Rolex Oysterflex bracelet Guide
Rolex is famous all around the world for its watches, but the bracelets that the brand has developed and designed to be fitted on its watches have also gotten an almost iconic status.
The different bracelet styles developed by Rolex have become prime examples of how a bracelet should look – and many manufacturers have taken note.
Rolex is mostly famous for its metal bracelets, but also makes leather straps for some of its watches.
In more recent times, Rolex continued to build on its choices of bracelets by introducing a rubber strap – a first for the company.
In this article, we will go into detail about the Rolex rubber strap, also known as the Oysterflex bracelet.
Rolex Oysterflex bracelet – Does Rolex make a rubber strap?
At Baselworld 2015, Rolex introduced a new version of the Yacht-Master, reference 116655. This piece was a full gold version of the standard Yacht-Master in steel, but it did feature a number of changes. The instantly noticeable is, of course, the fact that the steel bracelet had been replaced by a rubber strap.
Since rubber straps on watches have become very closely associated with beach and water in recent years, it made complete sense that Rolex decided to fit the Yacht-Master on a rubber strap. For a sporty watch such as the Yacht-Master, the wearer needs comfort, water resistance, and uncompromising bracelet safety. The Rolex Oysterflex offers all of these things. Plus, it looks amazing and gives the watch a sporty look that goes well with the image of the Yacht-Master.
Since then, Rolex has released a number of more models fitted on the Oysterflex bracelet. This goes to show that Rolex is satisfied with the bracelet and the response it has been getting.
Rolex Oysterflex bracelet technical details
The Rolex Oysterflex bracelet is not your ordinary rubber strap. Rolex being Rolex, the company has incorporated a number of clever features into the rubber strap to improve performance but also comfort.
Rolex highlights that the Oysterflex is a bracelet and not a strap. You’d assume that this is typical Rolex trying to use the right words, but using the word bracelet instead of strap actually makes perfect sense when understanding the Oysterflex construction.
The Oysterflex bracelet is, of course, patented because it is not an ordinary rubber strap. It uses metal blades made of titanium and nickel alloy, which are then over-molded by black elastomer. This metal construction brings the benefit of making it more sturdy and durable, whilst still retaining the comfort of a rubber strap.
For additional comfort, the Oysterflex bracelet tapers towards the Oysterlock clasp.
In terms of tech, that is not all. On the inside of the strap, Rolex has also developed a raised rubber ”cushion”. These cushions flex and create a level between your wrist and the actual strap. The benefit of this is that it allows your wrist to breathe and prevents uncomfortable sweating against the rubber. These cushions also help make the watch sit more stable on the wrist.
Unlike most rubber straps, the Oysterflex does not have a tang buckle. Instead, it uses an Oysterclasp. When the Oysterflex was released, it only came with a 5mm Easylink extension system. But now, Rolex has incorporated the Gridlock clasp on some of the models that use the Oysterflex. This is a great addition as it allows the wearer to adjust the size of the rubber strap without the use of any tools.
Adjusting the size of a rubber strap is always a bit tricky since it’s not as easy as simply removing or adding a link to a steel bracelet. Instead, the Oysterflex comes available in several sizes, and then you have to choose the size that fits your wrist. This is why it’s great that you can adjust the size by so much, using the Glidelock.
Rolex Oysterflex and watches
In the writing moment, the Oysteflex bracelet is only available on full gold watches. The future will tell if Rolex chooses to introduce this bracelet for full steel models.
Rolex used the Oysterflex to replace all of the Daytonas on a leather strap. Today, Rolex makes no Daytona with leather straps since they were replaced with the Oysterflex.
The Daytona versions using the Oysterflex are also fitted with end links for fitting against the case. The Yacht-Master, on the other hand, sits directly against the case, creating a slight gap between the case and the Oysterflex bracelet.
Rolex Oysterflex bracelet sizes
The reference/part number for the Oysterflex bracelet is 350501. Then, Rolex uses letterings to describe the sizing of the straps, as the construction consists of two rubber parts, in turn, locked in place with the clasp. Depending on your wrist size, you may need one size to be longer than the other.
I have a black faced Daytona with a ceramic bezel. Can I put an oyster strap on it?
Hi,
Yes!
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
I have just picked up a Tudor Black Bay P01, which is a proper divers watch, but the madness is it doesn’t have a waterproof strap but some kind of Suede / Rubber composite that isn’t waterproof. Duh! Duh! Duh! I am now trying to find an Oysterflex equivalent with straight 20mm ends and a glide lock. Because of the P01’s unusual lugs, it also needs to be much shorter than normal. Any ideas?
Hi,
Yes it indeed a bit strange.
The straps for this watch is a bit tricky. Many have opted for NATO straps, but we have not seen it on a rubber strap.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
I have the 2020 Daytona in white Gold model 116509, solid bracelet. Do they do an Oysterflex for this model?
Hello,
The end link construction is different from the Oysterflex models, so it is not made for it, but an Oysterflex will still fit the watch, although it won’t be a perfect fit.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
I have a 116519LN and would like to change the bracelet to grey or white.
Is there any official source to do that or I need to go Amazon?
Hi,
The Oysterflex bracelet is only made in black, so if you want other colors, you need to find other straps.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Hi, will an oysterflex bracelet fit on a GMT ? If so, where to buy one?
Hi,
Yes it will fit, but since Oysterflex bracelets require the end links, you also need these for a perfect fit.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
@ Millenary Watches, Thank you.
Hi,
I have a Yacht-Master 126621 & thinking of getting an Oysterflex, is this advisable?
Thank you.
Hi,
Sure, why not!
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
I’ve just purchased a new Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (M116515LN-0041) Everose Gold with Chocolate & Black Dial. Can I replace the original Oysterflex (rubber) bracelet with a new leather strap?
Hi,
Yes, that is possible.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Great, thanks, but as per a reply from an official Rolex AD: ‘ The order of leather strap is exclusive to the owners of previous generation of Daytona which is discontinued , therefore I am afraid that we cannot assist you with the order.’
Therefore I’m considering to order a customized strap by combat-straps.com. I’m still a not sure if I would be able to use the original Glidelock from the Oysterflex on the new leather strap? I’d hate to have just a basic buckle instead of the original rose gold.
Combat Straps is suggesting that it’s hard to gauge length correctly on that oyster flex because of the fins under it that make that length wear shorter.
Can you please clarify if it’s possible to use the Glidelock on another strap? Thanks
Hi , will the oyster flex bracelet fit the Datejust 41? Do you know how much for the oyster flex?
Hi,
Yes it will fit, but it will not be a good fit and it is not something we would recommend as it won’t look very good.
The price for an Oysterflex varies between €400 and €800 depending on where you buy it.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
I have the new 41mm Submariner – will the 20mm oysterflex fit on it? Thanks!
Hi,
The Submariner has 21mm lugs. It will fit but it will not fit perfectly.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Good morning, does oysterflex fits at gmt master ii 116713ln ?
Thank you
Hi,
Yes it fits no problem. But there will be a gap between the case the strap.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches