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What is a Rolex Jubilee Bracelet? Everything You Need to Know

By the TopStraps team · Updated October 2026

Quick answer: The Rolex Jubilee bracelet is a five-link metal bracelet introduced in 1945 with the Datejust, for Rolex’s 40th anniversary. Three small polished centre links sit between two brushed outer links, which makes it more flexible and dressier than the three-link Oyster bracelet. Today it is best known on the Datejust and the GMT-Master II. The 36mm Datejust takes a 20mm bracelet and the 41mm Datejust a 21mm one.

ModelJubilee bracelet widthReplacement option
Datejust 3620mmJubilee bracelet for Datejust
Datejust 4121mmJubilee bracelet for Datejust
GMT-Master II (40mm)20mmOyster & Jubilee bracelet for GMT-Master II
Other 20mm sports models20mmJubilee-style bracelets for Rolex

What is a Rolex Jubilee Bracelet?

The Jubilee is Rolex’s five-piece-link bracelet, first introduced in 1945 to mark the brand’s 40th anniversary. It was unveiled with the Datejust, and the two have been paired ever since.

Each row has five links: two broader brushed outer links and three smaller polished centre links. The polished centre catches the light, while the many small links let the bracelet drape closely around the wrist. That flexibility is why the Jubilee is widely considered one of the most comfortable Rolex bracelets.

Two-tone Jubilee-style bracelet for Rolex
Jubilee-style bracelet for Rolex with polished centre links

Jubilee vs Oyster: What’s the Difference?

The Jubilee has five smaller links per row, while the Oyster has three wide, flat links. The difference changes both the look and the feel:

JubileeOyster
Links per rowFiveThree
LookDressier, more shineSportier, more robust
ComfortDrapes closely; very flexibleFirmer feel
Shows scratchesLess (small links)More (wide flat links)
Best withDatejust, GMT-Master II, smart-casualSubmariner, Explorer, sports wear

For a full comparison including the President bracelet, see which Rolex bracelet is the most popular.

Which Rolex Watches Have a Jubilee Bracelet?

The Datejust and the GMT-Master II are the models most associated with the Jubilee today. It began on the Datejust and later spread to other collections.

Rolex Datejust

The Datejust is the natural partner of the Jubilee. The combination is one of Rolex’s most classic looks and comes in a wide range of dials, metals and sizes.

Rolex GMT-Master II

Several GMT-Master II versions, including the “Pepsi” (red and blue bezel) and “Batgirl” (blue and black bezel), are offered on a Jubilee. It shows the bracelet works just as well on a sports watch as on a dress watch.

Other models

The Jubilee has also appeared on certain Sky-Dweller and vintage Day-Date references, although the Day-Date is best known on the President bracelet. If you’re unsure whether your model came on a Jubilee, check its reference number.

How to Adjust a Rolex Jubilee Bracelet

You adjust a Jubilee bracelet in two ways: with the clasp’s comfort extension for small changes, or by removing links for bigger ones.

Using the Easylink extension

Modern Rolex Jubilee bracelets have the Easylink 5mm comfort extension, which lets you lengthen the bracelet without tools, for example on a hot day.

  1. Open the clasp and find the small extension link underneath.
  2. Pull it gently to extend it, or fold it back to shorten.
  3. Close the clasp and check that it sits securely.

Adding or removing links

  1. Use a screwdriver that fits the link screws exactly, to avoid damaging the screw heads.
  2. Find the removable links, which are marked by small screws on the side.
  3. Unscrew, remove or add links evenly on both sides of the clasp so it stays centred.
  4. Screw the links back in firmly.

If you’re not confident doing it yourself, a watchmaker can size the bracelet in a few minutes.

Stainless steel Jubilee-style bracelet for Rolex
Stainless steel Jubilee-style bracelet for Rolex

Original vs Aftermarket Jubilee Bracelets

An aftermarket Jubilee bracelet is made by a third party rather than Rolex. It costs a fraction of the original and lets you change the look of your watch or keep the original bracelet unworn.

  • Price: an original Rolex bracelet is expensive to buy separately; an aftermarket one costs far less.
  • Protecting value: wearing a second bracelet day to day keeps the original in good condition for resale.
  • Style: you can put a Jubilee-style bracelet on a watch that came on an Oyster, or the other way round.

Quality varies between makers, so choose a bracelet made for your model’s exact lug width, with solid links and a secure clasp. Collectors should keep the original bracelet, because a watch sold without it is usually worth less. Our Jubilee-style bracelets for Rolex are made in 904L stainless steel in 20mm and 21mm.

Why the Jubilee Bracelet Remains Popular

The Jubilee stays popular because it combines comfort with a dressier look than any other steel Rolex bracelet. It suits a Datejust in the office and a GMT-Master II on holiday equally well, and its small links hide everyday scratches better than the wide links of an Oyster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Rolex Jubilee Bracelet?

It is a five-link metal bracelet introduced in 1945 with the Rolex Datejust. It has two brushed outer links and three polished centre links per row, which makes it flexible, comfortable and dressy.

Which Rolex Watches Have a Jubilee Bracelet?

Mainly the Datejust and several GMT-Master II versions such as the “Pepsi” and “Batgirl”. It has also appeared on certain Sky-Dweller and vintage Day-Date references.

What size is a Rolex Jubilee bracelet?

The 36mm Datejust takes 20mm and the 41mm Datejust takes 21mm. The GMT-Master II takes 20mm. Always check your model before ordering.

How to Adjust a Rolex Jubilee Bracelet?

Use the Easylink 5mm comfort extension in the clasp for small changes. For bigger changes, remove or add screwed links evenly on both sides of the clasp, or ask a watchmaker.

Is an aftermarket Jubilee bracelet worth it?

It can be: it costs a fraction of the original and lets you keep the original bracelet unworn. Choose one made for your exact lug width, and keep the original for resale.

New to changing straps? Our watch strap guide covers sizing, materials, care and strap guides for every major watch brand.

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