The Top 15 Best Watch Bracelets — Rolex, Omega, Cartier, And More
Featuring some exciting new additions!
Designing a bracelet for watches is one of the most difficult things to do. I didn't just make that up, instead, this was said to me on multiple occasions by different designers and product developers. I am not a designer myself, but I can definitely judge a bracelet after having tried and seen so many watches in the last 20+ years.
I've done an article on the best watch bracelets before, but I thought it was time for an update. Taste changes, but I've also seen and tried some bracelets that were new to me (Moser certainly comes to mind), and immediately loved them. One is from a brand (Bvlgari) where their designer was one of the guys that told me it is one of the toughest challenges: designing a good watch bracelet. We've also seen some watch bracelet updates since the last article, like the new Omega Speedmaster bracelet. However, I do realize that it is a very personal matter of course, but let me share with you the best watch bracelets in my book. Also, I made this list a top 15 best watch bracelets instead of a top 10. There were some previous picks from the past which are classics and deserve a spot in this kind of overview.
The top 15 best watch bracelets
1. Rolex President
The undisputed King (or President) of watch bracelets. There's little that beats the sensation of wearing this bracelet on my wrist, despite having issues with the watch itself. The 36mm size is a tad bit too small for me, and the 40mm looks a bit out of proportion. I always find it funny that the Rolex Day-Date is often just called "Rolex President", especially in the USA. Even though this watch is also available on an Oyster bracelet. However, ever since a few presidents of the US wore this watch, it earned this nickname. In the past (1966 to be precise), Rolex nodded to this by using an advertisement that showed a wrist with the Rolex Day-Date of a man that holding a red phone in his hands, accompanied with the text "Mr. President's watch". Rolex was referencing American President Lyndon B. Johnson here, who was known to wear a gold Rolex Day-Date "President" along with several other interesting watches during his time in office. The concealed clasp is really attractive, as is the combination of polished and brushed finishing on the surfaces of the bracelet.
2. Rolex Jubilee
My first Rolex (back in 2002), was a Datejust on a Jubilee bracelet. There isn't a single doubt in my mind that this is one of the best watch bracelets in the world. It combines looks and comfort and the modern references even have Rolex's Easylink system to slightly adjust the clasp. Former models just had a couple of holes in the clasp, that you could resize yourself using a toothpick. Also worked fine. But the Easylink system is just genius. The Jubilee bracelet was first introduced in 1945, for the launch of the Rolex Datejust in the same year. Meanwhile, the Jubilee bracelet was also used for other Rolex models. This bracelet is like silk on your wrist.
3. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
One of my all-time favorite watches, the Royal Oak Extra-Thin (or "Jumbo") from Audemars Piguet. When I first saw an advertisement for this watch, I fell in love with it. I had no idea about Genta or the spectacular caliber 2121 movement inside. Part of the attraction of this octagonal watch that combines satin-brushed surfaces with polished angles and surfaces is its bracelet. It perfectly integrates with the watch case of the Royal Oak, and it wears very comfortably. I have a slight preference for the older iterations of the bracelet (pre-2012), as they are slightly thinner and have a single folding clasp that just looks a bit more elegant.
4. Moser Streamliner
The Moser Streamliner surprised all of us when it was released. A superb piece of work by Moser and Fratello's Mike Stockton was incredibly tempted to get one, as the size and fit of the watch were perfect for him. I tried it on as well, of course, and that bracelet is simply a masterpiece. We also had the perpetual calendar in our office for a while, and it quickly became the Fratello team's darling. To me, the bracelet reminded me of two designs from the past. One is the Wave bracelet from Ebel — which you'll further down this list — and the other one is the lobster bracelet from Omega. It isn't entirely the same thing (I know), but it just reminds me of it. The feel, finish and fit are just brilliant. A job well done by Moser. I can see this bracelet move up in this list of best watch bracelets in the future.
5. Rolex Oyster
Another classic in this list of best watch bracelets, and another strong contender from The Crown. This Rolex bracelet has its roots in the 1930s, but its development has never stopped. It goes with everything basically, it's very comfortable, and is very easy on the eyes. It also has an adjustable clasp (with the Easylink system) so you can shorten or extend the bracelet a bit, depending on the weather. This is probably also one of the most copied bracelet designs in the world. The Jubilee bracelet is more supple than the Oyster, but the latter is certainly more versatile.
6. Breguet Marine
When this watch came into our office, I noticed a few of our team rolling up their sleeves and taking off their own watch. Luckily, I beat them to it. This Breguet bracelet is something else, it really made me rethink my opinion on the Marine collection. The Marine was never so much on my radar (I like the Type XX/XXI and Classique collection), but this bracelet changed that. What a beast! It's incredibly well made, and I personally think it is one of the best watch bracelets in the industry. One thing is certain, it doesn't get the proper recognition for that. Yet.
7. Patek Philippe Nautilus
Another classic that has been with us since 1976, the bracelet of the Patek Philippe Nautilus. The unobtanium, you could say. A super-smooth look and feel is what you get with this on the wrist, but definitely not as "integrated" as the Royal Oak bracelet. I write integrated with quotation marks, as it is of course integrated with the design of the watch, but it just doesn't do the job as nicely as the Royal Oak. That said, the bracelet does look a bit more sophisticated than that of the Royal Oak. I am just a bit more of a Royal Oak guy than a Nautilus guy, I guess!
8. Omega Speedmaster
One point of criticism about the previous generation of the Moonwatch (1997-2020) was its bracelet. It was bulkier than the bracelets before that, and perhaps too bulky for the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. Omega listened and dove into its archives to see which bracelets would work better. They already introduced this new design back in 2019, on the Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI in 18ct Moonshine gold. When Omega introduced the successor of the steel Moonwatch, in January 2021, they also introduced a steel version of that Apollo XI bracelet. I have both in my collection, and it is definitely a very comfortable bracelet combined with a more refined look than it used to have. It doesn't have an easy adjustment system in the clasp like the recently introduced Speedmaster Chronoscope bracelet, but Omega told us that this will be a future update for sure.
9. Cartier Santos
The Cartier Santos model I am talking about was introduced in 1978. It was the first all stainless steel watch for Cartier. All Santos Dumont models were only in gold or platinum. The bracelet received a few updates during the years, but only on the inside of the bracelet. The typical screws remained. Then, Cartier introduced the Santos Galbée. A similar design, but a slightly bend case and slightly domed links in the bracelet. In 2005, the Galbée XL was introduced, with a similar design, but bigger. Early 2018, for its 40th anniversary, the Santos was re-introduced with an in-house movement, new bezel shape, large(r) case, and a new bracelet. Easy to adjust by yourself, using the micro-pushers on the inside of the bracelet. Shown above is one of the older versions though. A classic!
10. IWC Pilot
This isn't the most recent version of IWC's Pilot's watch bracelet, but it is one I like best. The silky feel is quite something, and the design fits the IWC Pilot's watch nicely. Easy to adjust with the pusher system inside the links, a feature they kept in the current/new bracelets as well. Back in 1999, when I purchased my first Speedmaster, I was actually comparing the Pilot Chronograph to the Omega, going back-and-forth between them. The bracelet was one of the elements that spoke for the IWC, but we all know which watch I took home in the end. That said, I still keep searching Chrono24 for a nice deal on an IWC Pilot's watch with that specific bracelet.
11. Ebel Wave
I kid you not, I had to check whether this brand was still alive and active. Awkward! It seems though it is indeed still around it's now mainly producing ladies' watches. However, back in the day (the 1980s and 1990s), this was a cool brand in my opinion. I wonder how it could have messed it up so badly. Anyway, the Ebel chronograph watches with El Primero movement were awesome. Even Don Johnson sported one in Miami Vice. The bracelets on the Ebel Wave model were something else, perhaps still are. The flat stainless steel bracelet with the wave pattern did not only look good, but it was also very comfortable as well. The downside used to be how it was attached to the case, with two screws from below. This resulted in the bracelet snapping off in sometimes. Anyway, now you also see the resemblance with Moser's bracelet in this overview of best watch bracelets.
12. Bvlgari Octo Finissimo
Bvlgari did a wonderful job in creating a new icon in such a short time. You can easily spot an Octo Finissimo from a mile away. Although the watch is also available on straps, the bracelet is an integral part of the watch in my opinion. Whether that's the steel, titanium, or gold version, they perfectly match the design of the Octo Finissimo. Just like the Octo Finissimo design, it's thin and refined and this is being reflected in its wearing comfort.
13. Omega Seamaster 300M
You either love them or you hate them, the Seamaster 300M "Bond" bracelets. Admittedly, they look very 1990s with their array of links, but they are very sturdy and comfortable. They are also a bit more outspoken than the Speedmaster (style) bracelet. A little diving extension is there to wear over your neoprene wetsuit. Micro-adjustment was not possible for the first generations but is now. There is (and was) also a version that consisted of titanium, Sedna (rose) gold, and tantalum. In the picture above there's the Nekton edition of the Seamaster 300M with the modern version of the famous 9-row bracelet for the 300M.
14. Breitling Navitimer
Comfort, style, and build quality. Those are the three words that come to mind when thinking of the Breitling bracelet, pictured above on the Navitimer watch. The style of this design has been copied often, but to me, it is just very recognizable as a Breitling bracelet. In a previous overview of the best watch bracelets, I included the rouleaux bracelet. But when trying a vintage one on, I also realized it was driven by nostalgia a little too much (and Seinfeld). I don't think the quality was that good, and the new rouleaux bracelet tackled that, but it has become a bit clunky. Definitely a beautiful-looking bracelet, but in the end, I am voting for Breitling's Navitimer bracelet.
15. Mesh
Not entirely fair, as I am talking generic mesh bracelets here. But the good thing is, you can find them basically anywhere in different sizes, so you can add them to your watch. The mesh is so smooth and supple, that there is no real reason not to own one of these bracelets. Besides, a couple of brands use these mesh bracelets (branded of course), like IWC, Omega, Breitling, Eterna but also lower-end brands like Skagen. The people at StrapCode for example, also sell a wide variety of them. Watch Gecko also has a couple of good options. If you've been following us for a while, you'll have probably noticed some of our team members are really favoring the mesh bracelet from Forstner as well.
But here's the thing…
Let me start by saying that I don't think Apple watches are a threat to luxury Swiss watches or mechanical watches in general. They might be are to the Swiss watch brands who started doing their own smartwatches, but those who love their Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Patek, Seiko, or whatever mechanical piece, will not swap it for an Apple watch. However, what Apple did proper though, is that €350 / $350 steel bracelet for its watch. That's a piece of engineering I would have expected from a Swiss watch brand that has been in the watch industry for decades, or sometimes even for centuries.
Looking at the steel Apple watch bracelet (available in steel and in black steel), it is just mind-boggling how they can do this for €350. Of course, it needs to be affordable for a watch of similar pricing, but it does show that a lot of manufacturers of mechanical (luxury) watches, should go back to the drawing board with a face turning slightly red. George Cramer wrote an article on this Apple bracelet, designed by Marc Newson a while ago here.
A selection of the most famous Gay Frères bracelets. Image credit: Acollectedman.com
Your Best Watch Bracelets?
These best watch bracelets are, of course, my own favorites that I've tried and experienced over the last two decades or so. You might have a completely different opinion of course. Funny thing is, that Rolex is taking 3 positions in my Top 10 best watch bracelets overview. I think the older models are at least better than the current one(s). The mesh bracelets are a bit generically mentioned in my article, but I think you catch my drift. Omega showed how it's done with the titanium mesh bracelet on the Seamaster 300M NTTD edition, for example. But I also have enjoyed the mesh bracelets on Breitling watches, for example.
It would be very interesting to learn about your favorite steel bracelets, so if you have any, please list them in the comments below!
Tommi Licci says:
What about the new Nomos Sport?
What about it? 😉
You missed the Vacheron Constantin Overseas. So comfortable and beautifully finished.
Lucas says:
Great article! Omega beads of rice bracelets (on vintage constellations for example) are also very smooth to wear and look amazing to me, they deserve to be mentioned imho 🙂
agree Vachy is best by far
speed-detender says:
Thanks for a great article. I own five of the mentioned and I'm absolutely with you.
In addition I want to bring the Minase bracelet to the game. Incredibly well made in my eyes.
Oliver Price says:
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas bracelet really ought to be in the list.
Hi Oliver,
Personally, I am not so much a fan of the design. Nothing wrong with the finishing or its fit, but I just dislike the design. Always have tbh.
Ron_W says:
Fully agree on the President, even my cheap ass ebay copies are super comfy on the wrist, as was my 1171 (?) on the 145.022 Speedy.
And if Apple can do that for 350 usd, it proves what the crowd`s have been saying for so long about the prices for bracelets from major watch brands : to xxx expensive !!!
Poh says:
I'm currently crazing over the Serica bonklip bracelet. It is amazing when on the wrist. You need to try it out. I hope Serica will introduce other sizes eg 18mm, 22mm as well.
Gav says:
Pretty much spot-on, RJ.
Regarding the Overseas (I know you're not a fan) – it really comes into its own in rose gold, particularly on the ultra-thin QP. In steel, AP have the advantage.
I will give it a try in rose gold, I did have the Overseas still in my hands yesterday but I still stand by my point 😉
Eriktig says:
Never really warmed up to IWCs pilot bracelet. Something about it being very square, and made up of tiny squares, when I feel like the pilot style is almost defined by rounder cases, I think…
Nothing wrong with it as such, just not a fan of the combo.
stefandr59 says:
The Doxa beads of rice bracelet deserves a mention. It's super comfy and very well made. The only thing that needs improving is their clasp and maybe a better micro adjustment.
The Czapek Antarctique bracelet is better than at least half of your selection here.
That bracelet is downright jawdropping
Came here looking for this comment. It's a stunner but I've yet to have it on the wrist
Oh, another one to add is the Hublot Big Bang Integral bracelet. Don't think much of the watch, but the bracelet is very well designed.
RJ, what do you think of the original Panerai bracelet? (Not the newer one). Personally I love the one on the PAM 161
I have to say, I never gave it much attention tbh. I had a couple of Panerai watches, but always on leather.
I would add two more bracelets to that list:
1) Blancpain's X71 bracelet
2) The bracelet of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas generation 2 from 2004 to 2016. This one is a piece of art and craftsmanship with an abundance of hand-finished interior angles on all the bracelet links. The bracelet is solid and comfortable and easily beats both the Royal Oak and Nautilus bracelets in both ergonomics and finishing.
Thanks for your additions!
Ulrik says:
I feel that this article entirely lacks in the "why"-department:
"The flat stainless steel bracelet with the wave pattern did not only look good, but it was also very comfortable as well"
Ok..? Why do you think it looks good, is it the wave pattern only? what about other design elements? What makes this bracelet in particular stand out? why is it comfortable?
To me this could just have been a list of pictures and brand names, because the rest of the text adds very little value.
It is a very personal list, so there's no real need for "why" when it comes to taste. However, happy to give you an answer there. I love how the Ebel wave bracelet is shaped, how the links are so close to each other, even when on the wrist (so bend/curved). It is definitely the wave design that I like, but also how the links are connected to each other and how it gives you a view on the slim gold edge of the links. Hope this helps.
Mike T. says:
Great response…great article!
Daniel clark says:
You forgot tags link bracelet it tops half of those listed
When I was younger, I loved that SE/L bracelet!
Thor says:
To each their own, but I think the Link is one of the ugliest watches every produced.
Conor Whitworth says:
Can only comment from my own experiences. The Doxa BOR was o.k (and easy to size up) , i have both a GS and a Tudor. Sorry GS, but the Tudor bracelet (not the faux riveted) just 'feels' better and more solidly constructed. The GS is a pain to size with screws either side of the pins.
Keith Leighton says:
The jubilee in my opinion is poor, I have had it on a datejust for the last 35 years and am just about to replace the second strap, which, at over £1k is expensive. Within a couple of years they stretch and the links to the clasp weaken. Best strap I have now is on my GO Senator chronograph date, now that is a work of art….only my opinion.
Martinl says:
I would have added the Czapek Antarctique – and the bracelet on the Ed White 321 is much better than the standard Speedy – it's up there with the Nautilus and Streamliner for fit.
Hmmm. Not sure, I have both and I like both (Speedmaster) bracelets, but I think I have a slight preference for the new Speedmaster bracelet in terms of comfort. The finishing on the Ed White is something else though, agreed!
That's not a picture of a Brietling pilot bracelet. That's a navitimer bracelet
You are absolutely right, changed it to Navitimer.
Peter Shire says:
I clearly remember a late 70's advertisement for a watch with a band containing "more parts than a Rolls Royce engine." It was from a mid-level Swiss brand. I think it was Longines, but I have never been able to verify it. The band was beautiful and its construction was fascinating. I would appreciate if anyone remembers more.
The streamliner is a beauty! VC overseas also deserves a mention I think. But these are all too big for me anyway, nevermind price. I also like the nautilus-style bracelet as seen on the IWC ingenieur 3521. More affordable too, if you manage to find one.
Ray Langlois says:
I expected to see the TagHeuer Link bracelet. Big deception.
peter Norman says:
One of the best bracelets you will find is on the Gérard Perrigaux Ferrari. Not a bought in product but made in house. Also not cheap !
Warky says:
I can only comment on what I have and what I have owned:
Jubilee on my 2020 DJ is head and shoulders above any of the other bracelets in my collection in terms of both comfort and aesthetics…..which is why I wear that watch most.
GS looks great and finishing is superb….but no clasp adjustment (as in not at all – not even with a tool) and as someone else has said is a pain in the ass to size. You have zero choice but to wear it loose. Mind blowing how they can pay so much attention to the tiniest detail….and totally screw up two of the fundamental essentials of a bracelet🤯
Omega 9-row shows how it's done – big clasp but Uber adjustment and just feels indestructible. No taper though is a let down.
Oyster is excellent – close second to the Jubilee and more "sporty"
I did have a Tag Link – and I have to say that was excellent given the price of the watch.
Czapek Antarctique arriving next week – hoping and expecting it to take the top spot ( if it comes with the new adjustable clasp…..)!
BW says:
My Most comfortable watch bracelet to date is actually a 1992 Tag S/el…absolutely second to none in comfort and I do own a Rolex W/Jubilee and an Oyster. I'd agree that the the Jubilee is a tad superior to the Oyster not only in comfort but also in how it handles everyday wear and those pesky scratches.
RBSelman says:
The Urban Jurgensen is a certain candidate for best bracelet inclusion on your list: beautiful flexible and comfortable with a new aesthetic of elliptical connections between the bracelet links.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Cat says:
Well, missing the real great one, bracelet from Overseas.
A J Carter says:
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is hexagonal? One of us needs to go back to school.
I'd rather not, but I hope a correction will satisfy you as well.
Mo patel says:
I love the VC overseas bracket and the Oysterquartz DD GOLD BRACELET
Carlitos Espada says:
Where can I find the Presidential watch band for the Day/Date men's watch?
I have a Rolex Daytona 116520, and the bracelet doesn't come close to any of my Omega push button clasp models. Rolex president! Are you serious?
Dead serious.
JL says:
Wow I'm glad you mentioned that Apple Watch bracelet as I got one a few weeks ago and was marveling at its construction… it just shows some innovation from outsiders can really matter.
2 more I would add to the list is the Blancpain's metal bracelet and also the Speidel twist o flex.
Stephan says:
Just from the "looks" department, I think the Breitling Rouleaux is pretty amazing. Never owned one, so I cannot comment on its actual function or comfort. I also don't like the watches they come on. But as a bracelet, it definitely gets my attention.
David Babb says:
My Rolex bracelet broke so I traded it in for 18 carat gold stainless steel in gold from Italy very nice
Phsan007 says:
What about writing an article on best bracelets in affordable watches?
I would suggest the GMW-B5000 and Tissot PRX 😉
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