How Many Links Does a Rolex Come With?

Luxury Bazaar Monday, August 29th, 2022 11 min. read

The majority of Rolex models come with an average of 13 links, although it can vary between eleven and 15 links. Rolex Oyster bracelets vary from 11 to 15 links but most often come with 13 links. Rolex Jubilee and President bracelets come with 22 links, not including the end links.

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How many links does a Rolex come with?
Rolex ModelLink Count
Air-King12 + End Link
Cosmograph Daytona12 + End Link
DatejustOyster: 12 + End Link
Jubilee: 22 + 2 End Links
Lady-DatejustOyster: 12 + End Link
Jubilee: 22 + 2 End Links
Day-Date22 + 2 End Links
Explorer12 + End Link
GMT-Master IIOyster: 12 + End Link
Jubilee: 22 + 2 End Links
Milgauss12 + End Link
Oyster Perpetual12 + End Link
Sea-Dweller12 + End Link
Sky-DwellerOyster: 12 + End Link
Jubilee: 22 + 2 End Links
Submariner12 + End Link
Yacht-Master I & II12 + End Link

More Guides from Grey Market:
Watch Size Guide: Does Size Really Matter?
Rolex Serial Numbers: The Ultimate Guide
The Ultimate Rolex Day Date Price Guide
Which is the Best Rolex Daytona to Buy?
Rolex Prices: Retail vs. Actual Market

How many links in a Rolex bracelet?

Rolex offers a collection of distinct bracelet types for their timepieces and they are all manufactured in-house:

Rolex Oyster Bracelet

The Rolex Oyster bracelet was first introduced in the late 1930s and is possibly Rolex’s most popular bracelet type. Designed using flat three-piece links it is most often used on Rolex’s professional watches such as the Air-King, GMT-Master, Submariner, Sea-Dweller, Explorer, and Milgauss. The Oyster bracelet can be equipped with all types of clasps including the Oysterclasp, Oysterlock, and Crownclasp and newer models include the Easylink extension link system.

The Professional models come with 12 links and one end link. Oyster bracelets may come with 11 to 15 links but the majority have 12. The Easylink extension link system offers an additional 5mm comfort extension link giving the wearer the option to extend or shorten the bracelet.

Rolex Jubilee Bracelet

The Rolex jubilee bracelet is possibly the most comfortable Rolex bracelet of them all with its liquid-like flexibility. Launched in 1945 specifically for the Rolex Datejust, it features a five-piece linking system in both precious metals and stainless steel and is fitted with either a Crownclasp or Oysterclasp.

The Rolex Jubilee has 22 links as well as 2 end links lending to its flexible and comfortable fit. With the Easylink extension system, wearers have the option of an additional 5mm of comfort on this bracelet.

Rolex President Bracelet

The Rolex President bracelet is limited to precious metals and is only available on the Rolex Day-Date and certain models of the ladies Datejust. Originally created in 1956, the president bracelet features semi-circular three-piece links and is always fitted with a Crownclasp.

This iconic bracelet features 22 links as well as 2 end links. As with other models, the Rolex President Bracelet offers an additional 5mm comfort extension through the Easylink extension link system.

Learn more: How much does a Rolex day date cost?


How many links in a Rolex? Number of links by model

Air King

The Rolex Air-King, being a part of the Rolex Professional line of watches originally comes with 12 links plus an end link. Newer models include the Easylink extension system offering an additional 5 mm of comfort for the wearer.

Rolex founder, Hans Wilsdorf, introduced a line of Oyster “Air” watches around 1945 as a tribute to the British Royal Air Force pilots who had worn Oyster watches during wartime. The Air-King was a simple stainless steel Rolex watch with a stainless steel Oyster case, smooth bezel, and clear and legible time-only dial.

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Rolex Air-King reference numbers include the 4499, 6552, 5500, 14000, 14000m, 114200, 116900, and the most recent version, the 126900.

Cosmograph Daytona

Being a part of the Rolex Professional line of watches, there are 12 links plus the end link on a Rolex Daytona, and newer models include the Easylink extension system.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is a mechanical chronograph wristwatch designed to meet the needs of racing drivers. Special functions include measuring elapsed time and calculating average speed. The name is inspired by the flourishing racing in Daytona, Florida. The first generation was manufactured in 1963. The second generation was introduced in 1988 and the third in 2000.  The current Cosmograph Daytona is equipped with a tachymetric scale for speed measurements as well as a sweep seconds hand for reading to 1/8 of a second.

If you’re considering getting your hands on a Daytona, but also want to look at other options, you can view our list of Rolex Daytona alternatives.

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Datejust

Rolex introduced the original Datejust in 1945. Its introduction celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Rolex company. Original models were only available in 18-karat yellow gold with a small bubble back winder with a deeply domed back. The Rolex Datejust original models featured the company’s waterproof Oyster case, a fluted bezel, and the Jubilee bracelet.

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All current Rolex Datejust models are available in both Oyster bracelets and Jubilee bracelets. They are available in a wide range of materials including stainless steel, two-tone stainless steel, yellow gold, and Everose gold. The Rolex Datejust on Oyster bracelet comes with 12 links and 1 end link, and with the Jubilee bracelet, 22 links, and 2 end links.

Lady-Datejust

The elegant Rolex Lady-Datejust is one of the best-performing models from the brand and also the only currently available Rolex available in all three bracelet configurations (Oyster, Jubilee, and President). The Rolex Ladies Datejust on Oyster bracelet comes with 12 links and 1 end link, and with the Jubilee and President bracelets, 22 links and 2 end links.

With the men’s version earning popularity and success, Rolex released the first Lady-Datejust in 1957. The Rolex Lady-Datejust offered many of the same groundbreaking features including the date function, automatic winding, and waterproof case. The Lady-Datejust shaved a full 10mm off the dimensions to give a more elegant profile.

Day-Date

The Rolex Day-Date comes with the iconic “President” bracelet, with 22 links as well as two end links. The Day-Date is the only Rolex model made for men that is available with the President bracelet.

Yellow Gold Rolex Day-Dates in various configurations

The Rolex Day-Date was originally introduced in 1956. It is considered to be a flagship of Rolex’s collection available in only 18-karat white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. The President bracelet was delivered with the Day-Date watch although it did not yet have this title. In early advertisements in 1966, Rolex used the “President” reference which would later evolve into the President bracelet.

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Explorer I & II

The Rolex Explorer features 12 links and one additional end link and is available in stainless steel and in the case of the Explorer I, also in Rolesor.

True to its name, the Rolex Explorer I and II have successfully been tested over a variety of different circumstances. Explorer models include features equipped for polar expeditions, mountaineering campaigns, and dangerous caving missions. Some of these features became especially handy for adventurous individuals such as the second hour hand to help wearers know the remaining daylight hours left while inside cave systems.  The Rolex Explorer I and Explorer II have been notable companions to some of the world’s best scientists and explorers.

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The Rolex Explorer celebrated its initial release in 1953. From there, Rolex incorporated new technologies and innovations in newer models.

GMT-Master II

The Rolex GMT-Master II is currently available in two bracelet configurations: Oyster (12 links plus 1 end link) and Jubilee (22 links plus 2 end links).

The Rolex GMT-Master II was introduced in 1954. The model was housed in the classic steel 38 mm diameter Oyster case. The Oyster case was the world’s first waterproof case for wristwatches featuring a patented system of screwing the bezel, case back, and winding crown against the middle case. Rolex invented the Oyster case in 1926 marking an important milestone in the history of contemporary watchmaking.

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The GMT-Master II was one of the first sports watches from Rolex. From its introduction, it incorporated ground-breaking features like the date magnifying bubble or cyclops and the dual time zone feature. 

Milgauss

The Rolex Milgauss features 12 links and 1 end link. Originally launched in 1956, the Milgauss earns a reputation for its high anti-magnetism. The Milgauss has the ability to withstand magnetism of up to 1,000 gauss. Rolex incorporated this technology as a reaction to the rapid growth in technology and science in the 1950s. This growth resulted in exposing people to magnetic fields at work which often caused damage to watches that typically could not withstand an electromagnetic field greater than 50 gauss.

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The Rolex Milgauss incorporates a faraday cage which uses a grounded metal screen to allow the watch to withstand interference and electromagnetic fields. Rolex developed a partnership with the CERN European particle physics laboratory in 1956 to test the anti-magnetic properties of the watch.

Oyster Perpetual

A Rolex Oyster bracelet has 12 links from the factory as well as one additional end link. The original Oyster model was launched in 1926 and was the first waterproof watch. It was worn by Mercedes Gleitze when she swam across the English Channel. In 1931, Rolex patented a self-winding movement that led to the word “Perpetual” being added to the Oyster name as the watch would stay perpetually wound. The Oyster Perpetual name was introduced in 1945 when Rolex combined the robust Oyster case with the self-winding movement. Many of the Rolex models today feature the Oyster Perpetual name on the watch as these models are built with the waterproof Oyster case and Perpetual winding of the automatic movement.

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Sea-Dweller

The Rolex Sea-Dweller features 12 links and an additional Fliplock extension link. The Fliplock extension link is a fold-out link that allows the bracelet to be extended by 26 mm. The Rolex Sea-Dweller offers a helium release valve and an Oysterlock Clasp with Rolex Glidelock Fine-Adjustment System allowing the wearer to adjust the length by 2 mm increments up to 20 mm. This allows wearers to adjust the length to fit over a diving suit. With a guaranteed waterproof of up to 4,000 feet depths.

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The Rolex Sea-Dweller was officially launched in 1971 as the product of the Swiss engineers’ and watchmakers’ ambition and desire to push the boundaries of underwater and diving technology to their limits.

Sky-Dweller

Rolex Sky-Dweller on Jubilee bracelet

The Rolex Sky-Dweller is available in two bracelet configurations: Oyster (12 links plus 1 end link) and Jubilee (22 links plus 2 end links).

Rolex introduced the Sky-Dweller series in 2012 making it the most recent all-new release from Rolex. It marked a continuation of the brand’s move into watches with additional features and complications which have begun to be implemented in recent years through the Yacht-Master. The elegant Sky-Dweller watch is designed to meet the needs of frequent travelers as it displays two time zones simultaneously and an annual calendar.

If you’re thinking about buying one, check out our handy guide on Rolex Sky-Dweller prices.

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Submariner

The Rolex Submariner features 12 links and one end link. Some models vary in the number of links between 11 and 15.

Rolex introduced the Submariner in 1953, making it the first diving watch water-resistant to 100m. True to the name, the Submariner came fitted with a rotating 60-minute timing bezel as a feature for divers to track how long they’ve spent underwater. The dial comes with luminous material to ensure wearers had readability in the murkiest of waters. The first Submariners were made of stainless steel with a black bezel and black time-only dial. Rolex expanded materials in a variety of metals and colorways. The fundamental design of the original Submariner has remained true as Rolex continued to make improvements to features and specs over the last 60 years.

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Yacht-Master

The Rolex Yacht-Master has 12 links and one end link, however, like many of the Oyster bracelets, the number of links varies from 11 to 15. Rolex introduced the Rolex Yacht-Master a luxury sports watch in 1992. Originally the Yacht-Master featured 18-karat yellow gold. Rolex released a lady’s model and a mid-size model at 35 mm in 1994. This was the first time Rolex released a smaller size for professional series watches. The Yacht-Master later became available in two-tone (stainless steel and 18-carat yellow gold) for the ladies and mid-size line in 1996. Stainless steel and platinum became available for the Yacht-Master in 1997. In this option, the bezel and dial feature 950 platinum with a stainless steel case, bracelet, and crown.

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