Latest opinions on reverse clasp vs. perm link removal

[Eric88]

Hey folks. About a year ago I posted this thread about small wrists and clasp reversal.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...=131223&page=2

Seems like a number of people go this route while others do the surgical removal of a perm link.

My SD 16600 is a bit too much on the 6:00 side for me. I wish it had one more removable link. Before I surgically remove one, I am trying the clasp reversal. Any new opinions on this?

Thanks.

[Jason71]

I personally think that I would learn to live with clasp reversal, or a little off-center clasp........but that is just me

[WylanB]

I have the same issue. I just deal with it. Don't put the SD under the knife!!

[cyglee]

I tried the reverse clasp... actually easier to to just unscrew and reverse the clasp vs. the entire bracelet, imho. But, it just felt too awkward. So, out came the vise-grips and the SD and Pepsi are fitting fine and feeling no pain. I just did the same removing a Tutima link, too. However, I do not plan on flipping. If I ever do sell, I will include an extra removable link, and full disclosure.

[Eric88]

Thanks. I am still on the fence about doing the bracelet surgery. I've flipped it back normal and it is pretty close to being ok. I actually love the look of the long tapered bracelet and get used to it being a few mm or cm off center.

I put up a WTB to see if someone had one already done.

[Mr. K]

I'd only cut the link as a last resort.

Wear it loose? Gain weight? Retain water? Anything before cutting the metal.

[awright102]

I had the link removed by RSC and have not looked back. It now fits perfectly. I could of put up with the off centre clasp but the watch head was always twisted to the wrist knucle which was annoying. I tried reversing the bracelet but that felt wrong. I think that Rolex is the only product that we all worry about the resale price. I wanted the sea dweller and am lovin it now it fits perfect. I think that you should get the watch to fit properly and then just enjoy wearing it.

[DiamondJack]

I would never cut a permanent link. Simply, by reversing the bracelet, it will fit smaller wrists perfectly and the clasp will be in the centre of the back of your wrist which inevitably means the watch sits better on your wrist and doesn't have that annoying tendency to move to the left (away from you) on your wrist. IMO this also looks better since you dont see the half link that fastens to the clasp. You will get used to opening the clasp the other way round in no time too.

[slevin kelevra]

I swapped the whole bracelet round on my sub and after a short time it looks and feels perfectly normal. Would be strange to put it back the "right" way round now.

[Cabaiguan]

I don't understand the aversion to removing a permanent link. Heck, the new SubC bracelets come like that now. You're not decreasing the value of it. You can simply add a removable link if you gain weight or sell it. The taper issue is a non-issue. You can't tell visually that you removed a permanent link. I did it with two vice grips. Two minutes and done.

[Eric88]

Originally Posted by Cabaiguan

I don't understand the aversion to removing a permanent link. Heck, the new SubC bracelets come like that now. You're not decreasing the value of it. You can simply add a removable link if you gain weight or sell it. The taper issue is a non-issue. You can't tell visually that you removed a permanent link. I did it with two vice grips. Two minutes and done.

RAF, can you walk me thru it step by step? I think I've read about it online but can't remember exactly what to do with the vise grips and how far you disassemble the bracelet in advance of surgery. Thanks!!!

[2th Dr]

I always think twice before doing an irreversible procedure. In the case of my Rolexes, I wouldn't do it, but that's just me.

[WyoWatch]

Originally Posted by Eric88

Hey folks. About a year ago I posted this thread about small wrists and clasp reversal.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...=131223&page=2

Seems like a number of people go this route while others do the surgical removal of a perm link.

My SD 16600 is a bit too much on the 6:00 side for me. I wish it had one more removable link. Before I surgically remove one, I am trying the clasp reversal. Any new opinions on this?

Thanks.

This very thing is what always pi**ed me off about my 14060M with 93150 bracelet. It just never sat right on the 6:00 side and really irritated my wrist. Sold it and bought a Sub-C (with an extra removable link + the option to switch around a 1/2 link). Problem solved. I tried flipping the clasp on the Sub ND and that didn't work for me either. I considered sending it in for a permanent link removal but was scared that might make things even worse without the option to put it back. I hope you can resolve this to your satisfaction!

[Cabaiguan]

Originally Posted by Eric88

RAF, can you walk me thru it step by step? I think I've read about it online but can't remember exactly what to do with the vise grips and how far you disassemble the bracelet in advance of surgery. Thanks!!!

I can definitely walk you through it. I'll try to give you a call this weekend.

This procedure just makes the bracelet look and function like the new SubC bracelet. What's so bad about that? ;-)

[Cabaiguan]

Originally Posted by 2th DR

I always think twice before doing an irreversible procedure. In the case of my Rolexes, I wouldn't do it, but that's just me.

That's just it, Doc...it is reversible. Just add links back on. That simple. You're removing a perm link that can be replaced by a screwed link.

I need to take a pic and post it. I've been lazy. It really works well.

[cyglee]

It is simple to do, just a little unnerving the first time!

The taper transition is hardly noticeable. The removed link is above.

[Eric88]

Cool pic, Gordon! Can you share a bit more detail on how you used the vise grips? Anything you'd do different if you had to do it all over again? Wrist shots?

I seem to recall that the RSC will buff down the step between the enlarged taper transition. I wonder how one would do that as a DIY project?

[johnbeth]

Originally Posted by Cabaiguan

That's just it, Doc...it is reversible. Just add links back on. That simple. You're removing a perm link that can be replaced by a screwed link.

I need to take a pic and post it. I've been lazy. It really works well.

If thats the case then I can see why its ok.

However, if you want to flip the watch, you can not say its original as it was meant to be.

[Cabaiguan]

Originally Posted by johnbeth

If thats the case then I can see why its ok.

However, if you want to flip the watch, you can not say its original as it was meant to be.

Agreed. It's not "original". However, there are many original aspects of a design that are not functional. The Fiero was a great car but anyone who didn't modify the electrical system might end up with a charred Pontiac. Ouch!

Rolex screwed up the fit in these older bracelets, IMO. The SubC has finally rectified the issue for those with smaller wrists. Here are some pics with the link removed.

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/cedb59e0.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/43bc90b0.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/04aeed92.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/24a8de7d.jpg

The clasp centers perfectly on the wrist. My wrist is 6.75".

[skyedog]

Originally Posted by awright102

I had the link removed by RSC and have not looked back. It now fits perfectly. I could of put up with the off centre clasp but the watch head was always twisted to the wrist knucle which was annoying. I tried reversing the bracelet but that felt wrong. I think that Rolex is the only product that we all worry about the resale price. I wanted the sea dweller and am lovin it now it fits perfect. I think that you should get the watch to fit properly and then just enjoy wearing it.

+1

[Tennisfan]

Quick question for you guys who have done the clasp reversal on a sub.

Are you taking the "O" link out of the divers extension to shorten the 6 o'clock side? Does that do anything to the functionality of the dive extension? or is it simply a stamped link?

Thanks!

[Tennisfan]

Come on now, I'm sure someone has had some experience with reversing the clasp on a sub?

Thanks