Are new oyster bracelets shorter?

[Hkspwrsche]

I no longer need to remove a link on the last two ceramic models. Including both bracelets on my GMT. Jubilee and oyster were minus zero links. I think the oyster went in one micro adjustment but the jubilee I purchased November 2024 is all the way out.

[ArtNouveau]

Not sure why folks are having problems but all of my modern Rolex with Oyster bracelets have come with 12 links and I remove two of them to fit, starting with the clasp micro adjust in the middle. The first was in 2017, the latest last fall. I have one with Jubilee and I know it’s different than the Oyster.
I also know that wrist size can grow or shrink at different times of the day and also if/when your weight fluctuates. I don’t believe for a second that Rolex has shrunk their links.

[gmtyacht]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

Not sure why folks are having problems but all of my modern Rolex with Oyster bracelets have come with 12 links and I remove two of them to fit, starting with the clasp micro adjust in the middle. The first was in 2017, the latest last fall. I have one with Jubilee and I know it’s different than the Oyster.
I also know that wrist size can grow or shrink at different times of the day and also if/when your weight fluctuates. I don’t believe for a second that Rolex has shrunk their links.

I understand that the OP41 and Yachtmaster have different cases & clasps, but are they different enough that I now require an extra half link to have the OP41 wear the same as the Yachtmaster?

[brandrea]

My last new Rolex was the Submariner 124060. I had to add and ten half link at 6 o’clock to get the right fit on my 7” wrist. My 114060 is 6 links 12, 4 links 6. Weird.

[GONZO2LR]

What's next...an auto with three wheels....the sales guys says...ohh...you need to purchase a 4th wheel.....

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by gmtyacht

I understand that the OP41 and Yachtmaster have different cases & clasps, but are they different enough that I now require an extra half link to have the OP41 wear the same as the Yachtmaster?

Don’t know. My Oyster bracelets have been on a GMT and a SS Daytona plus several OP41’s. All fit me well with two links removed and micro in the middle.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by brandrea

My last new Rolex was the Submariner 124060. I had to add and ten half link at 6 o’clock to get the right fit on my 7” wrist. My 114060 is 6 links 12, 4 links 6. Weird.

I have 3 36 mm Rolexes, all on Oyster. All came with 12 links. My Explorer has 2 links out, my OP and DJ, only one link out. Like you 6 links at 12 and 4 links at 6. My wrist is 6 1/2 inches. Go figure…

Kat


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[77T]

Might it be a slightly shorter clasp?


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[hd-bagger]

The AD needed to add 2 links to my BLNR on jubilee when I received it last year. No cost was added for the additional links.

[gmtyacht]

Originally Posted by hd-bagger

The AD needed to add 2 links to my BLNR on jubilee when I received it last year. No cost was added for the additional links.

No cost to the end consumer. I am sure the ADs need to purchase extra links from Rolex to have on hand for any wrist bigger than 7 Inches. This small change probably added millions to the bottom line.

[racerx]

All my 5 digit models came with 12 links.

[omar10213245]

a good source if you need an extra SS link is DavidSW, shoot him an email and ask if he has a spare he can sell you, he'll overnight it to you and everything, very cool.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by 77T

Might it be a slightly shorter clasp?


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The clasp on my Explorer is a bit longer, but not by a whole link length. All 3 watches are set up so the easy link is tucked in, in case I need it. I do wear my watches loose enough to fit my index finger between the watch and my wrist, so not tight. On my Explorer, the micro adjust is on the last or loosest hole, the other two on the 1st or tightest hole. It’s my observation that the watches are set up to accommodate up to a 7 or 7 1/4 inch wrist. A lot of men have bigger wrists than that. Rolex should do better, in this regard. Luckily my TT is going to my daughter some day, so I won’t need extra links for that one. All my sons are tall guys of average build, or slightly bigger, so I guess I’ll be buying extra links for the boxes of three SS Rolexes. Something to add to my “to do” list.

Kat


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[Devildog]

Originally Posted by gmtyacht

I just got an OP41 Green dial and i have it fully linked and bracelet micro adjust at the maximum. Bracelet is still a bit tight for my preference. My 11670 GMT and 126622 Yachtmaster are both on the middle bracelet micro adjust and are much looser. Anyone else with a similar experience ?

Have you not counted the links to see if there's a different number?

[gmtyacht]

I think i figured this out. All my bracelets have 12 links. The difference I believe is being caused by the clasp. The GMT & Yachtmaster have the Oysterlock clasp & OP has the folding Oysterclasp. In a side by side comparison, it looks as though the Oysterlock is about 4-5mm longer where the hook grabs due to the locking mechanism. This makes sense as to why the OP41 feels snug vs GMT/Yacht. The OP41 now wears similar to GMT/Yacht with a half link added (6mm).

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by gmtyacht

I think i figured this out. All my bracelets have 12 links. The difference I believe is being caused by the clasp. The GMT & Yachtmaster have the Oysterlock clasp & OP has the folding Oysterclasp. In a side by side comparison, it looks as though the Oysterlock is about 4-5mm longer where the hook grabs due to the locking mechanism. This makes sense as to why the OP41 feels snug vs GMT/Yacht. The OP41 now wears similar to GMT/Yacht with a half link added (6mm).

Yes, I said that just above, but the real question is: Have the bracelets always been too short, or shorter than we think that Rolex should provide, with a multi thousand dollar wrist watch?

Kat


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[watchwatcher]

I don't think you're taking into account the different sizes of the watches you're comparing...

[gmtyacht]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

I don't think you're taking into account the different sizes of the watches you're comparing...

I agree. I think the differences are due to case size and clasp.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by gmtyacht

I agree. I think the differences are due to case size and clasp.

I just know that if I buy a $1,000 Seiko diver, which I have many times, I always need to remove at least 4 full links. That’s a lot different than only needing to remove 1 or 2 from a Rolex. My wrist is just 6 1/2 inches. It’s my belief that Rolex is stingy with their bracelet lengths, in an effort to save money. I find that fact rather ridiculous, given Rolex’s status in the industry.

Kat


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