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The Complete Guide To The Perfect 2024 UK Fake Rolex Watches Oyster Bracelet, From 1948 To Present

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This guide explains the Rolex Oyster bracelet, especially as it pertains to the Submariner dive watch. It will compliment our other guides on collecting your first best Rolex replica watches as well as on digging into the nitty-gritty of neo-vintage, vintage and pre-owned Rolex.

While collecting UK AAA Rolex fake watches like the Rolex GMT Master, the Daytona, Submariner and others will always be the main focus—and even though the prices on Rolex sport watches have been falling lately as pandemic collectors leave the scene—the “correct” or “incorrect” Oyster bracelet can make or break a specific Rolex acquisition. Condition is one thing: Those loose pins that hold the links together can cause the bracelet to sag and rattle, or even fall apart. However, for collectors it’s even more important that the Oyster bracelet historically matches the watch you’re collecting—that it is, as the Rollie-heads say, “correct for that reference.” If you’re going to collect Rolex, and especially the Submariner, it’s paramount to understand the Oyster bracelet for this reason.

While some might argue that the Jubilee bracelet is just as iconic than the Oyster bracelet, and the President bracelet more refined, none can deny the ubiquity of the Oyster design. Indeed, it’s been copied by more watch companies than perhaps any other bracelet, and the Oyster bracelet continues to be used on top 1:1 Rolex copy watches across the brand’s catalog. Seventy-plus years after its introduction, owning one is still considered a rite of passage amongst collectors.

Instantly recognizable for its three-piece links, robust construction, and flowing lines, the Oyster bracelet has been successfully paired with myriad Swiss made replica Rolex watches since its introduction in the 1940s—though we would argue that its best and most famous partnership has always been with the Submariner, Rolex’s flagship dive watch. Because while a Sub on a NATO strap, a rubber strap, or even on leather or a Jubilee bracelet is still a Sub, one paired with an Oyster bracelet is an icon.

“The Oyster bracelet is arguably one of the keys to Rolex’s success since the 1940s and 1950s,” says noted vintage watch dealer and expert Eric Wind. “It was integral with the birth of the Submariner, Explorer, GMT-Master, and Daytona. While it was originally a design by Gay Frères in the 1930s, it really found its calling with Rolex adopting it on those sport models in the 1950s and 1960s. It has evolved to go from thin rivet models to the solid, much heavier Oyster bracelets we know today.”

Without delving too far into the weeds of every minute change to the Oyster bracelet over the years (and there have been many of those), we’re going to examine those references that were specifically paired to the Submariner. This guide should up your Rolex collecting game considerably. Perhaps the next time you glance down at the cheap fake Rolex dive watches on your wrist, you’ll be inclined to pay this humble hunk of metal the respect it deserves.

A Brief History of the Oyster Bracelet

Initially, China 2024 Rolex super clone watches were sold on leather straps, with bracelets being an add-on accessory that could considerably raise the final price—in the 1930s, for example, customers could choose the Bonklip-style bracelet from Switzerland’s premier bracelet producer, Gay Frères. This Bonklip bracelet had lightweight steel links and straight end links. As Gay Frères was then an independent company, many other brands’ watches were also available on such bracelets. (Note that in 1998, when Rolex acquired Gay Frères in its entirety, the Oyster bracelet became an entirely in-house, Swiss-made product.)

Yet, as with many things Rolex, the Oyster bracelet didn’t emerge fully formed from the Earth’s womb on a single day to the fanfare of trumpets and the singing of angels. Rather, the Oyster bracelet evolved throughout the early part of the 20th century, taking the form of iterative configurations. This is where a collector needs to start paying close attention, as making sure you’ve got the right bracelet is as important as matching the paperwork and box to your collectible watch.

The Oyster Bracelet With Straight End-Links (1948-1951)

In 1945, Rolex replica watches UK for sale patented the Jubilee bracelet, which celebrated the maison’s 40th anniversary. Just a few years later, in 1947, it followed this up by patenting the Oyster, which made its first appearance in the Rolex catalog in 1948. A simple design consisting of three links—the center link being wider than the flanking pieces—it first featured straight end links. This made it easy to affix to a variety of watch models, but the overall effect was a less custom-seeming and form-fitting bracelet.

At first, it was chronographs and the famed “Bubblebacks” that received these Oyster bracelets. (The “Bubbleback,” so called due to its protruding caseback, was an early version of the waterproof, automatic, Swiss movements fake Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches.)

The Oyster Bracelet with Curved End Links (1952)

In 1952, however, the Crown introduced curved, form-fitting end links, marking a significant change that saw the Oyster bracelet produced in a variety of references for different watch models, including the Submariner, GMT-Master, and Explorer. At this time bracelets were sometimes made in the U.S.A. or Mexico for tax reasons, but since Rolex’s 1998 acquisition of Gay Frères Oyster bracelets are purportedly all Swiss-made.

First Generation Oyster Bracelets on the Submariner (1953-1966)

When viewed head-on, Oyster bracelets from the ‘50s through the modern era look rather similar—but turn one on its side, and the differences become more apparent. With the launch of the Rolex Submariner replica watches online site in 1953, two bracelets were offered that represent the earliest iterations of the now-famous accessory.

Oyster Bracelet 7206 Riveted “Flushfit”

The reference 7206 was a riveted model with “Flushfit” end links, in which each hollow link is held together with a visible rivet.

Oyster Bracelet 7206 Stretch-Rivet “Flushfit”

Another option was the 6636 “stretch-rivet” model (also with “Flushfit” end links), which has an ingenious, spring-loaded mechanism that allows each link to separate slightly from its neighbors. (The stretch-rivet bracelet, in production from roughly 1953-1966, had a tendency to catch hair in between the links and proved not to be terribly sturdy.) Both of these models featured a fold-over clasp with a large Rolex coronet.

Second Generation Oyster Bracelet with Folded Links (1967-Mid 1970s)

By roughly 1967, the reference 7836 “folded-link” Oyster bracelet joined the market, replacing the earlier rivet-style models. Rather than a hollow link held together with rivets, the folded-link consists of a piece of steel folded over on itself several times, which is inherently stronger than the rivet design.

Note that the reference 9315 from roughly 1969, introduced on the Sea-Dweller and Submariner, featured a special diver clasp, while the reference 9316, from the same time and also with a diver clasp, was seen only on the Swiss 1:1 copy Rolex Sea-Dweller watches.

Third Generation Oyster Bracelet with Solid Links (1972-2000)

In the mid-1970s—1972 by some collectors’ estimation, slightly later by others—the folded-link Oyster bracelets had been replaced by the first solid-link versions, which constitute the most robust (and still-used) of Rolex’s sport bracelet designs. Adding a zero to the previous generation reference numbers results in the reference 78360, which featured a folding clasp.

The reference 93150, which featured a diver clasp, shipped on the Submariner and was available as an option on the GMT-Master and Explorer, as well.

The reference 93160 likewise featured a diver clasp and was paired with the Sea-Dweller.

Fourth Generation Oyster Bracelet with Solid End Links (2000-2010)

Around the turn of the millennium, Rolex began outfitting its Oyster bracelets with solid end links, which made for a more solid attachment point to the watch head. While Rolex replica watches shop previously featured holes in the side of each lug through which a tool could be used to eject the spring bars and remove the bracelet, the brand did away with these holes around 2003-2004, which resulted in another change to the end link design.

End links, it should be noted, have their own numerical coding designation, allowing one to easily check whether a set is “correct” for a given bracelet or watch reference.

Fifth Generation Oyster Bracelet with Oysterlock and Glidelock (2010-present)

Today, the Oyster bracelet references available with the best quality Rolex Submariner replica watches are the 92700 (Submariner) and 97200/97203/97208/97209 (Submariner Date). What are the differences? The metal used in the bracelet, which is denoted by the last number in the code: Watches and matching bracelets are available in: Steel (Oystersteel), Everose gold and steel, yellow gold and steel, rose gold, platinum, yellow gold, and white gold.

The Oysterlock, which comes standard on the Submariner bracelet, uses a folding safety clasp, cover, and safety catch, while the Glidelock extension system allows the bracelet length to be extended in 2 mm intervals in order to fit over a wetsuit—or even a swollen wrist after a flight or a salty meal.

Rolex Submariner Oyster Bracelets and Specs at a Glance

NOTE: All lug widths are 20mm.

Reference 7206, riveted links, introduced ~1953

Reference 6636, expanding riveted links, introduced ~1953

Reference 7836, folded links, introduced ~1967

Reference 9315, folded links, diver clasp, introduced ~1969

Reference 78360, solid links, introduced mid-1970s

Reference 93150, solid links, diver clasp, introduced ~1975

Reference 92700 / 97203 / 97208 / 97209, solid links, Oysterlock and Glidlock on clasp, introduced 2010

From Batman To Bart Simpson: UK AAA Cheap Rolex Replica Watches Nicknames Every Watch Collector Should Know

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Rolex replica watches for sale is such a force to be reckoned with in the luxury world, and its products are so iconic, that an entire nickname-based taxonomy has developed around the brand’s wares.

Though certain other famous marques do indeed have timepieces that have been nicknamed by tightknit collector circles — think of the “Ed White” Omega Speedmaster, for example — the practice has reached new heights where the Crown’s watches are concerned, to a point at which everyone from your teenage brother to your retiring dad knows what a “Pepsi” refers to beyond the beverage. There’s a circular effect at play in which the desire for its watches makes room for alter-ego monikers, which subsequently increases brand visibility and desire for 1:1 UK Rolex fake watches. It’s a vicious cycle!

One important point to make is that all of these nicknames are just that—nicknames. With very few exceptions, each of these terms was invented by the collector community and never officially used or sanctioned by Rolex itself. So, though an authorized dealer will no doubt understand you just fine if you inquire after a “Rolex Pepsi,” a Rolex employee would likely grit their teeth. Of course, these playful aliases are much more enjoyable to use than the practice of memorizing and slinging around reference numbers—the average person will have no idea what the heck you’re talking about if you begin waxing poetic about the beauty of the 126710BLRO. (And that’s probably as it should be…)

So without further ado, here is a breakdown of the most commonly used high quality replica Rolex watches nicknames. (And remember, be sure to send this along to your significant other so they can stop wondering why you’re constantly talking about “Batman,” despite being a fully-grown adult.)

The Nicknames:

Batman: Swiss made Rolex GMT-Master II copy watches — the reference 116710BLNR introduced in 2013 — with a blue and black bezel insert. This reference was subsequently upgraded to the 126710BLNR and given the newer Calibre 3285 movement in 2019, but it kept the Dark Knight-inspired name.

Batgirl: The GMT-Master II reference 126710BLNR with a blue and black bezel insert…and a Jubilee bracelet. What distinguished this model as the “Batgirl” was the addition of the Jubilee bracelet in 2019 and a new generation movement, however now this reference is currently available with either a Jubilee or an Oyster bracelet making it hard to distinguish between its “Batman” counterpart without box and papers or an expert to confirm the interior caliber.

Bart Simpson: This is some in-the-weeds stuff, but: The crown on certain reference 5513 Rolex Submariner replica watches wholesale made in the mid-1960s — which were the last to feature “gilt” printing — have a coronet (the Rolex crown logo) that looks strikingly similar to Bart Simpson’s hair.

Bubbleback: Early Oyster Perpetual models were outfitted with movements whose design necessitated a slightly raised, ovular case back that protruded from the plane of the watch case — hence the “bubbleback” moniker. Rolex made gobs of these beautiful — albeit smallish — watches from the 1930s through roughly the 1950s.

Buckley (Dial): A type of Day-Date or Datejust dial that features painted Roman numerals, rather than applied versions. The nickname comes from one John Buckley, a collector and dealer based in NYC, and a big fan of this dial type.

Coke: best super clone Rolex GMT-Master II watches with a red and black aluminum bezel insert, which first appeared on the reference 16760, and subsequently appeared on the reference 16710. Currently, there is no “Coke” in the Rolex catalog.

Fat Lady: When the GMT-Master II debuted in 1983 in the reference 16760 — a watch that would otherwise be known as a “Coke” — it featured a case 0.5 mm thicker than its predecessor in order to accommodate a new caliber 3085 movement. This particular reference has thus become known as the “Fat Lady”…or, alternatively, the “Sophia Loren” in reference to the Italian actress’s famous curves. (It also included a sapphire crystal, white gold hour surrounds, and independent local hour setting, making it the first truly “modern” GMT-Master variant.)

Green Lantern: In early 2022, Rolex released a left-handed GMT-Master II with a green and black bezel that technically has three aliases: “Green Lantern”, the “Sprite,” or the “Destro” (Italian for right because left-handers are meant to wear their watch on their right hand) depending upon whom you ask. It’s available on both Oyster and Jubilee bracelets.

Hulk: A green Sub, reference 116610LV, that features a green Cerachrom bezel, a green dial, and a Rolex “Super” case.

John Player Special: perfect replica Rolex Daytona reference 6264 or 6241 watches in solid gold with a black exotic dial, and called thusly after John Player & Sons, a UK-based tobacco company and Formula 1 sponsor. The company’s cigarette boxes were black with gold lettering — hence the association.

Kermit: A reference 16610LV Submariner Date, which was introduced in 2003 in time for the Sub’s 50th anniversary. This reference featured a first for Rolex — a green bezel insert, executed here in aluminum, which lent it its Muppet-themed nickname.

Paul Newman: A “Paul Newman” is any hand-wound Daytona with what Rolex referred to as an “exotic” dial — a series of dials manufactured by Singer that featured blocky indices in the sub-registers as well as funky Arabic numerals and pops of color. They came to be known as “Paul Newman” watches because the famed actor wore at least two different luxury Rolex Daytona replica watches with these dials — most famously, his reference 6239, which hammered in 2017 at auction for close to $18M.

Pepsi: A Rolex GMT-Master or GMT-Master II with a blue and red bezel, for obvious reasons. This could be any reference — from the 1950s-era 6542 to the modern 126710BLRO. (Even the meteorite-dialed 126719BLRO is technically fair game given its bezel colors, though maybe this one deserves its own nickname. The “Space Pepsi,” perhaps?) This color combo originally came about as a nod to PanAm’s logo, as the GMT-Master was created for personnel for that airline.

Polar: An Explorer II with a white dial, which could be a reference 16550, 16570, 216570, or 226570.

President: Though the Rolex Day-Date has become known colloquially as the “President,” technically this is a name used by Rolex to denote that watch’s bracelet — a special bracelet made specifically (and only) for the Day-Date, and available at retail only in precious metals.

Root Beer: A GMT-Master or GMT-Master II with either a half-brown, half-gold bezel insert — which are found on two-tone Swiss movements Rolex fake watches with brown dials — or one with a fully brown insert and gold text. (More modern references with Cerachrom bezels in black and brown feature two-tone Rolesor cases or solid-gold Everose cases.) Why “root beer?” Picture the A&W root beer logo colors.

Smurf: A white gold Submariner with a blue bezel insert and either a blue (reference 116619LB) or a black (reference 126619LB) dial — the latter being the newer watch, and the one currently in the Rolex catalog.

Starbucks: In late 2020, Rolex introduced a new Sub with a Super case, a green Cerachrom bezel, and a black dial (ref 122610LV), making for a watch sort of halfway between a Kermit and a Hulk, but it’s visually closer to the Kermit. The difference is the new 41 mm case, thinner lugs, wider bracelet and the new caliber 3235 (or 3230 on the no-date version), offering higher energy efficiency. The collector community has subsequently named this reference the “Starbucks” given its black and green color combo — but maybe it would’ve been better to combine “Hulk” and “Kermit” into  “Hermit?” (No? Bueller?)

Steve McQueen: The earliest Explorer II, the reference 1655, has come to be known rather curiously as the Steve McQueen — despite there being no evidence that the iconic American actor ever wore one. (His Rolex of choice was a Submariner.)

Stella (Dial): A type of exotic dial found on vintage China top replica Rolex Day-Date watches from the 1970s. These dials were manufactured by a Swiss company — called Stella — and were actually referred to by Rolex as “lacquered Stella” dials. Made from colored enamel, they’re instantly recognizable and were supposedly mostly sold in the Middle Eastern market.