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ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
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#1 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 1,521
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Do you think straps make your Rolex more "under the radar"?
I see questions (more often these days it seems) asking which model of Rolex is more or most "under the radar", people desiring this for various reasons.
Often the responses are Explorer I, OP, etc. But I'm now of the opinion you should just buy the exact model you want and just put it on a strap if you want to be under the radar. I dare say an Exp I on the Oyster is more recognizable as a Rolex than, say, a BLRO put on a leather strap. I think this works even on PM models, I think Day-Dates look really sharp on the right leather. Thoughts on this? |
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#2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2024
Location: Brooklyn
Posts: 26
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I generally agree as well. I may notice a sub-looking watch by catching a glimpse of the bezel from afar, but what always gives it away and confirms are the bracelets and the crown on the clasp.
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#3 |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: The Doghouse
Watch: Ingersoll Mickey
Posts: 3,128
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I prefer Rolex on bracelet. If I want to be under the radar I simply wear a different watch. And I have an odd shaped wrist, standard straps don’t fit me, I have to have them custom made and that’s a crapshoot. It complicated. It’s just easier to have multiple watches for multiple purposes.
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#4 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Pittsburgh
Watch: 126710BLNR Jubilee
Posts: 6,957
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People that know Rolex know the oyster and jubilee. Those that don’t know Rolex, I would have to say oyster is more under the radar as there is less reflection.
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126710 BLNR Jubilee |
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#5 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Real Name: Steven
Location: Glocal
Posts: 20,317
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The opposite might also be true. Straps give it more attention... and style
![]() rolex_7272871.jpg Tag_Heuer_Monaco_Gulf_NATO.jpg Batman_sm.jpg Polar_Pumpkins.jpg
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#6 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: EARTH
Watch: What is "watch"?
Posts: 1,024
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I definitely think straps tone down watches in general, not just Rolex. NATOs are my strap of choice. More rugged and utilitarian looking.
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“UNpolished or I’m not interested” 😎 ![]() |
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#7 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
Posts: 75,968
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I suppose it makes sense.
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#8 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Shreveport
Posts: 1,264
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Yes, they do.
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#9 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 165
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For most ppl, a SS Rolex is under the radar (the models w/o much polishing) - amidst a sea of watches out there with fake gold, bling, loud colors, etc.
However, I would say a strap does dress down a Rolex considerably when you have a bracelet w/ PCLs |
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#10 |
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Join Date: Mar 2023
Real Name: David
Location: Socal
Watch: Patek 3970
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Definitely
Less noticeable on a worn nato |
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#11 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Real Name: Harry
Location: England
Posts: 10,290
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Generally speaking yes, but it should be called on a case by case basis.
I put my BB on a rubber strap to go traveling last year. I think it toned it down a lot, although it was never going to stay on its OEM faux rivet bracelet. ![]() |
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#12 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Joe
Location: Los Angeles
Watch: Daytona + GMT BLNR
Posts: 4,699
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True here
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#13 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 1,544
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I believe an OysterFlex has less glitz than a metal bracelet … especially a gold bracelet.
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#14 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2023
Location: CA
Posts: 238
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Straps just add new flavor to a watch. It’s fun and adds endless options with your watches.
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#15 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2024
Location: UK
Posts: 44
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#16 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Real Name: Brian
Location: East Coast
Watch: 124270
Posts: 978
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Yes by a mile:
![]() Makes a low key model (Explorer 2) invisible.
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ROLEX: 16234-Datejust / 16570-Explorer 2 / 116610LN-Submariner / 124270-Explorer 1 / 126710BLNR-GMT-Master 2 TUDOR: M79030-B Black Bay 58 |
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#17 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Uk
Watch: RolexGMT/Tudor7928
Posts: 3,576
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Bright straps definitely standout more
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#18 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 6,545
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I think straps can make a Rolex less obvious, but if the watch has a cyclops or a fluted bezel it is always going to be identifiable as a Rolex by those in the know.
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#19 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 1,521
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#20 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: May 2011
Real Name: Nelson
Location: Central, NJ
Posts: 2,452
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I commute into NYC and work in the Times Square area. I like wearing my watches and I do wear my Pepsi and BatGirl both of which came on jubilee bracelets. The jubilee bracelet is very attractive and in my opinion is very flashy. I put both on RubberB straps with their buckle. The straps are made well and fit perfectly. I am very happy with my decision. It doesn’t guarantee that the watch won’t be seen but it does make it more difficult to identify.
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#21 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Real Name: Brian
Location: East Coast
Watch: 124270
Posts: 978
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Rubber B dream strap. Has 2mm of micro adjustment which is super nice to dial in the fit. That’s my ski watch.
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ROLEX: 16234-Datejust / 16570-Explorer 2 / 116610LN-Submariner / 124270-Explorer 1 / 126710BLNR-GMT-Master 2 TUDOR: M79030-B Black Bay 58 |
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#22 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: North America
Watch: GMT Master II
Posts: 228
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They sure do especially with so many options
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#23 |
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Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Traffic
Watch: DW-5600BB
Posts: 2,855
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I prefer the OEM bracelet that came with the watch.
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#24 |
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: USA
Posts: 72
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I'd say yes, strap keeps it under the radar, especially when it's less attractive.
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#25 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2024
Location: USA
Posts: 19
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I would estimate 75% of the time I see an aftermarket strap (on a Rolex) it looks horrible. IMO. If I wanted to fly under the radar I’d buy something else. Buy the watch you love and wear it.
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#26 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2022
Location: USA
Posts: 49
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Quote:
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#27 | |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 X2 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Real Name: Kat
Location: CA, USA
Watch: 126233 Wimbledon T
Posts: 6,817
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Quote:
Love that Monaco! ![]() Kat Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
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#28 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 1,849
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To me, ~30% of the ownership experience with Rolex is the industry-leading bracelet. No other bracelet is as comfy.
With that said, I still love messing with straps and agree you can make them look pretty different. |
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#29 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Earth
Posts: 324
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I'm in agreement with you. years ago when I started collecting watches there was a discussion about whether to buy a watch on a strap or a bracelet. The general consensus was that your bracelet would be less expensive if you bought it with a watch then if you tried to get one after you bought the watch on a strap. so as far as I'm concerned I always look to buy my watches on bracelets and then for example like a sub I'll go with a rubber bee strap they run around $240. the only problem that I've had trying to find good leather straps is I want to make sure that I don't put a $20 strap on a $27,000 watch. any suggestions on high quality leather straps?
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#30 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Pacific NW, USA
Watch: 116500LN
Posts: 683
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The one thing I hate about Rolex - is for any of their bracelet watches - they are by design unfriendly to putting on a strap. It would be great if this was an option from finishing the case between the lugs to making it easier to change the strap to allowing you to buy a different Rolex bracelet.
In my opinion it is just inexcusable that my Daytona’s case between the lugs is unfinished. Rolex is not a strap watch. |
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