In 2015, the Oysterflex strap made its debut on Rolex distinguished marine-inspired line from its professional series. It provides a sporty alternative to metal bracelets as it does not compromise water resistance or reliability. It is as resistant as a metal bracelet. A Rolex watch’s appearance is not complete without its Oysterflex strap, even though the case, dial, and bezel arguably draw the most attention. Switching out a strap completely changes the watch’s look. However, it is not necessarily valid with other parts of the watch. Rolex takes its Oysterflex strap extremely seriously. It is instead a requisite part of the famous timepiece and not an afterthought.
Initially, the cerachrom bezel was made of white zirconium dioxide powder then mixed with pigments. This was to give it the desired final color. A high-pressure molding machine then creates a blank black bezel from the resulting paste. The bezel then hardens and reveals its final color after several firings at temperatures exceeding 1500 degrees Celsius. Precision machining using a diamond tool to cut the tachymetric scale is the third step. This is to give the bezel its final shape and size. Via a Physical Vapor Deposition process, the entire bezel is coated with a thin layer of platinum to fill the engraved numerals and graduations. Lastly, while the platinum coating on the numerals and graduations remains, the diamond polishing removes the platinum from the bezel surface. This final step is what gives the bezel its extreme lustrous appearance.
The Oysterflex Strap
The Oysterflex is the brand’s new version of a rubber strap. It is the latest Rolex strap to join the catalog. The Oysterflex may look like a customary black rubber strap, yet it is not. Because of the Oysterflex’s unique construction, Rolex insists on calling it a bracelet rather than a strap. The proprietary Oysterflex starts as a titanium and nickel metal alloy blade. With this clever combination, Oysterflex is both robust like metal yet flexible like rubber. This is because the metal blade alloy blade is coated with elastomer.
Some patented cushion systems resemble fins on the Oysterflex strap. This detail is crucial as it allows for much-needed air circulation. This is to maintain the sweatiness that rubbers straps at bay associate with it. Oysterflex was only available on the Everose Yacht-Master 40 and Everose Yacht-Master 37 during its first launch. However, the Oysterflex strap is available in various models, including white, yellow, Everose gold Daytona. These Oysterflex straps have replaced the leather Daytona models. Along with the 5mm Easylink extension system, finishing off the Oysterflex bracelets matches gold Oysterlock safety clasps.
The inside of the Oysterflex strap is equipped with a patented longitudinal cushion system that stabilizes the watch on the wrist to enhance comfort. This is to prevent it from turning around and maintaining centered on the wrist. The cushion system membrane is very comfortable as it is incredibly smooth. To prevent accidental opening, the respective case metal is equipped with a gold Oysterlock. However, you can move the solid link throughout the three small holes on the clasp’s interior, making the micro-adjustments feasible. In reality, this is a high-performance elastomer strap with flexible metal blades. The metal blades are fixed within the areas where the strap connects the case and the clasp to provide higher resistance.
Fixing of the Oysterflex Strap
This strap’s most prominent design flaw is that the Oysterflex cannot be sized to a precision fit even though the strap is extremely comfortable, pleasant, and well crafted. With the Oysterflex, one needs to get suited for the proper strap size while purchasing the watch at an authorized dealer, unlike other straps that get adjusted through holes or cut to the exact length. Not only does this make it impossible to have anyone other than the owner borrow the watch and try it. It also prevents the owner from making additional adjustments after purchase. When considering purchasing this watch in a secondary, this is a big issue and something that you must keep in mind. There are six different Oysterflex strap segments coded with letters.
The Oysterflex Strap Pricing
With a compelling wrist presence, all the three Daytonas wear true to their size on the wrist. Although all three models are very stunning, the understated 18K white gold reference 116519LN is the most preferred. These new Daytona credentials were all that was missing for this model’s lineup if you like watches on rubber straps. For 18K white gold, the sticker price is USD 28,800, for 18K yellow gold is $27 500, and for Everose gold is $28,800.
The Movement
A mechanical chronograph movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex due to energizing the new Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref 116518LN, 116519LN And 116515LN is in the house Rolex caliber 4130. To enhance reliability, the number of components for the chronograph function was reduced significantly. During the movement, a column wheel and vertical clutch mechanism engage the robust chronograph, allowing an instantaneous and exact start. Rolex manufactures the oscillator, the true heart of the watch having a blue Parachrom hairspring patented. Because the Parachrom is insensitive to magnetic fields, it offers excellent stability in the face of temperature variations. In case of shocks, it remains up to ten times more precise than a traditional hairspring.
Comparison Between Oysterflex Straps and Bracelets
Rolex bracelets don’t fit every situation even though they are famously stylish, rugged, and well-designed. One of the most significant ways to protect the bracelet from wear and tear is changing your OEM Rolex bracelet with one of our Oysterflex straps. You can limit the amount the bracelet will get scratched by switching it with Oysterflex straps because the bracelet is often the part of the watch that gets scratches the most.
All in all, Rolex uses the best straps to make the watches suitable for various situations. This is because watches can help define us as individuals by adding our style to watch designs the long pre-existed most of us.
