No—Rolex did not join the smartwatch race in 2015. The “Sub-Oyster-Tron” was a fictional titanium, Submariner-inspired smartwatch in a Monochrome Watches April Fools article published on April 1, 2015, not a Rolex product, announcement, or confirmed prototype.
What was the 2015 Rolex smartwatch joke?
Monochrome Watches’ satirical article, titled “BREAKING NEWS – Rolex Joins Smartwatch Race,” imagined Rolex responding to the premium-smartwatch discussion of the time with a digital watch inspired by the Submariner. The invented product was called the Sub-Oyster-Tron. The Submariner is a real Rolex collection; the Sub-Oyster-Tron was not.
The parody described a digital readout controlled by a rotating bezel and piled on absurd connected features: remote keyless entry for a luxury car, NFC access to payment devices, and a smart-pen ink-level readout. It extended the gag to a “Smart-Desk” range with a smart letter-opener and smart stapler.
The article also joked that digital functions would leave the watch water-resistant to only 10 feet and that Rolex might buy Apple if the watch failed. Those were comedic inventions, not product specifications or business plans.
#1 Best Overall
- Material: This band is made of durable double-layer nylon weave and the nylon fabric is crafted from cotton woven material which is exceptionally soft and light, making comfortable to wear.
- Band Width (Size): Standard 16mm, 18mm, 19mm, 20mm, 21mm, 22mm, 24mm. This watch band is compatible with all watches (including smart watches) with above band width. To determine the right size, use a ruler measure the interior distance between the two lugs on the watch case.
- Adjustable: Fit wrist 14.5cm-22cm (5.7-8.6 inches). Adopt an durable Hook and Loop closure which can be cycled (opened and closed) thousands of times, allowing the watch to be fastened or adjusted in seconds.
- Quick Release Design: Quick release spring bars allow you to easily install and remove the watch band without tools. You just need to slide quick release knob with finger.
- Washable: This one-piece strap can be washed when it gets dirty because its color is a permanent ink that will not fade. Ideal for sports and everyday use.
How can you tell it was satire?
The page is dated April 1, 2015, and its deliberately implausible accessories and exaggerated claims signal the joke. Comments posted that day also identify it as an April Fools story. Monochrome’s article is the source for the story’s date, claims, and contemporaneous reception.
The parody set its premise against the premium-smartwatch discussion of the period, mentioning Apple, the TAG/Google product, and Frédérique Constant’s Horological Smartwatch. That is context from the satirical article, not evidence about market share, sales, or competitive outcomes.
Did Rolex make or announce the Sub-Oyster-Tron?
No. The Sub-Oyster-Tron was invented for the Monochrome April Fools article. The reviewed evidence does not support describing it as a leak, canceled launch, abandoned roadmap, or confirmed prototype.
Rank #2
- 【Compatible Models】This TPU smart watch bands compatible with CARBINOX Vortex/Blaze S/Blaze R watch, compatible with AMAZTIM M2/T2, compatible with SUNKTA K-52, compatible with FOXBOX K-52, WalkerFit M6 Ultra, A1 PRO, A1 MAX, compatible with KOSPET Tank M2/T2, compatible with ESFOE K-52, compatible with LIGE K-52, compatible with PODOEIL K-52, compatible with PUREROYI C20Pro, compatible with meoonley C20Pro, and compatible with other smartwatches with a bandwidth of 22mm/0.87 in. Note: Not compatible with 20 mm/0.78 in band width smartwatches.
- 【Color and Size】2 colors: black smart watch band and camouflage smart watch band, Smart Watch Band width: 22mm/0.87in, band long end length: 125mm/4.92in, band short end length: 80mm/3.15in.
- 【High Quality Materials】Crafted with high-quality Silicone and paired with a metal buckle, this smart watch band offers unparalleled durability and comfort.
- 【Easy Installation】Easily install and remove your watch band with replacement strap. Simply insert the pins into the appropriate holes and secure with ease. Plus, adjust the strap length to fit your personal needs and preferences.
- 【Package and Service】Two pairs of replacement smart watch band, two pairs of pins/plugs. Should you have any questions or suggestions, our customer service team is always ready to provide you with a prompt and satisfactory solution.
Rolex’s current public collection page presents watch families including the Submariner, Oyster Perpetual, Datejust, and GMT-Master II; it does not present a Rolex smartwatch range. This describes the public collection page, not unpublished concepts.
Recommended Free Tools
Rolex watches and smartwatches serve different purposes
The joke works by mixing traditional watchmaking with connected-device features. Rolex’s public collection is a traditional watch collection; smartwatches offer connected digital functions and phone-linked services. The parody itself is not evidence that the two are direct technical substitutes or that it demonstrated consumer demand.
| Traditional Rolex watch collection | Smartwatch |
|---|---|
| Traditional watch designs, including the Submariner | Connected digital features and phone-linked services |
| The Sub-Oyster-Tron is not part of the public collection | The Sub-Oyster-Tron’s described features belong to the satire |
FAQ
Did Rolex make a smartwatch?
The 2015 Sub-Oyster-Tron story was an April Fools parody, not a Rolex announcement. Rolex’s current public collection page does not list a smartwatch range.
Rank #3
- 【Compatible Model】DaQin elastic nylon sport straps are compatible with apple watch bands for men 46mm 45mm 44mm 42mm 41mm 40mm 38mm, for Apple Watch Ultra/Ultra 2/Ultra 3/Ultra 4 band 49mm & iWatch SE/SE 2nd/SE 3 & Series 12, Series 11, Series 10, Series 9, Series 8, Series 7, Series 6, Series 5, Series 4, Series 3, Series 2, Series 1, for iWatch Edition. Works with all versions of Apple Watch. Note: No watch included
- 【Premium Soft Nylon Material】DaQin 3 pack stretchy braided iwatch bands for men women make from soft elastic skin-friendly nylon materials, prevents skin from irritation; The soft loop bands are durable, breathable, lightweight, odorless, no fading, drying fast and easy to clean. Works for all day-workouts and daily life, bring you a new wearing experience
- 【Elasticity & Size Adjustable】DaQin sport nylon loop straps for apple watch band 44mm with strong stretchy elastic, keeps your watch snugly to your wrist, doesn't rub on wrist, easy to put on and off. The elastic loop bands features stylish stainless steel buckle, allows you easy to adjust the size of the loop as you wish, solve the size trouble perfectly. Suitable for wrist size 4.5-9.5 inch
- 【Security & Easy to Install】DaQin durable nylon wristbands for apple watch se band comes with watch lugs on both ends, which locks onto watch interface precisely and securely. It can effectively prevent the nylon bands from falling off and becoming loose. Don't need any tools, easy and direct installation and one button removal
- 【3 Pack Included】3 pack DaQin elastic nylon apple watch bands are available in different popular colors, personalize your smartwatch fit your mood, outfit in daily life, and highlight your unique taste. It will be your perfect choice to your lover, family and friends, suitable for Birthday, Wedding, Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, Valentine's Day or Anniversary Day's gifts
Was the Sub-Oyster-Tron real?
No. Monochrome Watches invented it for its April 1, 2015 satirical article.
What was the 2015 Rolex smartwatch joke?
It imagined a Submariner-inspired digital Rolex with fanciful connected features, then extended the joke to smart desk accessories. The features and products were fictional.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWas the story a leak or proof of a Rolex prototype?
No. The reviewed evidence identifies it as satire and does not establish a Rolex product, prototype, or launch plan.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
