While watch collectors are truly spoiled for choice these days as far as strap and bracelet options are concerned, there are certain classic options that have stood the test of time and don’t seem to be losing popularity.
Some began with brand-specific associations and have since spawned clones and copies, while others weren’t necessarily associated with one particular company, but one thing is true of all of them – namely, that they have attained an iconic status in the watch-buying world, and anyone who considers him or herself a watch collector should be familiar with them. Here are a few of our favorite iconic watch bracelets:
The Bonklip
Photo: Corvus Watch Company, eBay Seller tetlee
The Bonklip was developed in the 1920s and 1930s and was issued on certain British military wristwatches from the 1940s through the 1960s. These bracelets were mass-produced, easily adjustable, and machined from stainless steel (in fact, they were some of the first mass-produced stainless steel bracelets). Though bracelets were generally not offered as a standard option on the earliest Rolex watches, there is evidence that some may have been sold with Bonklips in the 1930s and 1940s.
Patented by Rolex in 1947 and first offered in 1948, the Oyster bracelet may be the most iconic bracelet in 20th-century wristwatch history. The Oyster went through several iterations throughout the years, beginning its life with riveted links, then progressing to the use of folded links, and finally, taking on the form in which it remains today, which uses solid links. The clasp design also evolved throughout the decades in order to ensure that the bracelet would remain secured to the wrist during sporting activities, such as SCUBA diving, for which the Submariner and Sea-Dweller were developed.
Introduced in 1945 to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the brand (hence the name), the Rolex Jubilee bracelet is ubiquitous in the watch-buying world, and remains largely unchanged throughout the years. Initially designed for the Datejust model and only available in solid gold, the Jubilee would later be offered in two-tone and steel versions, and was eventually made available as an option on several sports models, though it remains decidedly more dressy in look and feel than the Oyster.
Though produced by numerous companies over the years, the beads of rice bracelet is perhaps most closely associated with famed bracelet manufacturer Gay Freres, who supplied them to both Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin in the 1940s and 1950s in both stainless steel and precious metals. Gay Freres produced numerous versions of the bracelet, including more supple versions for complicated or dress watches and distinctly sportier versions for racing and pilot’s watches from the likes of Heuer. Today, vintage and modern versions of the beads of rice can be found both as aftermarket types and as catalog offerings from watch manufacturers.
Although built specifically for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, this steel bracelet (originally developed with design input by Gay Freres) has since become an icon in its own right (the Patek Philippe Nautilus, launched four years after the Royal Oak, features a similar integrated design, as both watches were designed by well-known watch designer Gerald Genta). These bracelets are avaiable in steel, two-tone, and precious metals.
Another Gay Freres design that was offered on the Zenith El Primero beginning in 1969, this bracelet features spaces between the folded links that give it the appearance of a ladder; though it may also have been an option on other Zenith designs, it is most often associated with this model, and vintage examples are difficult to come by.
The Milanese bracelet was created in 19th century Milan and perfected in Germany in the early 20th century. It was popular on both dress and tools watches in the 1930s and 1940s and later saw a resurgence in the 1960s and 1970s in a heavier form, often referred to as “shark mesh.” Today, this type of bracelet has become popular once again due to several design-conscious brands, not the least of which is Apple with their Apple Watch.
Right now, Lo & Sons is offering 50 percent off its must-have weekender duffel, the Catalina Deluxe. It features a brilliant bottom pocket that separates dirty shoes and clothes from your clean goods. And a luggage sleeve attaches easily to most wheelie luggage, with adjustable zippers to ensure a close fit.
Our Just Get This pick for a better office chair, the Steelcase Series 1 chair is the best value on the market. On sale for under $400, this is the office chair purchase to make.
Save on this well-reviewed, versatile grooming tool. With dual sides, five adjustable settings and self-sharpening blades, you can up your grooming game in the shower.
The Adidas Ultraboost has been a Gear Patrol favorite since it launched in 2015. They're a perfect crossover for training and run commuting. While they go on sale often, 30% off for all colorways is a good find.
The Bambino Plus pulls useful tech from Breville’s larger, pricier options — a three-second heat-up time, shot pre-infusion and its fairly incredible milk wand — while maintaining a consistent, reliable flavor profile.
Ditch the chemicals with Caraway’s ceramic-coated cookware. This complete set comes equipped with pan & lid storage units and works on all energy sources.
This class-leading multi-device wireless charger is an easy and now much more affordable way to eliminate annoying wires from your nightstand, desk, or kitchen counter.
The 22L Unbound is our pick for Best Soft Cooler because it's sleek, has plenty of storage space (we fit 24 cans of beer), is comfortable to wear on short jaunts and utilizes Hydro Flask's superior insulating technologies to keep contents cool for up to 48 hours.
Did you just get a new iPhone 12? Do you lose chargers all the time like us? While the discount isn't huge, this is a useful buy if you want to take advantage of your new phone's MagSafe capabilities.
$289 $144 (50% off) Now's the time to grab travel gear at great prices. Half off a rugged duffel with oversized wheels that can handle almost any terrain? Yes please. Grab one now before they sell out.
Offered in a number of colors and sizes, Zojirushi mugs are renowned for their quality. This one keeps beverages hot for up to six hours, and there’s a five-year warranty on the heat retention, so you’re essentially getting five years of steaming java in one purchase.
Hydro Flask’s new insulated bottle construction features narrower vacuum-sealed walls that make this water bottle lighter than others but no less capable of keeping contents cold, or hot. It’s not just the best insulated water bottle available; it’s one of the best new products of the year.
This linen sheet set is as airy as you’d want it to be, but the weave isn’t too loose either, as was common in testing cheaper linens. The low cost and variety of colors make it a rock-solid starter set.
With an adjustable headrest and a tilt tension adjustment knob, this is the best office chair under $150 we've found. While adjustable armrests would be nice, saving even more on this commendable seating option is too good to pass up.
These relaxed slim fits with a medium rise were already a ridiculously good price before the $59 off. For the quality, this might be the best Black Friday deal on jeans you'll find.
It's braising season, and this classic Dutch oven can weather any dish you throw at it. If you haven't added the classic Le Creuset Dutch Oven to your kitchen, now's your chance.
Everlane’s jeans come from a highly-respected Japanese denim mill but at a price point way less than you'd expect. And at half off they're an easy buy in any of the washes.
Our first collab with our friends Taylor Stitch, the Reversible Able Vest (and the Lombarid Jacket as well) offers an Arid Camo on one side with Taylor Stitch's proprietary Boss Duck on the other. Score 18% off on this collab now and snatch one a perfect layering garment. Special funding pricing ends 12/5.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
