Incoming... a touch of gold and Oysterflex

[tng11]

This week, I finally decided to pull the trigger on my first PM Rolex.

For a while, I had been conflicted on the Oysterflex Rolex models. I was worried about whether it would stand the test of time, and a Rolex without a bracelet just seemed to be missing something. Went back and forth, tried the Daytona variations, but never could seem to do it. Never really paid attention to the Yachtmaster, as I never really liked the aesthetics of it.

Well, a few months ago, I finally decided to try the RG Oysterflex Yachtmaster on at the AD. At the time I thought it was nice, but it wasn't the kind of piece that I couldn't leave the AD without. Tried it on a few more times, but was still not sold on the Oysterflex.

In the meantime, I did a dry run by procuring an Oysterflex set and installed them on my SS Daytona. In the beginning, it felt a bit strange. The inside wings of the strap kept digging into my wrists, even with the strap on the outermost micro-adjustment. The sizing chart said I required an ED/EE set for the Daytona, but I had to wear it with the EZlink open during the summer months to make it comfortable. I ended up falling in love with it - once the fit was dialed in, it was definitely the most comfortable rubber strap I've had to date, and it was more comfortable than the standard Oyster bracelet to me.



During this time, the itch for a PM Rolex was getting really bad, and I knew it had to be scratched. I was going to ADs back and forth every week, trying on models such as the 116618LB, 116715CHNR, 116509, and the Oysterflex Daytonas. One thing I determined was that I wanted a gold piece with some colour (i.e. something not WG), but that full gold on bracelet would be too flashy for my lifestyle, at least at this time.

And then, I came back to the 116655. It was speaking louder and louder to me. I was averse to buying another Daytona as I already have the SS ceramic, and adding another Daytona seemed too redundant. And yet, I was still bothered by the lack of an EZlink.

As I had recently gotten a new job, I decided it was the right time to treat myself to a new watch, and as they say it, the rest is history:





The primary thing I love about this piece is how subtle it is, while still having the undeniable look and feel of gold. The bezel really stands out from the rest of the ceramic bezels in the Rolex lineup, with the polished markers standing proudly on top of a matte background, giving it a depth that the other bezels don't quite have. It has a very sporty, yet classy feel between the matte bezel and dial versus the polished gold surface.

In terms of sizing, my experience was that the fitting of the strap can be a bit tricky. Even though the chart said that an ED/EE was my correct size, when I took the set I had to the RSC to be fitted, it was super, super tight even on the outermost micro adjustment that I could barely close the clasp. The RSC took the EE off the new watch (off the shelf it came with an EE/EG), swapped it for an EF, and now my setup was ED and EF on the second micro adjustment hole. That ended up being the perfect fit, slightly loose, but not so loose that the watch would flop around. The lack of an EZlink is now no longer an issue for me, as I still have room to move out the adjustment by one notch.

I just wish that ADs would have the facility to try the different sizes on, as I've come to discover the sizing grid didn't work for me in either the Daytona or the YM. And it's also something to consider when buying outside of AD channels (I bought mine from another individual, but the watch was BNIB), as these straps aren't cheap. The RSC in Toronto advised me that they will not sell you the straps without conducting a swap, while you would have the privilege of paying them the equivalent of $330 USD for each piece. They did advise me however, that so long as the strap is new, that they would conduct the swap for free, and as my watch was BNIB, they did the EE to EF swap for free. If I had bought pre-owned, that little adjustment would have cost me $330.

Anyways, sorry for the long-winded post, but hoping that it'll help anyone considering an Oysterflex piece down the road!

[nuwildcat928]

Great, informative post. Looking at this same model. Congrats!

[emtee]

Lovely! Congratulations

[Odie-r]

Congrats Tom. She's a beauty!

[watchwatcher]

Fantastic watch, Tom...thanks for sharing the journey.

[rmlovett1]

Awesome looking watch! Congrats!

[ap1]

Love it, enjoy. Curious what’s your wrist size. Are you ed / ef on your Daytona? I’m ee/ee
Which seems to be the answer for 6.5

[mikkoi]

Great looking watch! Congrats and enjoy!


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[Cru Jones]

Great watch, congrats!

[mps354]

Love both on oysterflex...wondering how hard it is to source a set for my 16710

[Urosfan]

Congrats


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[AK797]

Congrats Tom, great choice as you have the D500.

[hodie9]

Congrats Tom. Definitely a beautiful watch and one I am looking to add as well.

[David5807]

Great post! I've been seriously considering purchasing one of the oysterflex Daytonas as my next piece but am undecided. Do you think that the band is very durable and comfortable? Also, do you feel as if the watch is too understated with the band on? And for the folks here with smaller wrists, 6.5in, does the oysterflex fit well?

[Indy11]

One of my favorites for sure, congratulations!

[Burlington]

Very cool watch

[ltmgeller]

Congrats!

[AJM914]

Congrats looks great!

[tng11]

Originally Posted by David5807

Great post! I've been seriously considering purchasing one of the oysterflex Daytonas as my next piece but am undecided. Do you think that the band is very durable and comfortable? Also, do you feel as if the watch is too understated with the band on? And for the folks here with smaller wrists, 6.5in, does the oysterflex fit well?

I personally don't think it is too understated - though that's more my hope than having it too flashy. It's comfortable and durable once fitted - if it's too tight, or your wrists are a weird shape, I can see how it would be uncomfortable. My wrist is less than 6.5 inches, especially now in the winter, and it's exceedingly comfortable.

[stylinleems]

Congratulations Tom!!! It definitely is a great piece and looks amazing on your wrist.

[FinWatch]

Congrats and Thank You for this post! Plenty of information; I’ve never thought that Rolex could work with rubber—this post changed my mind! I feel the same: full gold watches are sometimes just too much.... Great watch!


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[SLS]

Great info, thanks for the detailed right up and more importantly, Congratulations!

[jumpmandk]

Really stealth!

[Helmi]

Congrats Tom. For both the watch and the new job

[droptopman]

Great post. Congrats on the new watch and job.
Need to try one of these oysterflex models on one day.

[incontrol]

Huge congrats!


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[WatchinMD]

Looks great! Congrats

[HONDABBQ]

Congrats on the 116655. I'm several months away from acquiring mine but just broke the half way point in funds.

[Joearch]

Really solid looking watches. Like the Daytona on the oysterflex. Enjoy.