Rolex Wimbledon Oyster vs. Jubilee: What's the difference?

The Rolex Datejust "Wimbledon" offers two distinct bracelet choices that define its character: the sporty, three-link Oyster and the elegant, five-link Jubilee. The Oyster bracelet provides a robust, modern look with its flat, broad links, making it a versatile choice for active and casual wear. In contrast, the Jubilee bracelet is more intricate and refined, known for its exceptional comfort and dressy appearance that suits more formal settings.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Rolex bracelet for your personal style and needs.

Rolex Wimbledon with Oyster Bracelet

The Rolex Wimbledon paired with an Oyster bracelet creates a watch that is both classic and distinctly modern. Originally introduced in the late 1930s, the Oyster bracelet is defined by its robust three-piece link construction. This design gives the watch a substantial, sporty feel, making it a go-to for those who value durability and versatility in a luxury timepiece.

• What it is: A Rolex Datejust featuring the Wimbledon dial (slate grey with green Roman numerals) fitted with the iconic three-link Oyster bracelet.
• Key features: A flat, three-piece link design known for its strength and utilitarian aesthetic. It includes Rolex's Easylink extension system for minor size adjustments.
• Price: Typically ranges from $8,000 to $12,000, depending on materials and configuration.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from solid links of Rolex's proprietary Oystersteel, a highly corrosion-resistant 904L steel alloy that holds a polish exceptionally well.
• Aesthetic: Sporty, contemporary, and powerful. It gives the watch a more tool-like, everyday appearance.
• Pros: Extremely durable and robust construction. Versatile design suitable for almost any occasion, from casual to business. A timeless, modern look.
• Cons: The broader, flat links can show scratches more easily than the intricate Jubilee. Some find it less comfortable than the Jubilee due to less articulation.

This combination is perfect for the owner who wants a durable, do-it-all luxury watch that seamlessly transitions from an active day to a formal evening.

Shop this product: rolex.com/watches/datejust

Rolex Wimbledon with Jubilee Bracelet

The Jubilee bracelet was created specifically for the launch of the Datejust in 1945, and it lends the Wimbledon model an air of classic elegance. Composed of five intricate, smaller links, the Jubilee is celebrated for its sophisticated look and remarkable comfort. The combination of brushed outer links and polished inner links creates a dynamic play of light, making it a dressier and more formal option.

• What it is: A Rolex Datejust featuring the Wimbledon dial fitted with the refined five-link Jubilee bracelet.
• Key features: An intricate five-piece link design that is highly flexible and comfortable. It often comes with a concealed Crownclasp, adding to its seamless, elegant appearance.
• Price: Generally in the same $8,000 to $12,000 range as the Oyster version.
• Materials/Construction: Also made from solid Oystersteel, the Jubilee combines brushed and polished finishes across its five smaller links, creating a more ornate design.
• Aesthetic: Elegant, dressy, and classic. The bracelet's complexity adds a level of refinement to the watch.
• Pros: Widely considered one of the most comfortable bracelets due to its many small links that conform to the wrist. The intricate design helps hide minor scratches. Instantly elevates the watch for formal occasions.
• Cons: The design can be seen as less sporty or versatile for highly active pursuits. Its smaller links can be more difficult to clean thoroughly.

This is the ideal choice for those who prioritize on-wrist comfort and a refined aesthetic for business, formal events, and daily wear in a professional environment.

Shop this product: rolex.com/watches/datejust

Rolex Wimbledon Oyster vs. Jubilee Comparison

Design & Aesthetic

The primary difference between the Oyster and Jubilee is visual. The Oyster bracelet's three broad, flat links give the Datejust Wimbledon a clean, sporty, and modern foundation. It’s simple, powerful, and built to look at home anywhere. Many purists love the Oyster bracelet for its utilitarian roots and straightforward design.

The Jubilee bracelet, with its five smaller, more rounded links, creates a completely different impression. The three polished center links catch the light beautifully, giving it a jewel-like quality that is distinctly dressy. It adds a touch of classic sophistication and visual complexity that elevates the watch into a more formal piece.

Comfort & Fit

Comfort is where the Jubilee bracelet truly shines. Its "five-piece" link construction allows for more articulation points, letting the bracelet drape over the wrist like fabric. It feels incredibly supple and flexible, making it a fan favorite for all-day comfort, especially in warmer weather when the wrist can expand.

The Oyster bracelet is by no means uncomfortable - it’s a superbly engineered piece of hardware. However, due to its larger, less articulated links, it has a more solid and substantial feel on the wrist. While many appreciate this robust presence, those with smaller wrists or a preference for a lighter fit often lean toward the Jubilee.

Durability & Versatility

Both bracelets are crafted from Rolex's tough Oystersteel and are built to last a lifetime. The Oyster bracelet’s simple, rugged design conceptually makes it more suited for rough-and-tumble activities. Its design heritage supports this, as it is the standard bracelet for Rolex's professional and sports models like the Submariner and Explorer.

The Jubilee is also incredibly durable, but its polished center links and more intricate construction make it better suited for slightly less demanding environments. In terms of versatility, the Oyster arguably has the edge, as it dresses down more easily for truly casual wear while still looking appropriate with a suit. The Jubilee, while wearable daily, always carries a more formal, jewelry-like quality.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both bracelets offer the quality and prestige of the Rolex brand, but they cater to different styles and priorities.

Choose the Oyster bracelet if:

• You prefer a versatile, sporty, and modern aesthetic.
  
• Your lifestyle is active, and you want a bracelet that feels robust and secure.
  
• You value a simple, utilitarian design that works for truly any occasion.
  
• You appreciate a more substantial, solid feel on your wrist.
  

Choose the Jubilee bracelet if:

• On-wrist comfort is your absolute top priority.
  
• You plan to wear your watch mostly in business or formal settings.
  
• You prefer a classic, elegant, and more decorative look.
  
• You appreciate how its intricate links interact with light and help conceal daily wear.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Rolex Oyster and Jubilee bracelet?

The main difference is their construction and resulting aesthetic. The Oyster has a sporty three-link design with flat, robust links. The Jubilee has an elegant five-link design with smaller, more rounded links, making it dressier and more flexible.

Is the Jubilee bracelet less durable than the Oyster?

No, the Jubilee is not less durable. Both are made from Rolex's Oystersteel and are engineered to last a lifetime. However, the Oyster's simpler, more robust construction is traditionally associated with Rolex's more tool-focused sports models.

Does the Jubilee or Oyster bracelet scratch easier?

The Oyster bracelet's larger, flat polished center links can make fine scratches more visible. The Jubilee's smaller links and intricate design tend to diffuse light, which helps to camouflage minor scuffs and scratches more effectively.

Which bracelet is more comfortable?

The Jubilee bracelet is widely considered more comfortable. Its smaller links provide more flexibility, allowing it to conform more closely and smoothly to the contour of your wrist.

Is there a price difference between the Wimbledon with an Oyster versus a Jubilee bracelet?

At retail from an authorized dealer, the price difference is generally minimal to none for a new stainless steel model. On the pre-owned market, prices can fluctuate based on demand, but both are highly sought after.

Which bracelet is more iconic on the Rolex Datejust?

While both are Rolex icons, the Jubilee bracelet has a special historical connection, as it was specifically designed for the debut of the Datejust collection in 1945.

Why is it called the "Wimbledon" dial?

The nickname comes from the dial's unique design: a slate grey face with distinctive green-outlined Roman numeral hour markers. These colors are associated with the green grass and iconic clock of the Wimbledon tennis championships, where Rolex is the official timekeeper.

Which bracelet holds its value better?

Both the Oyster and Jubilee bracelets on a Wimbledon Datejust hold their value exceptionally well, true to the Rolex brand. The "better" investment often comes down to current market trends and individual buyer preferences, as there is strong demand for both configurations.