If you have decided to get yourself a Rolex replica watch, I congratulate you on your choice. I’m sure you’ve spent, and keep spending, a lot of time looking for the right model. From my personal experience, watch lovers pay attention to the smallest details when looking for a new watch. Among these details is the type of bracelet, which has the role of adding extra flavor to the whole time-telling construction. What’s the deal with Rolex bracelets? Many people have surely heard about Jubilee and President bracelets. But is that all we need to know about Rolex bracelets in a replica watch?
Sure thing, not. There are, at least, 2 more terms that you should keep in mind when you consider a Rolex replica watch. It is about SEL, which means solid end links, and HEL, which refers to hollow end links.
What is the difference between them? And which is the most suitable for your Rolex replica watch? And most importantly, why? Here we are to cover all these aspects in this article.
Short overview
Matter-of-factly, Rolex initially used hollow end links for the production of its bracelets. The end links are nothing but the links at the end of the bracelet. They “connect” to the lugs of the watch and are usually sturdy. Currently, most modern watches feature end-link bracelets.
After a few years of using hollow end link bracelets, Rolex introduced a modification in the 2000s. From the traditional hollow links, it went to solid ones. What has changed?
Before answering the question, I just want to add that the replica watch industry immediately adapted to these changes. As a result, you will find lots of Rolex replicas available in both versions: with solid end and hollow end links. To better understand which type suits your replica watch, let’s do a little retrospective of the evolution of Rolex bracelets.
Rolex Bracelets’ fundamentals
A few decades ago, the value of watch bracelets was dramatically underestimated. People discussed everything in a watch except for the bracelets. Much has been said about fabulous complications, in-house or outsourced movements, case finishing, or dial texture and patterns. The bracelets, for some reason, have been overshadowed by the multitude of other features.
Things have changed substantially. Nowadays, the bracelet is an integral part of the watch construction. It is worth as much as the case or the internal mechanism of the watch. Watch lovers draw attention to the architecture of the bracelet, its texture, and its material. Also, they do not hesitate to take into account whether the bracelet expands or not, because the bracelet must be, above all, comfortable.
Looking back, remember what a “revolution” the Oyster bracelet made when it first appeared in 1947. The truth is that the first Oyster models were riveted, which is why they were not as flexible as they are today. However, their introduction to the market was like a breath of fresh air for the public, who were already “bored” of traditional leather straps by then.
Further on…
As it’s typical for any self-respecting watchmaking brand, Rolex has continued to evolve and improve. Thus, in 1960, the first Jubilee models appeared, which stood out for their extraordinary mobility and flexibility. These have become substantially more sought after by the public compared to the Oyster bracelet. At the moment, the Jubilee bracelet remains one of the most outstanding, even if it has its shortcomings (like it’s a little more prone to wear, more sensitive and fragile than the Oyster, and a little thinner).
It didn’t take long until Rolex introduced the improved version of the Oyster bracelet in 1970. The new version featured a rivet-free hollow design. The new approach has dramatically improved the durability, comfort, and above all flexibility of the bracelet. With this improvement, Rolex basically established a new 3-link bracelet standard that is found in most modern watches.
The negative side of the story is that the public began to point out the shortcomings of this type of bracelet. The hollow design has proven to be sensitive to wear and over time, it starts to produce a disturbing (rattle-like) sound.
The good part is Rolex never tires of improving its standards. As a result of these shortcomings related to the hollow end link bracelet, the brand found an alternative solution: solid end links.
Solid End Links
The invention of solid end links appeared as a solution for hollow end link issues. The company “rectified” the errors and replaced the hollow design with solid end links in both of its bracelets, the Oyster and Jubilee. The modification took place at the beginning of the 2000s and they were to become less damage-prone, more resistant to wear, and less sensitive to dirt.
In addition to the listed benefits, another advantage of this type of bracelet is the improvement of clasps. As a matter of fact, the public was quite happy with the previous “tuna can” clasps. However, Rolex saw fit to update it. As a result of the upgrade, the clasps stopped rattling like they used to, became much more durable, and provided a higher rate of comfort. Even if the opening and closing mechanisms are very comfortable and simple, this does not detract from their quality.
The final verdict
Currently, it is unlikely to see bracelets with hollow end links on new Rolex releases. The company has rejected this concept since the 2000s. However, in the replica industry, you will definitely find hollow-end link designs. Both types have advantages and disadvantages. The majority of the public opts for the newer version, i.e. for solid end links, because they do not accumulate dirt between the compartments of the bracelet. Also, this type of bracelet is less prone to rattle and wear off. In order to adjust the size, it is only necessary to file it down.
On the other hand, hollow-end link bracelets provide a lighter fit on the wrist. Many watch lovers chase after this quality, without being too concerned about the other disadvantages.
In my humble opinion, I find solid end link bracelets much better quality, significantly more resistant to wear, and highly practical. I don’t feel the need to take my watch for cleaning as often as I used to do with the hollow links watches. In addition, I trust the brand and the fact that if it gave up the “hollow” version, it would be for good reason. But, keep in mind that this is my subjective opinion and I don’t want to influence yours. It is important to know the difference between these two types so that you know what to expect from the bracelet of your replica Rolex watch.