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ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
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#1 |
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,351
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Smartyjones End Links, A TRF Review
One topic that comes up regularly is that of an end-link filler for straps on Rolex watches. This look is typified on the strap Daytonas and Datejusts, but those have end links integrated into the case and are not available for any other models or references.
Smartyjones18 (George) was kind enough to send a pair of end-links that he makes in Singapore for our review so that you can decide for yourself if this is the way you want to go, or if you just want to have a pair around for those times when you decide to use a strap. The end links arrived in a bubble wrap envelope and each in their own separate plastic bags to avoid contact and unnecessary scratching during transit. These pieces are deceptively small and so their manufacture is difficult at best and I'm sure that you can appreciate the fine detail necessary. Finish is good and fitment is pretty straightforward sliding directly between the lugs. These links are floating, in-that they do not have any attachment mechanism except a capture fit between the end of the strap/spring-bar and the case. The link back contour matches a 40mm case and there are small lips machined at the base to locate them positively against the case back. The outer, visible, portion is machined to the same dimensions and look as an Oyster bracelet end link, the strap fits against the link and into a groove designed to allow the strap to move up and down. This groove also locks the link around the end of the strap. Close examination of the forward edge of the link shows that it is quite sharp and care must be taken to not bend the strap too far backward or it may dig into the leather. This could be alleviated by a quick de-burring of that edge with some fine grit sandpaper of very fine file. Worn on the wrist it shouldn't be an issue. Here you can see the links as they arrived. The lips on the back and the strap groove are readily visible, as is the Oyster profile. They are a single machined item with nothing glued, welded, or added. ![]() These links are suitable for use on most 40mm cases including: Daytona, Sub, GMT, and Explorer II. I thought it would be nice to see how these pieces looked and fit on an older Explorer II. You can see that they fit easily between the lugs and the stainless steel brush finish matches nicely. ![]() Installation is pretty straight forward; you slide the link in against the case, put your springbar into the strap and install the strap as normal. I am using a padded Hirsch Croc strap and so I found it was a bit difficult to get the springbar to lock in without pressing between the strap and case with a bracelet tool. This strap is as large as you can use with these link. Perhaps if you want to use a thicker strap you could contact George to see if he makes links with a larger cut out for your strap. ![]() As mentioned, on the backside these links are held in place by lips o each side that press against the lug, similar to the early stamped end-links. That, along with the spring-bar and strap, capture the link, keeping it in place. If you were to lose your strap then the link would likely come out as well. ![]() Overall, these end links are well made, fit in place nicely, and fulfill a desire to use straps on our watches without the unsightly gap between the strap and case. I believe that these add a different dimension to this old Explorer II and will do the same for any Rolex watch. If you are interested please do not solicit here but send George a pm at Smartyjones18, I'm sure that he will be able to meet your needs. I will be trying these out on a few other models in the near future, but right now I think that I'll be wearing this Explorer II and giving these links a few weeks to see how they wear, and, of course, to show of my Explorer II on a great looking Croc strap with matching endlinks. ![]()
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#2 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: USA
Watch: 126600, 116500LN
Posts: 12,845
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nice, how much are they Larry?
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"I'm kind of a big deal... on a fairly irrelevant social media site that falsely inflates my fragile ego" |
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#3 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Real Name: D'OH!
Location: Kentucky
Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3
Posts: 35,980
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Excellent review and pics, Larry!
dP
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TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band ![]() Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation ![]() The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club |
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#4 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: North Carolina
Watch: DD 118206
Posts: 1,858
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Thanks for the review. What's a ball park figure for these?
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#5 |
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,351
|
Don't ask me about prices or selling, that's not what TRF is about..
If you want to know such things, contact Smartyjones18 ![]()
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(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member |
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#6 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: USA
Watch: 126600, 116500LN
Posts: 12,845
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Smartyjones18 right? PM sent
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"I'm kind of a big deal... on a fairly irrelevant social media site that falsely inflates my fragile ego" |
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#7 |
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,351
|
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(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member |
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#8 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Pacific NW, USA
Watch: 116500LN
Posts: 683
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So it's June 2024 and I am here to say you can still get endlinks from Smartyjones website. They work and look great. If you don't mind waiting for a month do standard shipping to the US. I would maybe ask for expedited shipping if they offer it.
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#9 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Real Name: Rob
Location: Boston, MA
Watch: 1530
Posts: 3,792
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Love my smarty endlinks!
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#10 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: California
Posts: 281
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Is he still active on the site? If not, what is the website?
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#11 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 41,439
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Smartyjones End Links, A TRF Review
His website has issues but you can go there: smartyendlinks.com
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
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#12 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: California
Posts: 281
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#13 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Pacific NW, USA
Watch: 116500LN
Posts: 683
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It worked when I ordered in May. Seems to work today. The site is very poorly designed. To get to the shopping cart you have to add it to cart from the detailed product page.
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#14 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: California
Posts: 281
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