The Mariner 904L oyster bracelet for Submariner-style cases

A three-link bracelet in 904L steel

The Mariner is a three-link bracelet in the oyster style: wide flat outer links, a narrower center link and a fold-over clasp under a hinged cover. It is the bracelet shape most people picture on a steel dive watch, and it looks as right with a suit as with a T-shirt.

The links are solid 904L stainless steel rather than folded sheet, so the bracelet has a reassuring weight on the wrist. 904L carries more chromium, nickel and molybdenum than the 316L steel used on most watch bracelets. In daily wear that means slightly better resistance to corrosion from sweat and salt water, and a brighter, whiter shine where the steel is polished.

There are two finishes. Brushed has a fine satin grain over the whole bracelet; it looks calm on a tool watch and hides small scratches well. Polished is the brighter of the two and catches more light, which suits a watch with a glossy dial or polished case sides.

Made for the Submariner case shape

Both ends of the bracelet finish in curved end links. A curved end link fills the space between the lugs and follows the profile of the case, so the bracelet flows out of the watch instead of hanging from a bar with a gap above it. The trade-off is that each end link is shaped for one case design. The Mariner's end links are made to fit Rolex Submariner-style cases, and that is the watch it belongs on.

Pick the width by your case:

• 20 mm for the 40 mm Submariner-style case of the 116610 and 114060 generation.
• 21 mm for the 41 mm case of the 124060 and 126610 generation.

If your watch copies one of these cases, measure the inside gap between its lugs with a ruler or calipers before you order; our fit guide shows how. A watch with the same lug width but a different case shape can leave gaps beside the end links, so this is not a general-purpose 20 mm bracelet. For other watches, a straight-end bracelet from our metal bracelets is the safer pick, and our bands by watch brand cover other models.

Sizing and fitting

The bracelet arrives at full length, about 7.9 in (200 mm), and you size it by taking out links. A small tool for this comes in the box. Take out the same number of links on both sides of the clasp, so the clasp stays centered under your wrist. If the links are held by screws, turn them out with a fine flat screwdriver; if they are held by pins, push each pin out in the direction of the small arrow on the inside of the link. Keep the spare links and screws together in a small bag, because wrists change size between summer and winter.

To fit the bracelet, slide a spring bar through each end link, compress one end, guide it into the lug hole and let it spring into place on the other side. Tug gently on both ends to check they've seated. If you'd rather not do it yourself, any watch shop can size and fit a bracelet in a few minutes.

Care and everyday wear

904L steel takes water, sweat and sun in stride. After salt water or a chlorinated pool, rinse the bracelet in fresh water and let it dry, which keeps salt and sand from collecting in the links and the clasp. Every few weeks, scrub between the links with a soft toothbrush and a drop of mild soap, then rinse and dry with a soft cloth.

Brushed steel can be refreshed with a fine satin-finish pad, always moving along the grain. On the Polished finish, a polishing cloth brings back the shine. Take the bracelet off the watch first so you don't scratch the case.

Delivery and returns

Delivery is $6.95, or free on orders over $49. The delivery time for your country shows on each product page and at checkout.

You can return an unworn band in its original packaging within 30 days of delivery. Return shipping is paid by you, unless the item arrived faulty or incorrect. Read the full terms on our delivery and returns page.