Will Rolex Ever Release a Steel Watch on Oysterflex?

The Oysterflex bracelet is one of Rolex’s most significant modern developments. Introduced in 2015 on the Everose Yacht-Master 116655, it was Rolex’s first attempt at a rubber strap—except, as always, Rolex had to do it differently. Unlike most other rubber straps, Oysterflex has a titanium and nickel alloy blade inside, giving it more structure and stiffness just rubber.

Today, Oysterflex is only available on Rolex’s precious metal watches. It has completely replaced the leather strap option for the Daytona and Sky-Dweller while remaining a staple in the Yacht-Master lineup. But after nearly a decade of Oysterflex’s existence, many Rolex collectors wonder:

Will Rolex ever put Oysterflex on a steel watch?

The 10-Year Anniversary of Oysterflex: A Clear Pattern

Image Source: Swiss Watch Expo

It’s now been ten years since Rolex introduced Oysterflex, and in that time, one rule has held firm: Oysterflex is for precious metal Rolex watches only.

It started with the Everose Yacht-Master in 2015 and expanded to the Daytona (2017), Yacht-Master 42 (2019), and Sky-Dweller (2020)—but always on yellow, white, or Everose gold models. Rolex’s intention is clear: Oysterflex is not positioned as a “rubber strap” in Rolex’s catalog—it’s a luxury option.

While it might seem logical to introduce Oysterflex on a steel Rolex, this would break the pattern Rolex has carefully maintained for a decade.

Could Rolex Ever Break This Rule?

It’s unlikely—but if they ever did, the Yacht-Master would be an obvious candidate.

The Yacht-Master collection is Rolex’s most experimental model line. It’s where Rolex first introduced Oysterflex, where they debuted their first (wearable) full-titanium watch (the RLX Titanium Yacht-Master 42), and where they play with the most varied configurations—from matte-finished Cerachrom to multiple case sizes, dial textures, and colors.

If Rolex ever releases a steel watch on Oysterflex, it probably won’t be on a Submariner, Daytona, or GMT-Master II—those models are too desirable as they are. It would likely be on a model like the Yacht-Master, which has proved somewhat of a testing ground for Rolex’s new ideas (not as much as Tudor, but still).

Why Rolex Probably Won’t Do It

Image Source: Hodinkee

If Rolex made a steel watch on Oysterflex, it would appear on the surface as an “entry-level” Oysterflex-equipped Rolex. But in reality, it would become a hype watch overnight—selling for double or triple its retail price on the secondary market.

Rolex knows this. That’s likely part of why they haven’t done it.

Oysterflex isn’t just about comfort—it’s about reinforcing the prestige of Rolex’s precious metal models. A steel Rolex on Oysterflex would blur that distinction. Rolex is strategic about exclusivity, and putting Oysterflex on steel would make for a confusing catalog at this point. All this said, if I've learned anything about Rolex, it's to expect the unexpected. You really never know with the Crown.

The Best Alternative: Everest Bands

Rolex Submariner on Curved End Rubber Strap 

If you love the idea of a steel Rolex on a premium rubber strap, you don’t have to wait for Rolex to change their rules.

Everest Bands offers Swiss-made curved-end rubber straps designed specifically for steel Rolex models like the Submariner, GMT-Master, and Daytona. They offer the same level of comfort and fit that people love about Oysterflex—without waiting for Rolex to do something they probably never will.

Final Thoughts

A steel Rolex on Oysterflex makes sense in theory, but after a decade of Oysterflex exclusively on gold models, Rolex isn’t likely to break that pattern. If they ever do, the Yacht-Master would be the most logical place to start (in my eyes)—but even that feels like a long shot.

In the meantime, if you want to put a steel Rolex (or Tudor) on a premium rubber strap today, Everest has you covered. No waiting. No speculation. Just the perfect fit.

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