Last month we took a look at the Yacht-Master Rolex which was unveiled at Baselworld 2015. The watch made a very well-received debut and was an extremely exciting addition to the company's range. The watch was a serious departure from the Yacht-Masters of old. Everyone was shocked to see Rolex abandoning the classic metal bracelet in favour of the all-new Oysterflex rubber bracelet.
The Age-Old Rubber Strap
Rubber straps are often present on sport-style and diving watches, so the rubber strap on the Oysterflex does not look out of place. However it is of course a far cry from the simple strap used on regular sports watches and is inkeeping with the Rolex range.
A regular rubber watch strap is perfectly simple. It is a length of rubber that has holes at either end to attach it to the watch. In the middle of the strap, there is of course a buckle to allow the two sides to be fastened. The strap itself, though, is based entirely on the rubber. To some, this is the beauty of the rubber strap which is flexible and does not get as dirty as a metal surface.
The Difference
Unsurprisingly, Rolex have improved even this simple and effective design. The difference between the Oysterflex rubber bracelet and a traditional rubber strap is that the Osyterflex is a two-piece titanium bracelet that is concealed in a rubber coating. Rubber straps are also usually injection-moulded.
Even the name of the Oysterflex is very particular. Rolex refer to this as a bracelet and not merely a strap. The inclusion of the two titanium blades is a classic Rolex touch; light and exceptionally strong, it once again demonstrates the company’s ability to manufacture things using the very finest materials available.
Contrasting with the black rubber is a solid Everose gold Oysterlock clasp; this offers the same trusted and secure fastening system that has been present on other Rolex watches. It features the same excellent clasp system used on metal bracelets. The underside of the strap consists of specially placed ridges and bumps - each designed to lift the watch off the wrist slightly and let it breathe. This prevents it from becoming suffocated - particularly beneficial in warmer climates and during strenuous exercise.
The proof of the pudding of course, is in the wearing. The Oysterflex is rigid, as you would expect with a metal base. And yet, that strange, cold feeling that you get when a metal bracelet first goes on to your wrist is absent. It's replaced instead by a silky surface that is instantly comfortable.