The Famous Rolex Oyster Bracelet

January 31st, 2020

The Rolex Oyster bracelet and its accompanied end-links have played a significant role in the brand’s history.

Ideally, they played a role as significant as the original Rolex waterproof case.

The Oyster bracelet flaunts a simple design, blending flawlessly with the functional lines of the GMT-Master and the Submariner.

However, the bracelet wears excellent on the wrist with its simple, functional clasp.

Rolex continued to add imperceptible touch-ups over the years to ensure that the Oyster bracelet remains the most functional around.

However, the classic styling and incredible degree of adaptability helped to make the bracelet an icon in the luxury watch industry.

Today, we will be exploring a little bit more details about the Rolex Oyster Bracelet. Continue reading below.

Also find out the differences between an Rolex Oyster, Jubilee, and President bracelet.

The Rolex Oyster Bracelet: History

The Rolex bracelets were initially made by the most popular supplier of bracelet – Gay Freres.

The company is ideally better known for manufacturing the bracelet for Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Zenith El Primero’s hollow-link bracelet.

However, Rolex’s association with Gay Freres dates back to the 1930s.

The company supplied a band with narrow parallel links known as the “Bonklip” (nicknamed as the “Bamboo”).
During that period, watches were typically fitted with leather straps. Metal bracelets were an additional option. Now:
When Rolex introduced the Jubilee bracelet in 1945, it achieved good popularity and success.
Eventually, Rolex and Gay Freres integrated to form an all-new sportier bracelet option.

Finally, in 1948, Rolex officially launched the brand-new Oyster bracelet as their second patented bracelets.

Rolex Oyster Bracelet: The Advancement

Rolex continued to produce the first generation of the Oyster bracelet until the 1960s. The bracelet consists of folded, hollow links that are merged with rivets.

Rivets are small studs or caps that stick out along the sides of each link.

However, this rivet-styled Oyster bracelet is specifically more popular among vintage lovers.

Like any new Rolex products, Rolex also made several improvements to the bracelet in its early years.

The most significant upgrade to the Oyster bracelet came into light in 1952.
The bracelet then featured a curved end-link, following the case shape and uniting two components perfectly.
However, Rolex fitted the upgraded bracelet to the GMT-Master reference 6542, introducing it in the mid-1950s.

Around 1967, Rolex released the folded-link Oyster bracelets.

Each link on the bracelet has a metal piece that is folded back over many times. Eventually, it forms a more robust and heftier build.

Moreover, the folded-link Oyster bracelet is thicker than its earlier version.
Additionally, the securing pins were now fitted on the inner side.

However, the subsequent generation of the Oyster bracelet features all solid links as well as, solid end-links.

The modern Oyster bracelets are more massive than the previous generations, offering a feel of incredible security.

The Rolex Oyster Bracelet: The Engravings

Each Rolex watch has its serial numbers. So, do Rolex bracelets have serial numbers?

Yes, Rolex’s bracelets also possess their specific serial or reference numbers.

The reference number is generally engraved on the last link. However, it varies according to the generation and specific type of the bracelet along with the end-links’ size.

Moreover, the manufacturer also offers reference numbers to the end-links for ensuring they match with particular cases perfectly.

Besides the numbering system, vintage Oyster bracelets can have the names of several manufacturers engraved on it.

Apart from Gay Freres, Rolex collaborated with many other companies from the 1950s to the 1970s for supplying their bracelets.
However, Rolex also integrated with the USA-based C&I for producing Oyster bracelets for the market of North America.
Thus, markings may also include the company’s logo engraved inside the clasp.

The Contemporary Oyster Bracelet

Just like many Rolex watches, the Rolex bracelets have also progressed to the level of status symbols.

Rolex initially offered the Oyster bracelet only in stainless steel. However, the bracelet is now available in all types of metal combination that the brand provides.

You will find the bracelet in 904L stainless steel, bi-tone Rolesor, 18ct gold (white, yellow and Everose), and also in 950platinum.

Nonetheless, the Rolex Oyster bracelet is ideally the most versatile bracelet that can combat any condition and suit any style.

However, are you looking to sell Rolex watches in London?