Rolex Terminology Part I: Bracelets

The Oyster bracelet is a sturdy three-piece link metal bracelet that is usually seen on the Rolex Submariner, Cosmograph Daytona, GMT-Master, Sea-Dweller 4000, Explorer II, or Oyster Perpetual models. The Oyster bracelet was patented in 1947 but had already been introduced as early as the late 1930s, according to Rolex. Originally, the first Oyster bracelets were only available with straight end-links but came out with hollow flush-fit end-links seven years later. Solid end-links were only introduced later around the turn of the millennium. The Oyster bracelet can be equipped an Oysterclasp or an Oysterlock, which is a sturdier version of the Oysterclasp that uses a spring-loaded locking function with a safety-latch.

The iconic Rolex Jubilee bracelet is a five-piece metal-link bracelet that was designed for the first Oyster Perpetual Datejust in 1945. The Jubilee is also fitted with a concealing Crownclasp. To this day it comes with the Oyster Perpetual Datejust or Datejust II models. The Datejust 41 revealed at Baselworld 2016 is also fitted with a Jubilee bracelet.

Similar to the Jubilee bracelet, the Pearlmaster bracelet also has a five-link design, but with rounded links that underscore the elegance of the archetypal design of the Jubilee bracelet. It was released in 1992 for the Pearlmaster models. It also showcases the iconic Crownclasp.

The Rolex President bracelet was introduced in 1956 and was specifically created for the Rolex Day-Date models. Day-Date models of this day are still fitted with the President bracelet, but it can also be found on certain Lady’s Datejust models. This particular bracelet is only ever made from precious metals to match the watch it is worn with. It has refined half-moon-shaped three-piece links and showcases a suitably elegant Crownclasp. “President” has become the nickname for the Rolex Day-Date, even though Rolex has only ever given that designation to their watch bracelet. Lyndon B. Johnson is well known to have worn a Rolex Day-Date, likely cementing the nickname "President" for the Rolex Day-Date.

The leather straps that have been and are produced by Rolex are a lot more varied than their steel or precious metal counterparts. The first models that Rolex produced were mostly fitted with leather bands. These usually have a luxurious and practical deployment clasps, also named a folding Oysterclasp. One current model that is always paired with a leather strap is the Rolex Cellini.