Rolex Rubber Straps Worth It?

[vesnyder]

I am considering getting a rubber strap to use on occasion with my GMT. Given I will only be using on occasion to mix up my OEM band, I am reluctant to pay the Rolex premium. For those out there that use the rubber bands regularly and have experience with several rubber band vendors, are the Rolex branded rubbers bands worth the premium?

Thanks

[BumbleB]

Originally Posted by vesnyder

I am considering getting a rubber strap to use on occasion with my GMT. Given I will only be using on occasion to mix up my OEM band, I am reluctant to pay the Rolex premium. For those out there that use the rubber bands regularly and have experience with several rubber band vendors, are the Rolex branded rubbers bands worth the premium?

Thanks

Rolex doesn’t sell rubber bands.

RubberB and Everest make Rubber bands specifically for Rolex (and other brands)


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[vesnyder]

So the Rolex branded "Oysterflex" are not Rolex OEM? Did not know that! Thanks!

[Guybrush]

Everest and Rubber B are going to be the clear winners in terms of reputation, and while I haven’t owned the latter I have owned (and still do) the former. I’ll say this: for a fitted leather strap that marries your watch perfectly, Everest probably can’t be beat (unless you go custom, I suppose). Excellent quality. For rubber, I’m not sure it’s really worth paying the premium. Just my opinion, but for an OP I owned, I tried out several options and was just as happy with a $30 strap I got from Amazon as I was with the $250 options. Even the springbars were a-ok. YMMV. But especially for just an occasional thing... FYI, about changing these straps: it can be a bit of work, as the fitted ends have to slot in just so and can require a lot of careful alignment and a good deal of pressure. Unless your watch has lug holes, it’s not necessarily a 2-second kinda deal.

You asked about putting a strap on your Rolex, so don’t be surprised if some of the experts here insist on telling you that only the original bracelet should ever be used on your watch. They’re going to want to make sure you know how wear your watch. :)

[Guybrush]

PS I don’t believe you can buy an Oysterflex a la carte from Rolex, but I’m guessing they’re not terribly hard to come by on the secondary market.

[shapiroeric]

Originally Posted by vesnyder

So the Rolex branded "Oysterflex" are not Rolex OEM? Did not know that! Thanks!

It is but it's more than just a "Rubber strap"....and it's my understanding you can't just call Rolex and buy one....only available for watches that actually came with it...

[BumbleB]

Originally Posted by vesnyder

So the Rolex branded "Oysterflex" are not Rolex OEM? Did not know that! Thanks!

Try to buy one and see how that goes...


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[David001]

Here is my experience with 'rubber' bracelets.

My original Oysterflex had seemed ok at first in the store but once out and about it was just too tight. My mistake and not Rolex's fault, so after wearing it for a week or so and not being comfortable I ordered another size and waited.

Rolex were taking a while to get it, so out of frustration I ordered a Rubber B faux-crocodile set and a copy Oysterflex set from ebay for $20 as a stop-gap solution until Rolex came through - I normally wouldn't be seen dead in anything counterfeit but I'm impatient and wanted to wear my watch.

In my opinion the $20 copy was more comfortable than the Rubber B, but neither were as good as the genuine set that I had fitted at an AD a couple of weeks later.
Both went into the trash once I had the genuine Oysterflex fitted.

The Oysterflex YM is the most comfortable watch I've ever had, it's not like magical or anything, but it is more comfortable than anything else I have - better than Omega Rubber Bracelets or similar stuff.

Honestly though, the copy Oysterflex frm ebay was pretty good and even though it hit the trash can at 100mph as soon as the genuine one came through I have to admit for $20 compared to the £550 Oysterflex it was remarkable.

The Rubber B one didn't impress me at all.

[BumbleB]

Originally Posted by David001

Here is my experience with 'rubber' bracelets.

My original Oysterflex had seemed ok at first in the store but once out and about it was just too tight. My mistake and not Rolex's fault, so after wearing it for a week or so and not being comfortable I ordered another size and waited.

Rolex were taking a while to get it, so out of frustration I ordered a Rubber B faux-crocodile set and a copy Oysterflex set from ebay for $20 as a stop-gap solution until Rolex came through - I normally wouldn't be seen dead in anything counterfeit but I'm impatient and wanted to wear my watch.

In my opinion the $20 copy was more comfortable than the Rubber B, but neither were as good as the genuine set that I had fitted at an AD a couple of weeks later.
Both went into the trash once I had the genuine Oysterflex fitted.

The Oysterflex YM is the most comfortable watch I've ever had, it's not like magical or anything, but it is more comfortable than anything else I have - better than Omega Rubber Bracelets or similar stuff.

Honestly though, the copy Oysterflex frm ebay was pretty good and even though it hit the trash can at 100mph as soon as the genuine one came through I have to admit for $20 compared to the £550 Oysterflex it was remarkable.

The Rubber B one didn't impress me at all.

OP thinks he can buy oysterflex for his GMT.

That’s not possible.

Rolex only sells oysterflex with models that came on an oysterflex and you cannot just buy an oysterflex bracelet from Rolex for a model that doesn’t come on an Oysterflex.


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[cotway]

I purchased two sets of oysterflex straps from my local AD. One was for an Explorer and the other for my full RG CHNR. I have never purchased a Rolex from them either. It can be done if you have a cool AD. Not inexpensive though...

[HogwldFLTR]

The OF adds a Titanium bracelet connecting the watch and clasp. This adds great security over a pure rubber strap. There is a cost associated with this even if one is able to obtain an OF bracelet. I looked at trying to get one on the secondary market and it was over a $600 purchase. The question is what does the investment buy? First, there is the issue of sizing which can be tricky. Second, there is the question of whether the OF is over engineered for its purpose. I personally have never heard of an Everest or RubberB strap failing. (I've seen pictures of the OF deteriorating and a Secondary Market one wouldn't be covered by any warranty.) I don't see the advantage of paying three times the price to go OEM for a watch which wasn't designed for the OF bracelet. I guess bragging rights cost!!!

[dnd2984]

OP Rolex AD will sell you this. My local mayors does this. It took him a bit to get the price but they do this. My buddy got a oyster and I bought a jubilee for mine.

[padi56]

Rubber B or Everest IMHO overpriced for what they are but once you associate anything with Rolex the price quadruples, IMHO these straps are no better quantity than on dive watches like top range Citizen or Seiko.And the Rolex Oysterflex are designed to fit the Rolex watch cases that use the Oysterflex straps only.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by dnd2984

OP Rolex AD will sell you this. My local mayors does this. It took him a bit to get the price but they do this. My buddy got a oyster and I bought a jubilee for mine.

Your AD will source an Oyster Flex for you? Can you show a photo?

[vesnyder]

op thinks he can buy oysterflex for his gmt.

That’s not possible.

i purchased two sets of oysterflex straps from my local ad.

ok?

[dnd2984]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Your AD will source an Oyster Flex for you? Can you show a photo?

I only have pics of the Jubilee Bracelet I bought. Oyster Flex was not purchased by me.

[joli160]

The OF is worth the premium, it’s not a piece of stamped rubber but a Titanium bracelet clad with rubber.

[BumbleB]

Originally Posted by vesnyder

ok?

It looks like some members have been able to source OF bracelets for non OF Rolex models.

I would like to see some pics of those, but more importantly: my apologies to the OP, it turns out i was wrong and apparently you can go to any AD and buy an OF. I was not aware of that.


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[David001]

Originally Posted by BumbleB

It looks like some members have been able to source OF bracelets for non OF Rolex models.

I would like to see some pics of those, but more importantly: my apologies to the OP, it turns out i was wrong and apparently you can go to any AD and buy an OF. I was not aware of that.


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The AD wouldn't sell them to me unless I took the watch in and they fitted it.
As far as I know they're not supposed to just sell them over the counter like an accessory.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by David001

The AD wouldn't sell them to me unless I took the watch in and they fitted it.
As far as I know they're not supposed to just sell them over the counter like an accessory.

So what's the issue; did their fitting it dissuade you or did go ahead? Having them fit one would seem like a no brainer to me.

If it can be sourced from an AD I'd appreciate someone who bought one through that route posting a photo!!