There’s an almost magnetic quality about Rolex, the kind of presence that makes even the most indifferent observer stop and notice. Whether you’re an investor, a collector, or simply someone who appreciates the artistry of fine watchmaking, the question keeps resurfacing every few years: Is Rolex still a good investment …

For most people, the strap is simply the thing that keeps a watch attached to the wrist. It’s background, functional, sometimes interchangeable—an accessory to the main event. But if you’ve spent serious time around watches, you’ll know that straps are far more than fasteners. They carry their history, heritage, controversies, …