Bracelet comfort: Nautilus vs RO (15400 and 15202)

[bruinmd]

For those who've owned both (especially the 15400), how would you compare the bracelet comfort on the 5711/5712/5726 to the RO 15400/15202?

I am somewhat surprised that for as beautiful as the 15400 bracelet is, it's not the most comfortable fit (seems to catch on hairs, whereas my sub and daytona oyster bracelets don't).

I've heard non nautilus fans describe the nautilus bracelet as not sturdy, cheap feeling, etc, which frankly, I don't believe, and is something that's been put to rest in other threads.
So putting quality/finish differences aside, I'm more curious simply about fit and comfort of the Nautilus relative to the 15400 RO, and lesser so, to the 15202.

[pb2au]

Originally Posted by bruinmd

For those who've owned both (especially the 15400), how would you compare the bracelet comfort on the 5711/5712/5726 to the RO 15400/15202?

I am somewhat surprised that for as beautiful as the 15400 bracelet is, it's not the most comfortable fit (seems to catch on hairs, whereas my sub and daytona oyster bracelets don't).

I've heard non nautilus fans describe the nautilus bracelet as not sturdy, cheap feeling, etc, which frankly, I don't believe, and is something that's been put to rest in other threads.
So putting quality/finish differences aside, I'm more curious simply about fit and comfort of the Nautilus relative to the 15400 RO, and lesser so, to the 15202.

I have a AP 16320 Royal Oak Chrono and a 5980. Both watches are in steel. I find the AP both comfortable and substantial. I think the 5980 is my most comfortable watch. Barely notice it on my wrist. I prefer the PP bracelet all day long.

[ppalasthira]

I used to own the 15300. And I currently own the 5711.

The AP has a better, solid build quality. Seems more robust than the 5711. But the Nautilus wins by far in terms of comfort.

[tng11]

Nautilus is much better comfort wise. I found the 15202 bracelet very stiff and it had lots of scratchy edges that irritated my skin. The AP is the much more intricate and better crafted bracelet whereas the Nautilus can seem a bit "normal".

[bruinmd]

Originally Posted by tng11

Nautilus is much better comfort wise. I found the 15202 bracelet very stiff and it had lots of scratchy edges that irritated my skin. The AP is the much more intricate and better crafted bracelet whereas the Nautilus can seem a bit "normal".

Yes, exactly-- scratchy is a good way to put it.
Not the most comfortable bracelet, despite its amazing finish and attention to detail.

[SpunkyQ8]

Got both the 5711 and 15400.
The bracelet on Ap has sharp edges that tends to dig into my skin, I personally prefer the nautilus.

[Bearxj86]

I've had the 15300 and 15400 Royal Oaks and have also worn the 5711 and 3700 bracelets. I find the royal oak bracelets more substantial but they are "rough" and leave marks on my skin - not the most comfortable for me. The nautilus bracelet is like silk and is by far the most comfortable bracelet I have ever worn (a close second is Grand Seiko Snowflake titanium bracelet).

For me its 5711/3700 > Snowflake (titanium) > pre-ceramic Rolex bracelet > Royal Oak > Ceramic rolex bracelets.

[bruinmd]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

I've had the 15300 and 15400 Royal Oaks and have also worn the 5711 and 3700 bracelets. I find the royal oak bracelets more substantial but they are "rough" and leave marks on my skin - not the most comfortable for me. The nautilus bracelet is like silk and is by far the most comfortable bracelet I have ever worn (a close second is Grand Seiko Snowflake titanium bracelet).

For me its 5711/3700 > Snowflake (titanium) > pre-ceramic Rolex bracelet > Royal Oak > Ceramic rolex bracelets.

Interesting.
I definitely find my bracelets on my LV and 116500 to be far more comfortable than my 15400.

But that's great to hear about the Nautilus. It reinforces that these watches need to be gotten with the bracelet-- for me specifically, in contemplating bracelet vs leather strap for the 5726 I'm considering.

[V25V]

I have a 15300 (had a 15400 prior) and a 5711. 15300/400 is much thicker and robust but still very comfortable. The 5711, while lighter and a bit dainty in comparison, is probably the most comfortable bracelet I have ever worn.


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[jumpmandk]

I found the 5711 a little flimsy compared to the 26331ip - Not sure if it's the best comparison, but my 2 cents

[mojomomo]

I'm lucky to have a 15400, 5711, Speedmaster, and various Rolex watches on President, Jubilee and Oyster (with both Easylink and Glidelock).

As sacrilegious as it may sound, I find the Oyster bracelet with Easylink to be the most comfortable in terms of wear, flexibility, and comfort. The Easylink system is so quick and easy to operate. It's also robust and really well engineered. Where I live you go from cold to hot temperatures quite often so the Easylink is very appreciated.

The 15400 and 5711 bracelets are both amazing, but I find the 5711 bracelet and clasp to not be as substantial as the 15400. This is perception based on feel and not on the mechanics or engineering of the bracelets. The 5711 bracelet is solid and I wouldn't call it flimsy, "delicate" or "refined" or "fine" are more suitable terms. I find it a bit more flexible than the 15400 as the 15400 bracelet is quite thicker. The 5711 bracelet also pulls on my arm hairs every time, I rarely get that on the AP and never on any Rolex bracelets.

I've not owned the 15202 but I've tried it and that bracelet seems to be closer to the 5711 bracelet in terms of comfort as it's thinner, but still not as flexible as the 5711 bracelet.

One bit of advice is to always try wearing a new watch bracelet late in the day when your wrist is expanded to the maximum size, as that will be the time when you feel whether the bracelet is comfortable or not.

[jay_kay]

The Royal Oak bracelet on my 14790 is sublime. Slim and well finished, much more like the 5711 bracelet, which IMO is a nicer finish and feel to the newer AP bracelets which I find a little too thick and chunky.

[dwatcher]

Nautilus is of a better comfort for me. The 15202 bracelet is kinda stiff for my wrist. The AP is the much more intricate and better crafted bracelet whereas the Nautilus can seem a bit "normal".

[AK797]

Nautilus bracelet is light and maybe flimsy to some, bit like the old 5 digit Sub bracelets compared to the new ones. AP bracelet is better finished but not as comfy. For me the RG Naut bracelet is the perfect balance of refined luxury and comfort.

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by AK797

Nautilus bracelet is light and maybe flimsy to some, bit like the old 5 digit Sub bracelets compared to the new ones. AP bracelet is better finished but not as comfy. For me the RG Naut bracelet is the perfect balance of refined luxury and comfort.

I would second that. For a PM bracelet the Nautilus bracelet is amazing - like silk.

[Tomas Eriksson]

Speaking from a couple of years dailying a 15400... The hair pulling stops after a while and the bracelet will soften up alot after a while. Mine doesn't "stand up" like it did in the beginning

[Andrés G]

I had a 15400 and currently own a 5711. The 5711 has become my daily watch and is by far the most comfortable of the two.

[bruinmd]

Originally Posted by Tomas Eriksson

Speaking from a couple of years dailying a 15400... The hair pulling stops after a while and the bracelet will soften up alot after a while. Mine doesn't "stand up" like it did in the beginning

very helpful and good to know-- thanks.

[bruinmd]

Originally Posted by mojomomo

I'm lucky to have a 15400, 5711, Speedmaster, and various Rolex watches on President, Jubilee and Oyster (with both Easylink and Glidelock).

As sacrilegious as it may sound, I find the Oyster bracelet with Easylink to be the most comfortable in terms of wear, flexibility, and comfort. The Easylink system is so quick and easy to operate. It's also robust and really well engineered. Where I live you go from cold to hot temperatures quite often so the Easylink is very appreciated.

The 15400 and 5711 bracelets are both amazing, but I find the 5711 bracelet and clasp to not be as substantial as the 15400. This is perception based on feel and not on the mechanics or engineering of the bracelets. The 5711 bracelet is solid and I wouldn't call it flimsy, "delicate" or "refined" or "fine" are more suitable terms. I find it a bit more flexible than the 15400 as the 15400 bracelet is quite thicker. The 5711 bracelet also pulls on my arm hairs every time, I rarely get that on the AP and never on any Rolex bracelets.

I've not owned the 15202 but I've tried it and that bracelet seems to be closer to the 5711 bracelet in terms of comfort as it's thinner, but still not as flexible as the 5711 bracelet.

One bit of advice is to always try wearing a new watch bracelet late in the day when your wrist is expanded to the maximum size, as that will be the time when you feel whether the bracelet is comfortable or not.

very detailed and helpful post...............not having owned a Nautilus, but having owned two RO (15450 and 15400), I most definitely agree that the Oyster bracelets on Rolex are far more comfortable and versatile.

However, you're the first person I've read to say that the 5711 bracelet catches on arm hairs, or that it does so more than the 15400. I thought the hallmark of the Nautilus bracelet was its comfort, whereas other points such as whether it's considered 'flimsy vs refined' etc were up for debate.

[mojomomo]

Maybe it depends on the type & amount of hair on your arm? My friend also has a 5711 and similar arm hair as mine, and he complains of the same issue.

Not to take over this thread and turn it into a weird arm hair fetish thing, but as a reference here's a pic of me trying on the 5711r.

[walds11]

I haven’t tried a Nautilus bracelet yet, but I know for a fact the the AP RO doesn’t pull hairs and my arm is quite hairy.

[bruinmd]

Originally Posted by walds11

I haven’t tried a Nautilus bracelet yet, but I know for a fact the the AP RO doesn’t pull hairs and my arm is quite hairy.

Because the 15450 doesn't really cause that problem-- maybe b/c the bracelet is smaller?
I had no issues with it.
But the 15400 has been a different story..........larger bracelet, and it pulls more and you can feel the edges.

A poster above said it needs a break in period.

[walds11]

Originally Posted by bruinmd

Because the 15450 doesn't really cause that problem-- maybe b/c the bracelet is smaller?
I had no issues with it.
But the 15400 has been a different story..........larger bracelet, and it pulls more and you can feel the edges.

A poster above said it needs a break in period.

Good point, but maybe it’s all relative. I have thin wrists at 6.5”.

[shafran]

I find the 15400 is solid feeling like a rolex with sel. I find the nautilus is thinner, lighter and more comfortable, I almost forget I am wearing it sometimes.

[ap1]

The 5711 is a much more comfortable watch than the 15202 from my experience as an owner. The 15202 was a sparkly marvel though

[np2016]

The 5711 bracelet feels like a light cashmere sweater on the wrist! I normally hate bracelets I even converted my Roc to a rubber strap years ago.

[bruinmd]

......much appreciated.

Consensus so far seems to be the 5711/Nautilus bracelets in general are much more comfortable than the 15400/15202, with one exception on the poster who has the 5711r (the gold bracelet seems to catch arm hairs much the same way I find the 15400 ST to do).

[Horolojust]

I think the bracelet on RO are comfortable enough but it’s the clasp where AP starts to lose out on the comfort game. Not having quick adjustment like glidelock is a bit annoying but that’s equality the same for both AP and PP.


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