Easy Link Question...

[Ketler]

I wear my Explorer with the "Easy Link" deployed at all times...

Someone recently told me that that was not a good idea and that the "Easy Link" was just for temporary use and not meant to be in use 24/7...

And that if I needed added length to the bracelet, I should buy an extra link...???

Could this be true...

[Calatrava r]

No. But if you need the link extended for normal wear you don't have it available for swelled wrist wear, its intended purpose. Some folks may not like the look of the link extended but it is fine to wear it always out.

[Ketler]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

No. But if you need the link extended for normal wear you don't have it available for swelled wrist wear, its intended purpose. Some folks may not like the look of the link extended but it is fine to wear it always out.

That's what I thought...Many Thanks

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Ketler

I wear my Explorer with the "Easy Link" deployed at all times...

Someone recently told me that that was not a good idea and that the "Easy Link" was just for temporary use and not meant to be in use 24/7...

And that if I needed added length to the bracelet, I should buy an extra link...???

Could this be true...

Yes, it is true, more or less.

The EZ Link is just what it says, an easily deployable extension to use when your watch is too tight or uncomfortable for whatever reason.

No, it is not meant to be part of the adjustment for normal wear.

However, if that is how you choose to wear it, it is yours to do as you like.

[Ketler]

Originally Posted by Tools

Yes, it is true, more or less.

The EZ Link is just what it says, an easily deployable extension to use when your watch is too tight or uncomfortable for whatever reason.

No, it is not meant to be part of the adjustment for normal wear.

However, if that is how you choose to wear it, it is yours to do as you like.

And I assume it will not cause any issues if worn that way???

[JC316]

Originally Posted by Ketler

And I assume it will not cause any issues if worn that way???

No issues. If you like it and it's comfortable, enjoy it good health.

[Ketler]

Originally Posted by JC316

No issues. If you like it and it's comfortable, enjoy it good health.

[KatGirl]

If it were me, I’d source an extra link. I think Rolex is stingy, with its supplied bracelet lengths on new watches. My wrist is about 6 1/2 inches, and I only had to remove 2 links on my OP oyster bracelet. On any other brand watch, with Oyster style bracelet, I have to remove 4. Come on, Rolex! OP, you should not have to use the easy link just to get your new watch to fit your wrist. Ask your AD to order you an extra link, even though you have to pay for it. You will feel better, about the fit, and the watch. Most importantly, you will be able to use the easy link, for its intended purpose.

Kat

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Ketler

And I assume it will not cause any issues if worn that way???

Nope, likely none whatsoever.

Although, it should be noted that this link is a j-slot link, so it has less material at the location of the J, therefore, it would likely be structurally weaker. Excess stress at that joint could cause failure, where, if it was locked around the spring bar to give the J support, it may not.

[Ketler]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

If it were me, I’d source an extra link. I think Rolex is stingy, with its supplied bracelet lengths on new watches. My wrist is about 6 1/2 inches, and I only had to remove 2 links on my OP oyster bracelet. On any other brand watch, with Oyster style bracelet, I have to remove 4. Come on, Rolex! OP, you should not have to use the easy link just to get your new watch to fit your wrist. Ask your AD to order you an extra link, even though you have to pay for it. You will feel better, about the fit, and the watch. Most importantly, you will be able to use the easy link, for its intended purpose.

Kat

[Ketler]

Originally Posted by Tools

Nope, likely none whatsoever.

Although, it should be noted that this link is a j-slot link, so it has less material at the location of the J, therefore, it would likely be structurally weaker. Excess stress at that joint could cause failure, where, if it was locked around the spring bar to give the J support, it may not.

Good point!

[Mr Ben]

It is a little frustrating that the watches with available half links are typically those with glidelock. I wear mine with the EZ link almost constantly deployed as it gives me the perfect size so interesting to read the above. I have two spare links but if I put one back in, the watch is slightly loose which annoys me.

So yeah - a half link or a glidelock for the Explorer/ Explorer II please Rolex. Meantime, I’ll hope that my structurally weaker bracelet holds up!

[travisb]

Won't hurt anything wearing it that way but as others suggested, I'd get the extra link. I prefer wearing my watches without it deployed.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by travisb

Won't hurt anything wearing it that way but as others suggested, I'd get the extra link. I prefer wearing my watches without it deployed.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Mr Ben

It is a little frustrating that the watches with available half links are typically those with glidelock. I wear mine with the EZ link almost constantly deployed as it gives me the perfect size so interesting to read the above. I have two spare links but if I put one back in, the watch is slightly loose which annoys me.

So yeah - a half link or a glidelock for the Explorer/ Explorer II please Rolex. Meantime, I’ll hope that my structurally weaker bracelet holds up!

Buy a Sub half link, problem solved


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Buy a Sub half link, problem solved


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Great suggestion. I did this on a a DSSD (first gen), as they did not come with a half link at the time.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Ketler

I wear my Explorer with the "Easy Link" deployed at all times...

Someone recently told me that that was not a good idea and that the "Easy Link" was just for temporary use and not meant to be in use 24/7...

And that if I needed added length to the bracelet, I should buy an extra link...???

Could this be true...

I’m so glad you posted this. I wasn’t really getting a good fit with 2 links out, unless I fully deployed the easy link. I’m paranoid enough to think that’s not a great idea. So, I added a link back in, and readjusted the clasp setting, and resecured the easy link in its closed position. It fits better, though maybe a tad looser than I’d like, but better a little loose, than too tight. What I’d really like is a half link. I know I could order a 316L SS one, on eBay, but I probably won’t, as it’s probably not an exact match, as far as color, fit and finish. Ahh, the minutiae of this hobby…..

Kat


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[RemoteFisherman]

Originally Posted by travisb

Won't hurt anything wearing it that way but as others suggested, I'd get the extra link. I prefer wearing my watches without it deployed.

Yep. I’ve always considered that to be an extension rather than an everyday situation. Plus, the 3 small divots really help with the micro adjustments.

[nickjust]

I would love to be able to buy a half link for my Explorer to install on the six-o-clock side (4 links isn't enough, 5 is slightly too many). I get a good fit with 5 links, but the clasp isn't positioned how I would like it on the underside of my wrist. I think I must have atypical wrist anatomy or something :-) However, I don't think it's possible to buy a half link for the Explorer, only the Submariner if I'm not mistaken - unless anyone knows otherwise?

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by nickjust

However, I don't think it's possible to buy a half link for the Explorer, only the Submariner if I'm not mistaken - unless anyone knows otherwise?

Depending on the size of your Explorer, it may be possible to use the half link from a sub. I stress the words 'may be.' Good luck,

[nickjust]

I have the 124270 (current 36mm), the bracelet is really quite narrow at the clasp, 14mm if I recall, so don’t think the sub half link would work.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by nickjust

I have the 124270 (current 36mm), the bracelet is really quite narrow at the clasp, 14mm if I recall, so don’t think the sub half link would work.

I wouldn't think so, either. But perhaps someone more knowledgeable can wade in?

This is one of my pet peeves about the brand. Give us half links for every model, not just the ones that already have the glide lock clasp...which makes zero sense.

[hartsy]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Buy a Sub half link, problem solved


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Sir! Trying to track down some info before ordering a link. In line with this comment, do you know if a sub 124060 half link will fit the explorer 1 224270 bracelet?

[hartsy]

I have this exact question - will a sub 124060 half link fit an explorer 224270 bracelet? They are both 21mm width bracelets

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Essentially the Easy Link open is my summer fit and the Easy Link closed is my winter fit and if I’m doing it wrong I do not care.

[Scottyboy]

I wont hurt, but you have removed a worthwhile feature of the watch to make it more comfortable during periods of warmer weather.

Source an extra link or a half and have a play around with the configuration of the clasp, this is far better than having a useful feature you cannot use

[Kevin of Larchmont]

If you are responding to me I can only answer that this makes no sense since in my example I am using the Easy Link entirely for its intended purpose, to make a minor adjustment in fit between temperature extremes.

[colonelpurple]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

I’m so glad you posted this. I wasn’t really getting a good fit with 2 links out, unless I fully deployed the easy link. I’m paranoid enough to think that’s not a great idea. So, I added a link back in, and readjusted the clasp setting, and resecured the easy link in its closed position. It fits better, though maybe a tad looser than I’d like, but better a little loose, than too tight. What I’d really like is a half link. I know I could order a 316L SS one, on eBay, but I probably won’t, as it’s probably not an exact match, as far as color, fit and finish. Ahh, the minutiae of this hobby…..

Kat


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I did exactly the same. I found the easy link is around 1.5 micro adjusts. So I made my bracelet to work with the easy link in, so it is available for an emergency extension if I get sweaty.

however it is not exactly a fit for me. If I have the micro-adjusts on the tightest setting and the easy link open, it is a slightly better fit then the easy link closed and the micro adjust on the middle setting.

This has less to do with the length, more like the fact that the bracelet becomes a bit unbalanced. As traditionally, I have made the 6 o'clock segment shorter. Two half links on either side would be perfect to replace a full link on the 12 o clock side.

I have found half links for DJ bracelets but not TT. I am thinking of buying two and using gold paint and a modeling brush to paint the central links. They are less visible anyway, as they would be under the wrist.

This place looks good:
steelreef.com

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

Essentially the Easy Link open is my summer fit and the Easy Link closed is my winter fit and if I’m doing it wrong I do not care.

X2. The summer months have more humidity, sweat and moisture that hold a watch in place so they can be sized larger without them flopping around. I will close my Easylink for a tighter fit in summer if I am doing high activities in the pool or exercising to keep the watch secure. It’s out most all summer months.

At no time do I ever worry there is a strength or durability issue, regardless where the easylink is. Easylink is a sizing tool like the micro adjustment holes in the clasp, there is no right or wrong way to wear this watch. Rolex when first describing the Easylink just offers up one scenario to demonstrate how the easylink could be used, but that doesn’t mean that is it’s direct intended purpose.

In my experience, it’s almost impossible not to get a perfect fit with this bracelet clasp combo in any climate. I played around with sizing to OCD levels and it was rather easy to get a summer and winter combo perfect fit.

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by katgirl

if it were me, i’d source an extra link. I think rolex is stingy, with its supplied bracelet lengths on new watches. My wrist is about 6 1/2 inches, and i only had to remove 2 links on my op oyster bracelet. On any other brand watch, with oyster style bracelet, i have to remove 4. Come on, rolex! Op, you should not have to use the easy link just to get your new watch to fit your wrist. Ask your ad to order you an extra link, even though you have to pay for it. You will feel better, about the fit, and the watch. Most importantly, you will be able to use the easy link, for its intended purpose.

+1.