Oyster or Jubilee?: Discover the Journey of the Rolex GMT Master Bracelet

With all of the new model releases this year, Rolex has re-launched its stainless steel Rolex GMT back on the Oyster bracelet. We previously explored the evolution of the Rolex Oyster bracelet. But, what is the reaction of the watch world of seeing the Rolex GMT Master II 126710BLNR and 127610BLRO back on the Oyster bracelet after just a few years of it being available on the Jubilee bracelet? 

The Rolex GMT bracelet line has been teeter tottering between the Oyster and Jubilee bracelets for quite some time. The first Rolex GMT 6542 was released in 1954 on a Rolex Oyster bracelet. Then from 1959 to 1980, with the release of the Rolex GMT 1675, it was available on Jubilee and Oyster. This was the first Rolex watch to be offered on both bracelet options.

The Oyster bracelet returned on the Rolex GMT releases 16750. The ref. 16700 and 16710 replaced the ref. 16750 in 1989 and were available on Jubilee and Oyster as well. But the Oyster bracelet returned in 2008 with the introduction of the Ceramic GMT Master II (ref. 116710LN and 116713LN). Rolex polished the center links of the Oyster bracelets these models were available on. The GMT reference 116719BLRO, or white-gold Pepsi, followed, also only available on Oyster bracelets.

Then, in 2018, the Jubilee bracelet returned to the stainless steel Rolex GMT Master case, but it was the first reference (126710BLRO) to be available only on Jubilee. The Rolex 126710BLNR was released as well only on Jubilee. Now in 2021, we see both of these references back on the Rolex Oyster bracelet. It has us turning our heads back and forth a bit and wondering why did they switch back?

Most of the watch community seems to be united in excitement about the fact the Oyster bracelet is back on the stainless steel GMT options, and it’s not just because we’re seeing new releases of the Batman again. While the Jubilee bracelet is iconic, the GMT has always felt more robust like its 40mm tool watch companions.  

We love how Rolex switched it up with offering the Rolex GMT Master II on an Oyster bracelet after previously seeing it on a Jubilee creating two completely unique looks. If you want to go one step further, Everest Bands has got you covered. Everest offers Swiss-Made curved end rubber and leather watch bands for your Rolex models. The ever classic and most popular black rubber watch band is now available in a shorter tang buckle style! 

Or, have fun playing with colors. We offer a multitude of strap color options as well as buckle combinations. We love to pop the red or blue rubber on a Pepsi, or the green on the Rolex Ceramic GMT Master II 116710 to match the GMT hand. The blue rubber watch strap really makes the BLNR’s bezel pop.

Image Source @rolexdiver

And, you can’t go wrong with the fabulous Italian perforated leather watch band on the Rolex Coke. 

The #watchfam is loving the easily swapped straps for great new looks as well. 

Carlos notes: “Love it, love it, love it. The Navy Blue strap compliments my GMT Pepsi perfectly. Thanks guys!!!”

@needmowatches

Joshua H. claims “Everest makes the most comfortable rubber straps in the business. I’ve purchased straps from most of their big competitors, and they’re not even close!”

Paul V. shares his love for being able to easily customize his watches: “What a game changer. I now have 6 watches with the 3 different bands I bought. Can't wait for others to be released. Thanks so much.” 

After you strap up with an Everest Band, share your reaction to the stainless steel Rolex GMT Master II being released on an Oyster bracelet in the comments below!