About Rubber Strap Watches
The rubber or elastomer strap became a serious presence in fine watchmaking as brands sought to offer the flexibility and moisture resistance of sport bands without sacrificing the visual weight of precious-metal cases. Rolex advanced the category significantly with the introduction of the Oysterflex, a blade-type metal spine over-molded in high-performance black elastomer that provides the security of a bracelet with the comfort of a strap. The Daytona references in this collection, 116588TBR in yellow gold and 116589TBR in white gold, pair that technical strap innovation with one of watchmaking's most celebrated dial designs, making them rare crossover pieces that appeal equally to chronograph collectors and jewellery-watch enthusiasts. The rubber strap in this context is not a casual compromise but an engineering and aesthetic choice that defines the entire character of these watches.
What to Look For
When evaluating rubber strap Daytonas in this collection, the key distinctions between 116588TBR and 116589TBR come down to case metal, yellow gold versus white gold, and how each interacts with the diamond and sapphire dial pattern that gives the Eye of the Tiger its vivid, tiger-stripe appearance. Condition of the Oysterflex strap itself, the integrity of the bezel diamond setting, and the presence of original box and papers are the primary value drivers for both references, with white gold examples often commanding a different premium depending on current market demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Rolex Daytona Eye of the Tiger references 116588TBR and 116589TBR so valuable?
Both references feature cases and bezels set with diamonds alongside dials paved in alternating baguette diamonds and sapphires arranged to evoke a tiger's eye, making them among the most jewel-intensive Daytona variants Rolex has produced. Their combination of a recognized sport-chronograph architecture with high jewellery execution keeps demand consistently strong among collectors worldwide.
Is the Oysterflex an aftermarket rubber strap or does it come from Rolex?
The Oysterflex is a proprietary strap developed and manufactured by Rolex, featuring a flexible metal blade at its core over-molded with black elastomer and integrated into a folding Oysterlock clasp. It is a factory-fitted component on these references and is considered an original part of the watch, not an aftermarket substitution.
Can I buy an authenticated Eye of the Tiger Daytona with confidence from Bizak and Co.?
Yes, Bizak and Co. authenticates every watch before listing it for sale, and both the yellow gold 116588TBR and white gold 116589TBR in this collection are verified genuine Rolex pieces ready to ship. Buyers looking for a pre-owned luxury rubber strap Daytona can purchase with confidence knowing provenance and condition have been assessed prior to listing.
Browse also: Rolex collection.
Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
