Are there Rolex watches with leather strap? - these models are available
The Rolex brand is known for its innovative and unique bracelets. With the Oyster bracelet, the Jubilee bracelet and in the President bracelet you have revolutionized the watch world. these bracelets distinguish the brand identity of Rolex with and are in connection with the golden crown hardly imaginable.
But when it comes to classic wristwatches on a leather strap, probably few people think of Rolex. Many probably think of brands like IWC or A. Lange & Söhne when it comes to elegant timepieces on leather straps.
Often, the Rolex brand is left out because their other straps are so infamous and most associated with the brand. Nevertheless, there would be some Rolex watches on leather strap, which also look very chic.
There are several models of Rolex on leather strap. Among the most famous are the Day-Date, the Sky-Dweller, the Daytona and vintage models of the Oyster Perpetual as well as the new 1908. However, you can attach a custom leather strap to almost any Rolex watch.
Is your watchknowledge up to date?
Here is our list of must-know watches!
Bet you'll find a watch on it that you've never seen before.
These watches are available with leather strap
Many do not know that there is a whole range of Rolex watches with leather straps. However, the leather strap versions are mostly limited to the more elegant models, which, for example, are not directly associated with diving or water.
Day-Date
One of the best-known models with a leather strap is the Day-Date. The presidential watch is exceptionally timeless and classic, which is why it also looks very good with a leather strap. The leather strap is available in all possible variations and alloys, but is still not as popular as the famous President bracelet.
Is your watchknowledge up to date?
Here is our list of must-know watches!
Bet you'll find a watch on it that you've never seen before.
Daytona
Although the Rolex Daytona has its origins in racing, it is quite popular on a leather strap. Especially with yellow gold or Everose, a black leather strap provides a great contrast to the gold watch. Of course, it can't hold a candle to the Oyster bracelet in terms of popularity. However, the leather strap provides good variety.
Sky-Dweller
The Pilot watch, which was launched in 2012, is also available on the leather strap. This gives the Sky-Dweller a slightly different appearance. Nevertheless, the leather strap fits the pilot watch extremely well.
Oyster Perpetual
The Oyster Perpetual is also a very popular watch, which was delivered with a leather strap. Meanwhile, the version with the Oyster bracelet is much more popular, although the Oyster Perpetual has its origins with a leather strap. Numerous vintage models of the Oyster are still available with a leather strap.
Is your watchknowledge up to date?
Here is our list of must-know watches!
Bet you'll find a watch on it that you've never seen before.
Die neue 1908
The 1908 is probably the most current and interesting Rolex watch with a leather strap. This is one of the new Rolex models from 2023. The number 1908 is a tribute from the history of Rolex, it is the year in which Rolex was officially registered as a brand.
The 1908 comes with an alligator leather strap and a dualclasp clasp. At the same time, it has a revolutionary glass back, which has never been seen before at Rolex. Moreover, it is an absolute stroke of genius from a technical perspective as well.
1908 was recently worn by Roger Federer at the Met Gala, which is why it is currently the talk of the town.
Is your watchknowledge up to date?
Here is our list of must-know watches!
Bet you'll find a watch on it that you've never seen before.
What you need to consider when buying a watch with a leather strap
Leather straps are extremely practical. Many can be easily adjusted by oneself without special tools. Additionally, the material is light and comfortable on the skin.
However, there are also some things to consider in order to keep the lifespan of a leather strap as long as possible. Because leather is not as corrosion-resistant as precious metals or stainless steel.
Therefore, caution is advised.
First of all, it is obvious that a leather strap should not come into contact with water. Even if the leather strap is impregnated with a water-repellent agent, it is recommended to keep the watch away from water. Otherwise, there is a risk of the leather deforming or discolouring. What else you need to consider in terms of water can be found in our blog about "Watches and Water".
Also, you should not do sports with a watch on a leather strap, as human sweat also has an effect on the condition of leather. Sweat can cause the leather to deform or discolor.
Is your watchknowledge up to date?
Here is our list of must-know watches!
Bet you'll find a watch on it that you've never seen before.
In addition, you should always protect a leather strap from heat and direct sunlight. Because the leather can dry out due to high heat and strong sunlight. It then develops cracks and discolours.
Moreover, you need to protect your leather strap from chemical substances. Avoid contact with these at all costs. The chemicals contained in perfume, solvents, and cleaning agents, as well as disinfectant sprays, are very aggressive and can damage the delicate leather.
At the same time, you can take care of your leather strap to keep it supple and protect it from drying out. For this, you should use special leather care products such as certain balms or leather oils that nourish the leather and provide it with moisture. Make sure to pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions, which care products are suitable for the strap.
Finally, it is also important to be careful when putting on and taking off the strap. A leather strap is flexible and adapts to the arm. Therefore, it can also deform quickly. Be careful not to stretch the strap too much when putting it on and taking it off. Because over time, a leather strap can lose its shape or tear under this use.
After all, a leather bracelet is a very chic and elegant affair. However, it is also much more delicate than metal bracelets. So you have to take good care of your leather bracelet.
Is your watchknowledge up to date?
Here is our list of must-know watches!
Bet you'll find a watch on it that you've never seen before.
Do Rolex watches on a leather strap perform well?
In general, it can be said that Rolex watches with leather straps are not among the Rolex models with the best value development. And this also becomes noticeable in the price development.
Rolex watches on leather straps have also seen considerable price developments in the past, but they cannot keep up with the same models with Oyster or President straps.
In particular, the Daytona Chronograph with leather strap are quite popular. These have also seen considerable performance and have multiplied in value over the past few years. The Daytonas on the Oyster bracelet nevertheless had a better performance.
Naturally, there are also special vintage watches with leather straps that are worth a lot due to their rarity. There are some rare Oyster Perpetual vintage watches that have experienced a massive increase in value. However, this is generally the exception.
It will also be interesting to see how the 1908 will be priced. The list price is just over 20,000 euros. But this watch is a completely new model with new technology and a never-before-seen glass bottom. Accordingly, the secondary market prices for the 1908 could go through the roof.
Is your watchknowledge up to date?
Here is our list of must-know watches!
Bet you'll find a watch on it that you've never seen before.
Are there custom leather straps?
If you already have a watch with a steel bracelet, but would like to wear a timepiece with a leather strap, you don't have to buy a new Rolex right away.
Because you can wear almost any Rolex on a leather strap. The luxury watch manufacturer does not offer many models with a leather strap from the factory. But there are numerous custom leather straps with a colorful variety and a wide selection.
This is not the same as ordinary Custom watches. If you attach a leather strap to the watch, the Rolex is not damaged. The strap is merely exchanged and can be swapped back at any time. Technically speaking, this is not damage or an intervention in the factory state of the watch.
So, the custom leather strap could be a great way to add variety to the daily wear of one's wristwatch.
However, one must also question whether it makes much sense to attach a leather strap to one's watch. Because on a Submariner or a Sea-Dweller, it's somewhat unfitting. Especially if you regularly go diving with your watch.
Is your watchknowledge up to date?
Here is our list of must-know watches!
Bet you'll find a watch on it that you've never seen before.
Conclusion - leather watch straps are in a class of their own
The leather strap is not as popular with Rolex watches as the Oyster, President or Jubilee bracelet, but it has its own target group and is very classic and style-conscious.
Especially the more elegant models often come with a leather strap. Among the most famous models on the leather strap are the Day-Date, the Sky-Dweller and the Daytona.
In addition, a brand new model, the 1908 on a leather strap was introduced this year.
However, you can also equip any Rolex watch with a leather strap, because you only need to change the strap.
After all, the leather bracelet is a classic bracelet variant, which comes from the origins of wristwatches. It may not be as popular as bracelets made of metal, but it has its very own class.
Scource cover image: Rolex
About the author
Alexander Weinberger
For me, the most fascinating thing about watches is the interplay between precise craftsmanship and artistic development. In a watch movement, hundreds of small parts have to be put together precisely so that they form a large whole.
