Oyster vs Jubilee: Best Bracelet for the Rolex GMT-Master II

When people think of Rolex, they often picture the classic Oyster bracelet or the elegant Jubilee bracelet. Both are iconic in the watch world and have been paired with many Rolex models over the decades.

But when it comes to the Rolex GMT-Master II—a watch famous for its travel-friendly design and legendary status—the question arises: does it look better on the Oyster or the Jubilee bracelet?

This debate has been going on for years among collectors and enthusiasts. Some love the sportier look of the Oyster, while others prefer the luxurious shine of the Jubilee. To answer this question effectively, we need to examine the history, design, comfort, and overall style of both bracelets when paired with the GMT-Master II.

A Quick Look at the Rolex GMT-Master II

Before diving into the bracelets, let’s briefly talk about the watch itself. The Rolex GMT-Master II was introduced in the 1980s as an upgrade to the original GMT-Master, which was first created in 1955 for Pan Am pilots. Its main purpose was to allow travelers to read two time zones at once, which was a huge deal for aviation and global travel.

Over the years, the GMT-Master II has become one of Rolex’s most popular professional watches. It comes with the famous rotating 24-hour bezel, the extra GMT hand, and a robust case built to handle daily wear. The watch has been released in many versions with different bezel colors, like the red and blue “Pepsi,” the black and blue “Batman,” and the black and brown “Root Beer.”

But beyond the bezel colors, one of the biggest talking points has been which bracelet looks better: the Oyster or the Jubilee.

The Oyster Bracelet – Sporty and Iconic

The Oyster bracelet is one of the most recognized bracelets in the world. It was introduced in the late 1930s and became Rolex’s signature bracelet for professional tool watches like the Submariner, Explorer, and Daytona.

The Oyster is made up of three flat and wide links, giving it a simple yet tough design. This makes it perfect for sports and adventure watches because it feels solid and durable. It has a brushed finish on most models, though some versions come with polished center links to add a touch of shine.

On the GMT-Master II, the Oyster bracelet gives the watch a sporty and modern look. It feels like a watch that is ready for travel, outdoor adventures, and everyday wear. The flat links also make it look sleek and powerful on the wrist.

The Jubilee Bracelet – Elegant and Comfortable

The Jubilee bracelet was introduced in 1945 for the launch of the Rolex Datejust. Unlike the Oyster, which was designed with durability in mind, the Jubilee was designed to be more elegant.

The Jubilee is made of five smaller links across, with polished center links and brushed outer links. This design makes it shinier and more eye-catching compared to the Oyster. It also makes the bracelet extremely comfortable to wear because the smaller links fit smoothly around the wrist.

When Rolex paired the GMT-Master II with the Jubilee bracelet, many collectors were surprised. After all, the Jubilee was more associated with dress watches like the Datejust. But the combination worked beautifully. The Jubilee gave the GMT-Master II a classy look that contrasted nicely with its sporty design.

Style Differences – Sport vs Elegance

When comparing the Oyster and Jubilee, the biggest difference is in style.

Oyster bracelet style: Sporty, rugged, bold, and professional. It matches well with the adventurous spirit of the GMT-Master II.
Jubilee bracelet style: Elegant, shiny, luxurious, and refined. It balances the sporty look of the GMT-Master II with a dressier edge.

The choice often comes down to whether you want your GMT-Master II to look like a tool watch or a luxury statement piece.

Comfort on the Wrist

Another big factor in this debate is comfort.

The Oyster bracelet feels solid and firm. It has a straightforward design that sits nicely on the wrist. However, because the links are wider and flatter, some people find that it doesn’t wrap as smoothly as the Jubilee.

The Jubilee bracelet, on the other hand, is known for its comfort. The smaller links make it flexible, so it hugs the wrist more naturally. Many people say they can wear a Jubilee bracelet all day without noticing it.

For frequent travelers who wear the GMT-Master II on long flights, this comfort can be a big advantage.

Durability and Practicality

Durability is another point to consider.

The Oyster bracelet is considered more rugged and tougher. Its larger links mean fewer moving parts, which can make it less prone to stretching over time. This makes it ideal for people who plan to wear their GMT-Master II in more active situations.

The Jubilee bracelet, while very well-built, has more small links and moving parts. Over decades of wear, some older Jubilee bracelets were known to stretch more than Oysters. However, with Rolex’s modern technology and solid construction, today’s Jubilee bracelets are much more durable than before.

The Clasp and Adjustability

Both the Oyster and Jubilee bracelets on the GMT-Master II come with Rolex’s famous Oysterlock clasp, which includes the Easylink extension system. This system allows you to quickly adjust the bracelet length by 5mm without using tools.

This feature is great for travel, as your wrist can swell or shrink depending on temperature and activity. Whether you choose Oyster or Jubilee, you’ll have the same level of security and convenience thanks to this clasp.

Aesthetic Pairing with Different GMT-Master II Models

One interesting aspect of the debate is how the two bracelets look with different versions of the GMT-Master II.

Pepsi (red and blue bezel): Many people feel the Jubilee looks perfect with the Pepsi GMT-Master II. The shiny links of the Jubilee complement the colorful bezel, giving the watch a classic and vintage-inspired look.
Batman (black and blue bezel): The Oyster bracelet matches the sporty vibe of the Batman very well. The sleek, flat links blend nicely with the modern black and blue tones.
Root Beer (black and brown bezel): Both bracelets work here, but the Jubilee adds an extra level of luxury, enhancing the gold accents. The Oyster, meanwhile, gives it a bold and striking appearance.
All-black bezel versions: The Oyster often looks cleaner and sharper on these models, while the Jubilee can make them more eye-catching.

So, the bracelet choice can depend on which bezel version of the GMT-Master II you have.

Collectors’ Opinions

Among collectors, opinions are split. Some argue that the Oyster is the “true” bracelet for the GMT-Master II because it fits the professional tool watch image. Others say the Jubilee makes the GMT-Master II stand out more, making it feel like a luxury travel watch instead of just a pilot’s tool.

Interestingly, when Rolex re-released the Pepsi GMT-Master II in 2018, it only came on a Jubilee bracelet at first. This decision showed that Rolex itself believes the Jubilee pairs beautifully with the GMT.

Later, they added Oyster bracelet options for some versions, giving buyers more choice.

Resale Value and Market Demand

Another thing to keep in mind is resale value. Because Rolex watches are highly collectible, the bracelet type can affect demand.

GMT-Master II models on Jubilee bracelets often sell quickly because the combination is iconic and harder to find in certain versions. At the same time, Oyster bracelet models are also very popular among people who prefer a sportier look.

In general, both bracelet types hold their value well, but limited releases or specific pairings (like Pepsi on Jubilee) may command higher premiums in the pre-owned market.

Quick Comparison Table: Oyster vs Jubilee on the GMT-Master II

Feature	Oyster Bracelet	Jubilee Bracelet
Design	Sporty, bold, professional	Elegant, shiny, luxurious
Link Style	3 flat, wide links	5 smaller, rounded links
Comfort	Solid and sturdy, less flexible	Extremely comfortable, hugs the wrist well
Durability	More rugged, fewer moving parts	Durable but may stretch more over decades
Best For	Adventure, sporty lifestyle, tool watch	Dressier occasions, luxury travel looks
Popular Pairings	Batman, all-black bezel models	Pepsi, Root Beer, two-tone models

Which One Looks Better?

Now comes the big question: which bracelet does the Rolex GMT-Master II look better on?

The truth is, there isn’t a single right answer. It depends on your personal taste, lifestyle, and how you plan to wear the watch.

If you want a sporty and adventurous look, the Oyster bracelet is the way to go. It’s bold, rugged, and emphasizes the professional tool watch heritage of the GMT-Master II.
If you want a luxurious and classy look, the Jubilee bracelet is perfect. It makes the GMT-Master II sparkle on the wrist and adds elegance without losing comfort.

Many collectors even choose to own both bracelets and swap them depending on the occasion. For everyday travel and work, they wear the Oyster. For dinners or special events, they switch to the Jubilee.

Final Thoughts

The Rolex GMT-Master II shines on both Oyster and Jubilee bracelets, but each brings a different personality to the watch. The Oyster highlights its rugged, tool-watch heritage, while the Jubilee adds elegance and comfort, making it perfect for both travel and formal occasions.

If you’re considering adding a GMT-Master II to your collection, ElegantSwiss can help you find the right model and bracelet combination that matches your lifestyle and taste. Our expertise in luxury watches ensures you get a timepiece that’s both authentic and timeless.