If Rolex bracelets didn’t taper would it matter?

[watchwatcher]

Not to me, really. But then again, I don't seem to get as worked up over minutia as a lot of "watch enthusiasts." Maybe there's something wrong with me...

[Heff]

I prefer the taper. I don’t believe that the Speedy Pro tapers at all, and it bothers me a bit. The taper just helps the watch wear a bit better and looks nice.


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[dnslater]

Originally Posted by Heff

I prefer the taper. I don’t believe that the Speedy Pro tapers at all, and it bothers me a bit. The taper just helps the watch wear a bit better and looks nice.


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Speedy Pro tapers 2mm

[PLNYC]

i love the taper on the rolex bracelets. Its a nice characteristic

[Heff]

Originally Posted by dnslater

Speedy Pro tapers 2mm

Gotcha, thanks for the information. It’s not very noticeable and I wish it were more pronounced.


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[Pw92676]

I really like the taper.

[GradyPhilpott]

It would be a very bad move for Rolex to abandon the taper at this stage of the game.

Actually, yesterday at lunch, I saw a very nice watch that had a dial that really appealed to me, but the non-tapered bracelet really threw off the look of the watch as a whole.

I do own a watch with a non-tapered bracelet, which I do wear occasionally, but I don't let that fact spoil the enjoyment I get from wearing the watch.

To me, the taper just a little thing that adds a little refinement to any watch.

[Rock]

Where styling is conerned, as in conceptions of beauty, a few mm in the right place make all the difference.
My vintage Cellini is held on by little more than a sliver of Alligator hide but it does the job and the overall impression is one of elegance.
The fashion for huge chunky watches nurtures the idea that the bracelet has to be big and chunky as well. Some equate this with "masculine".

[ToyKnife]

The taper adds elegance and comfort to the design. The taper of the SD43 126600 and new DeapSea 126660 are needed because of the extra width of the bracelet in order to make them comfortable for average to smaller wrists. Plus, it seems to offset the weight of the heavier watches.

I do agree that the longer the bracelet the stranger the taper looks.

[Reinhard in SA]

Originally Posted by dnslater

Modern Speedmaster Pro bracelet does taper, but it is only 2mm as with many modern Omega divers. I agree that the Speedmaster looks better on the older bracelets they used on earlier references which had a 4mm taper. I have thought about sourcing one for mine.

It does appear that Rolex is one of the only brands that keeps the historical 4mm taper while many brands have gone to a less tapered look for more modern case designs.

Most modern Black Bays have a 2mm taper while the BB58 has a 4mm taper. FYI.

I have also considered a older style bracelet for my Speedmaster.

It is good to hear the BB58 has a 4mm taper, I have been dying to see one in the flesh. I think I will prefer the proportions to the BBN I had.

[R!$]

I got used to it but there is always a better "presence" of watches that do not taper

[AEC]

Originally Posted by UnicoJG

Would non-tapering Rolex bracelets stop you from purchasing a Rolex timepiece or would it not matter?

I personally prefer a bracelet that tapers and have mixed feelings about purchasing a watch with a non-tapering bracelet.

For me, the taper is essential. It's possible I would not have chosen my Submariner otherwise.

[GMT Aviator]

The current 4mm taper looks best.

[904VT]

Tapered bracelets are the only bracelet watches I'll buy. I like the look and comfort. Everything for me is on a strap if not

[frankfrazetta]

The taper makes Rolex MUCH more comfortable to wear.

[JP(Canada)]

Not only do I prefer a tapered bracelet in terms of style, but I also find it more comfortable to wear. It would matter to me, but probably wouldn't be major deciding factor as I have enjoyed many watches that don't have tapered bracelets.

[Aumkar]

Apologies for reviving this old thread but, I do believe the taper is an extremely important element of a Rolex watch.

Before I started paying attention to bracelets and their taper in detail, it was a non-issue for me. I do agree with people above regarding it adding a touch of elegance.

Probably an insignificant feature for most but, I'm glad Rolex has stuck with it and hoping they continue to do so.

[rodo]

Inthink the rolex taper is fine. APs taper waaay too much

[Brny11]

Taper has a nice aesthetic IMO. I had a few watches that taper, but not as much as oyster and it stood out to me. I did not enjoy it as much. Yes, personally I love the taper.

[Xenon]

No tapering reminds me of a 1960's Speidel twist-o-flex bracelet aka an old man's watch. I think the entire NASA crew in Apollo 13 wore one of these with a short sleeve white button down shirt and thick horn rimmed glasses:

[GMT Aviator]

I agree. Taper makes a big difference to the overall appearance of the watch and I too don’t like the lack of taper on some of the Omegas I have.
Ha, my fathers old Longines he had during the war has one of those non tapered twist-o-flex bracelets on it. I can see them making a comeback at some point.

[Galaga167]

Originally Posted by shedlock2000

The Tudor bracelet fitted to my GMT does taper -- in that it starts at 22mm at the endlinks and drops to 20mm at the clasp. Most Men's Rolex bracelets have the same level of taper (either 21-19mm or 20-18mm). The difference is the scolloped edges of the links.

Having tried both, I find the narrower bracelet more comfortable (20-18mm) but I am not sure why. I don't know if my preference is driven by a narrower clasp or because the wider links are more inhibitive. I think that the difference in endlink geometry between Tudor and Rolex also has much to do with fit too.

Are you sure it’s only 22 to 20? I thought it was to 18. Isn’t it the same for the earlier Tudor Black Bays with the ETA movement and no rivets?

[Xenon]

Taper = sporty

No Taper = dressy

All Rolexes have sporty DNA.

[EEpro]

It matters to me. That's one annoyance i have with my SMPs. It makes them look weird at first after wearing an oyster.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by ras47

The taper is a very “Rolex” design detail. I love the way Rolex designed their bracelets. I think the taper adds an element of elegance, especially with their tool watches.

Well said Robert

[Plant]

The taper on the oyster bracelet has become one on my favorite small details on my watch. I knew it was there before I bought it, but I didnt realize how much it would add to the aethetics of the watch.

[landroverking]

I’m a watch fan Bracelets play no roll in which watch I buy.

[acheronsgrief]

I think aesthetically and comfort wise, the taper is a big part of what drew me to Rolex. I personally find non tapered bracelets and straps very off putting aesthetically. I won’t even buy a strap that isn’t tapered by 4mm at least.

Taper on the bracelet is also more difficult to execute from a finishing perspective. Notice all the bracelets that get legendary status (Nautilus, RO, the 3 main Rolex bracelets) all have nice tapers.

[Wishlist>$]

Originally Posted by Plant

The taper on the oyster bracelet has become one on my favorite small details on my watch. I knew it was there before I bought it, but I didnt realize how much it would add to the aethetics of the watch.

Agree. It is a small detail I often overlooked in earlier purchases, but after wearing and looking at a Rolex for so long the comfort and appearance of a taper are a now a must for me.

[Roddypeepa]

Looks much better on the sorts watches especially so essential for the aesthetics for me.


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