How brittle is the oysterflex rubber band on the YM?

[bjavor]

I love the looks of the rose gold YM with the rubber band, but I'm wondering: I had watches in the past (cheap ones, not Rolex) with rubber bands and if my memory serves they had a tendency to develop cracks in the band and break eventually.

I guess the oysterflex bands have not been around for very long to collect a lot of empirical data on it, and I have no experience with any other high quality rubber band either, but do you think this is a concern?

[sco]

Anything can break under stress and pressure. I would think you would be good for a long long time as the rubber used is very high quality...

[superdog]

Time will tell, but as I have been wearing it a few weeks, it does not feel even a little bit brittle.

It feels quite strong. Very high quality.

[busytimmy]

Probably depends on how much sunlight and saltwater it sees over the years. But one thing's for sure -Rolex would have thought of this and designed it accordingly


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[japenney]

I am curious what replacement cost would be compared to steel bracelet. Do you have to buy a clasp or can you buy just rubber...hmm i may ask AD

[superdog]

Originally Posted by japenney

I am curious what replacement cost would be compared to steel bracelet. Do you have to buy a clasp or can you buy just rubber...hmm i may ask AD

The clasp is metal. Gold actually. No need to rebuy that, if it were to come down to it, which is unlikely.

[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by superdog

The clasp is metal. Gold actually. No need to rebuy that, if it were to come down to it, which is unlikely.

Originally Posted by japenney

I am curious what replacement cost would be compared to steel bracelet. Do you have to buy a clasp or can you buy just rubber...hmm i may ask AD

Hello. I called rolex today and the replacement oysterflex straps are $280. They only need to take down the serial number and place the order. 2-3 weeks estimated delivery.

[77T]

First - it isn't rubber.
Second, it's integrated - not like the straps of old.

The Oysterflex has titanium blades, one on each side of the watch. These are coated in black elastomer (similar material used on the Apple Watch straps).

It is truly an integrated bracelet with a coating and anchored securely to the Yacht-Master’s case.

That's why it is different from rubber bands of old - and even some of the contemporary Rubber-B's, etc.