The Evolution of the Rolex Oyster Bracelet

Rolex has changed little of its design of the Rolex Oyster bracelet and Jubilee bracelet over the last sixty years. With each change, Rolex has made great advancements in the design but also the longevity of life of the Rolex bracelets. To focus on the Oyster bracelet, it originally had a flexible, rivet based system that was hard to adjust but incredibly sturdy for the time. Compared to today’s standards, it would be a weak, antiquated design though. Simply nothing compares to the strength of the current screw based Oyster Rolex bracelet.

The previous versions of the Oyster Rolex bracelets, on such watches as the Explorer and GMT, had a hollow center link and used an almost flimsy feeling clasp. The previous Rolex Submariner and Sea-Dweller at least had a longer more developed clasp. Each of the Rolex Submariners bracelets (Version – 93150,93250) and Sea-Dweller bracelets (Version – 93160) still had a “tin can” feel to them but had a built-in diver’s extension system that extends the bracelet to be able to accommodate a wet suit. The current versions of the Rolex Submariner and Rolex “Deepsea” Sea-dweller use a patented design known as the “glidelock” clasp. This glidelock design is made of solid steel and is welded and molded together. Unlike the “tin can” version of the Rolex clasps, the glidelock clasp design is incredibly sought after within the Rolex community. On Rolex watch forums, these clasps are seen to go for over $1400.00 and are instantly purchased. Pretty impressive for such a small item but actually worth every penny!

Another factor of the Rolex bracelet system that has also greatly evolved is the case attachment. Originally, all Rolex watches used spring bars that pierced the lugs. This lug hole, or spring bar hole was a very popular and actually rudimentary way to remove the Rolex bracelet. This simple, but perfect design, added to the “tool watch” mystique of the Rolex sports collection such as the Rolex Submariner and Explorer series. It made it extremely easy to install or remove the Oyster or Jubilee Rolex bracelets. Also, for the last forty years, the spring bars have always been 2.0mm wide. This larger, more robust width allowed for Rolex watches to be able to handle more stress around the lug area. Today, the pieced lug has been covered up. Additionally, the thinness of the lugs on almost every Rolex has increased dramatically. This additional width allows for a deeper spring bar hole, and adds a very masculine look to all of the Rolex Oyster Professional Series.

Everest Horology Products focuses on producing an incredible rubber alternative that works perfectly with the essence of the Rolex Oyster Professional series. Our Everest Band integrates perfectly with the Oyster bracelet, Oyster Clasp and the Rolex case itself.

The post The Evolution of the Rolex Oyster Bracelet appeared first on Bezel & Barrel written by Michael DiMartini.