to be crafted in Everose gold, it was also the very first Rolex equipped with an Oysterflex bracelet. The luster of Everose gold is beautifully contrasted with the matte black sandblasted Cerachrom bezel with raised 60-minute graduations. A matte black dial with luminous plots completes the look.
In 2021, Rolex introduced a diamond-embellished ref. 116655, replacing the simplicity of the black and gold contrast with a dial that draws attention. The full pavé diamond dial surrounded by a matte black bezel and bracelet provides the shock value that a number of Rolex fans love in a luxury watch.
You get the incredible comfort of the Oysterflex bracelet while not sacrificing any style or luxury with a dial that will sparkle and shine as it peeks discreetly from your shirt cuff.
Everose Gold Yacht-Master 37 ref. 268655
Rolex Yacht-Master 37 268655The Rolex Oysterflex Yacht-Master 37 was released as a follow-up to the Yachtmaster 40 Oysterflex watch in 2015. It’s an elegant timepiece that features an Everose gold case, a black dial with luminous hour markers, and a 60-minute rotating bezel. The watch has a 37mm case diameter, making it ideal for both men and women who want something smaller than the standard size of 40mm but bigger than the traditional 36mm. It also has an 11.5mm thickness – a perfect middle ground between thinness and comfortability on your wrist.
The Oysterflex technology complements this model’s water resistance up to 100 meters below sea level; however, if you decide to dive deeper into waters with higher pressure levels, we strongly recommend removing your watch first.
This highly coveted model has an elegant balance between the matte black features of the Oysterflex strap and bezel and the Everose gold accents.
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White Gold Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226659
Rolex Yacht-Master 42 226659The Oysterflex Yacht-Master 42 is luxury personified but in a subdued and stealthy way. The case measures 42mm wide, which makes it ideal for larger wrists or smaller wrists with a deep desire for something bigger than the standard-size watches on the market today.
The 18ct white gold model features the Oysterflex bracelet combined with matte black details. The added elastomer strap and monochrome color combination hide the luxury at your wrist to perfection so you can feel safer wearing it anywhere. It’s stealth wealth, so to speak.
The combination of black and white gold is an eye-catching contrast, especially combined with the stark white luminescent paint on the dial and hands, and has been popular since its release in 2019.
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Yellow Gold Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226658
Rolex Yacht-Master 42 226658 (photo: Rolex)
The details of the Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226658 are highly noticeable with the dual contrast styling of this watch. The black dial with vibrant white markers, indexes, and hands makes it simple to gauge the time at a glance and the high contrast between the matte black bezel and Oysterflex bracelet and the yellow gold case draws the eye to all the best features.
The larger 42mm case and large features combined with the sporty bracelet and superb waterproofing features of a Rolex watch make this reference perfect for sports enthusiasts, especially water sports and sailing.
The Chromalight luminescence and large hands make it easy to read in the dark with a soft blue glow.
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Yellow Gold Daytona ref. 116518LN
Rolex Daytona Yellow Gold 116518
The yellow gold Rolex Daytona ref 116518 has become one of the most popular Oysterflex models since its release in 2017. You can tell it’s a Daytona by its distinctive black bezel, which has a tachymeter scale printed on it.
The iconic leather strap of the Daytona was replaced with the matte black Oysterflex bracelet, giving the sporty watch an even better and some might say rugged look.
The high contrast between the matte black bracelet and bezel with the warmer yellow gold dial and the case will draw you in and never let you go. This Daytona was the first to receive the Oysterflex bracelet and has radically changed how the watch wears on your wrist.
If you’re looking for something sports while still remaining casual for everyday use, the Daytona ref. 116518LN will fit your wrist to a tea. The yellow gold Oysterlock clasp sits on the elastomer bracelet perfectly countering the weight of the opposite case for a decadent fit and feel.
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White Gold Daytona ref. 116519LN
Rolex Daytona 116519LNThe Rolex Daytona ref 116519 LN features a steel case and black dial set with chronograph counters – a sleek nod to the sport that inspired this Daytona in the first place – motor racing. With the combination of robust Oystersteel and scratch-resistant Cerachrom ceramic bezel, it has become one of the most sought after variations of the Daytona.
The monochromatic theme of silver on black with the 18k white gold case make this timepiece a statement on your wrist. Furthermore, the combination of a 40mm case with the Oysterflex bracelet gives a fit to most wrists that you won’t find with metal bracelets.
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Everose Gold Daytona ref. 116515LN
Rolex Daytona Everose Gold 116515LN
The Rolex Daytona Everose Gold ref 116515 practically glows against the matte black bracelet. The options of a chocolate, sundust, and black dial only add to this effect. What’s more, the Everose-outlined hands and markers are filled with the Chromalight paint that glows blue for easy reading in dark conditions.
With all the features that accompany a Rolex watch, the Daytona is the epitome of luxury racing watches and the reference 116515LN doesn’t disappoint. With superior materials and a chronograph that tracks the hours, minutes, and seconds, you can have a taste of highly functional elegance right at your wrist.
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Yellow Gold Sky-Dweller ref. 326238
Rolex Sky-Dweller 326238 (photo: Rolex)
The yellow gold Sky-Dweller ref. 326238 is a sporty-elegant Rolex model with a unique design element that makes it stand out from other Oysterflex watches: the gold fluted bezel. The fluting catches the light for a flashier finish that lends well to dress, and formal aesthetics but blends seamlessly into more casual wear with the matte black Oysterflex bracelet launched in 2020.
The 42mm cases are the perfect sports watch size, but the Oysterflex bracelet conforms better to the wrist making it more comfortable on those with smaller wrists, despite the case size. This opens up sport-size watches to another group of luxury watch owners.
The Yellow gold reference comes with three dial options in white, champagne, or black and a cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for the reading of the date. The month is indicated by a small square above the hour markers. Each hour represents a month of the year, and the red square displays the current month by its location.
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Everose Gold Sky-Dweller ref. 326235
Rolex Sky-Dweller 326325The Everose gold Sky-Dweller ref. 326235 is the only other Sky-Dweller to sport the Oysterflex bracelet alongside the yellow gold in 2020.
Each Oysterflex bracelet is equipped with a gold Oysterlock clasp that features the unique Rolex Glidelock extension system that gives 5mm wiggle room when it comes to bracelet fit. A sliding link slips into notches to adjust the size of your bracelet giving you the capability to make it even more comfortable during those warm summer months.
Unlike the Yellow gold reference, the rose gold comes with three dial options in white, chocolate, or dark rhodium. As other Sky-Dweller watches the yellow gold and Everose Oysterflex models have the inner dial that allows you to track the time in a 2nd time zone.
If you’re looking for an elegant watch that can easily transition from day into evening wear- and back again – this may be just what you need!
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Rolex Oysterflex Watches: Final Thoughts
Rolex Oysterflex models are great options for anyone looking to get a sleek timepiece that’s as robust as it is comfortable.
While the Oysterflex raised eyebrows when it was first released, in the last 7 years it’s gained a considerable following that makes these timepieces highly sought after.
For a comfortable investment that will last you years check out the Rolex Oysterflex models available today at SwissWatchExpo.com.
