Do you think straps make your Rolex more "under the radar"?

[the dark knight]

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?

[Rebar]

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.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

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.

[JRell]

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.

[enjoythemusic]

The opposite might also be true. Straps give it more attention... and style

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[0nly5iv3Digits]

I definitely think straps tone down watches in general, not just Rolex. NATOs are my strap of choice. More rugged and utilitarian looking.

[brandrea]

I suppose it makes sense.

[S’portEye]

Yes, they do.

[DoubleDeac]

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

[4reRlxGuy]

Definitely

Less noticeable on a worn nato

[Harry-57]

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.

[Joearch]

True here

[Big Tex Rolex]

I believe an OysterFlex has less glitz than a metal bracelet … especially a gold bracelet.

[WatchEnthusiast7369]

Straps just add new flavor to a watch. It’s fun and adds endless options with your watches.

[Lininq]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

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.

It sure did.

[Brich436]

Yes by a mile:



Makes a low key model (Explorer 2) invisible.

[996marty]

Bright straps definitely standout more

[winst]

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.

[the dark knight]

Originally Posted by Brich436

Yes by a mile:



Makes a low key model (Explorer 2) invisible.

Gotta agree with you 100% on the 16570. Basically disappears on the wrist with a nondescript strap like that.

[Director EDTF]

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.

[Brich436]

Originally Posted by the dark knight

Gotta agree with you 100% on the 16570. Basically disappears on the wrist with a nondescript strap like that.

Rubber B dream strap. Has 2mm of micro adjustment which is super nice to dial in the fit. That’s my ski watch.

[911cz]

They sure do especially with so many options

[Ny325]

I prefer the OEM bracelet that came with the watch.

[Mimar2910]

I'd say yes, strap keeps it under the radar, especially when it's less attractive.

[BIGMAC142]

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.

[BBRAYS]

Originally Posted by the dark knight

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?

I personally agree with this, strap is more under the radar than bracelet.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

The opposite might also be true. Straps give it more attention... and style

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Love that Monaco!

Kat


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[WatchEater666]

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.

[daysky1]

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?

[Wingman244]

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.