Pardon my ignorance - Easylink vs Glidelock

[lightcatcher]

I’m curious as to why Rolex offers the Glidelock on its divers watches like the Submariner etc. and the Easylink on watches like the GMT?

Way I see it, the Glidelock with its 2MM adjustments is more suited to non diver watches as often a 2MM adjustment is all you need on a hot summers day, making a watch like the GMT easy to adjust without it hanging too loose on the wrist.

The Easylink on the other hand, with its 5mm adjustment seems, to my ignorant mind, better suited to divers watches like the submarines allowing for them to be adjusted while wearing on top of the sleeve of a wet suit.

Wonder why Rolex chose to do this?

Would love to hear more from the knowledgable folks on this forum.

Cheers


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[Marcjvr]

Per Rolex:

This is our Rolex Glidelock extension system. Introduced in 2008 and patented, it enables some of our bracelets to be adjusted up to approximately 15 or 20 mm, notch by notch, without tools. The rack is discreetly housed under the cover of our dive watches’ clasps and as of those equipped with our Oysterflex bracelet.

[Michael T]

The Glidelock has the advantage of numerous even length 2mm increments, with 10 mm links. The downside to the Submariner is the longer clasp that on my 7.25 inch wrist was uncomfortable. The Easylink is 5mm, but has three internal notches 3mm apart, and of course 10mm links, with a shoter clasp. I think the Glidelock on the PM Yacht-Master Oysterflex has a shorter clasp, to me the best design.

[alphadweller]

A 5mm Easylink extention would not be enough to wear over a wetsuit. That's what a diver's extention is for (26mm Fliplock) but nobody uses it, so Rolex has discontinued it from its Sea-Dweller range. I like the Easylink, you can pull it out on the go without having to take the watch off your wrist. Just the right amount of adjustment for the summer, to me at least. The clasp is not overbearing. It's brilliant.

The Glidelock on the other hand is overkill to me. I only use it in summer, but it's more finicky to operate than the EZ link and it makes the clasp huge. They should reduce the amount of increments and thus the size. I don't need a 20mm adjustment option. Three increments of 2mm would be enough for me.

[shedlock2000]

I’ve always been a bit disappointed in the east link. I swell more than 5mm in hot and humid climates and the lack of a half link means that, if you’re sitting on the high end of the three bar adjustments then there’s not enough space in the east link to account for humidity and temperature changes; if you’re on the other end of the scale, then the watch may become too lose when it gets cold. It’s actually not terribly useful (I’d take the old flip-lock over the easy-link for flexibility).

My omega PO clasp nails it, with 10mm of easy adjustment that will account quickly for changes in temperature — they also make half links, because they’re quite practical! I’ve never owned a glidelock, but it sounds like somewhat of an improvement on the easy-link (though I get that it may also make the clasp too long for some). Perhaps something in the middle? A 10mm version of the glidelock would be much better than the easy-link.


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[SamArj]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

A 5mm Easylink extention would not be enough to wear over a wetsuit. That's what a diver's extention is for (26mm Fliplock) but nobody uses it, so Rolex has discontinued it from its Sea-Dweller range. I like the Easylink, you can pull it out on the go without having to take the watch off your wrist. Just the right amount of adjustment for the summer, to me at least. The clasp is not overbearing. It's brilliant.

The Glidelock on the other hand is overkill to me. I only use it in summer, but it's more finicky to operate than the EZ link and it makes the clasp huge. They should reduce the amount of increments and thus the size. I don't need a 20mm adjustment option. Three increments of 2mm would be enough for me.

I didn't realise you could open the EZ link without taking the watch off. I will give it a go!
Thanks

[RogerOP]

Both inferior to Tudor’s T-Fit clasp! I suppose Rolex will update the glide lock soon.

[PenDelicate]

Wish there were 1mm adjustment on all clasps.

My 20-year-old clasp has 5mm adjustment only and it's perfectly useless for the size of my wrist. Either to large or too small.

[stateman]

Originally Posted by RogerOP

Both inferior to Tudor’s T-Fit clasp! I suppose Rolex will update the glide lock soon.

Absolutely right - weird that it’s little brother makes a clasp now widely available that is so much better than ezlink and more compact than glidelock.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

…
The Glidelock on the other hand is overkill to me. I only use it in summer, but it's more finicky to operate than the EZ link and it makes the clasp huge. They should reduce the amount of increments and thus the size. I don't need a 20mm adjustment option. Three increments of 2mm would be enough for me.

Rolex has a mini glidelock as now found on the YM and Daytona OF, problem of oversized Glidelock solved

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Rolex has a mini glidelock as now found on the YM and Daytona OF, problem of oversized Glidelock solved

Indeed, I think it's the best solution, and they should roll it out to all their watches!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

Indeed, I think it's the best solution, and they should roll it out to all their watches!

I agree , except for the SD43 and DSSD.

You'll be glad for the larger clasp whenever you turn 50

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[1William]

A version of the Glidelock on all the watches would be nice. I like being able to dial in the fit.

[joli160]

After the hidden President or SJ clasp I like the Oyster Easy link clasp best.

The glidelock is just cumbersome by having to remove the watch from your wrist to adjust it. Usually it needs to be done twice before you get it right.
Add the obsolete safety latch and look at its ridicule size I don’t know who ever thought this was a good idea.

Plenty people like it so I must be missing something

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Rolex has a mini glidelock as now found on the YM and Daytona OF, problem of oversized Glidelock solved

Excellent point, my friend.

I would only add it's on the Sky-Dweller OF, too, and now that the new Daytonas have them, it's a standard feature for the entire OF line.

I would love to see it replace the easy link, but that will never happen. My next best wish would be for it to replace the easy link on any watch 42mm and larger (that doesn't already have a glide lock, of course).

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Excellent point, my friend.



I would only add it's on the Sky-Dweller OF, too, and now that the new Daytonas have them, it's a standard feature for the entire OF line.



I would love to see it replace the easy link, but that will never happen. My next best wish would be for it to replace the easy link on any watch 42mm and larger (that doesn't already have a glide lock, of course).

We can always hope my friend

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[SearChart]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Rolex has a mini glidelock as now found on the YM and Daytona OF, problem of oversized Glidelock solved

I really like this feature, and hope it will slowly make its way across most of the lineup.

Never liked the easylink myself.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I agree , except for the SD43 and DSSD.

You'll be glad for the larger clasp whenever you turn 50

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Haha, wouldn't want a small clasp on that beast.