What's the deal with the new "Easy Extension" link??

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Say?

I just thought about sense of the "Easy Extension" link that is hidden inside the new style Oyster bracelets (like on the new GMT II 116710 and the Daytona 116520):

Let's see:

1) You buy the watch.

2) You would size up the bracelet by shifting the pin inside the three hidden inner holes in the clasp and/or add/remove links. You would wanna go for the fit "index finger under the clasp and it is a perfect fit" right?? You'd definately NOT want the watch to sit too snug, right?

3) Okay, so far so good. You are now wearing the watch. It is summer, and your wrist swells. But the way you have adjusted the bracelet (that "index finger must be able to slip under the clasp when you are wearing the watch" rule) compensates for the swelling of your wrist, right?? It normally does, doesn't it??


4) So WHAT do you use the "Easy Extension" link for???

I mean: If you engaged/released the "Easy Extension" link, the watch would sit far too loose on your wrist, even in a hot environment, wouldn't it???

So is Rolex (between the lines) actually recommending a "Snug Fit" for their watches??

See my point??

This is a pic of the "Easy Extension" link, by Lol-X:

[USMCsilver]

I love the feature! It allows for the tiny little adjustment to make the watch more comfortable. For me, a full link removed or added would make the watch uncomfortable in one direction or the other. However, that little half-link does the trick.

The other day I was inside all day and was comfortable -- the link was not extended. Then, the wife wanted to go to an outdoor shopping center. It's 90-plus degrees here in SC and hotter than two rats humping in a wool sock. I quickly "swole up" and found the extension quite handy. While the watch "stuck" more to me during the humidity, it wasn't at a point that was so uncomfortable that I had to put the watch in my pocket (like I've had to do with my Tag in the past).

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by USMCsilver

I love the feature! It allows for the tiny little adjustment to make the watch more comfortable. For me, a full link removed or added would make the watch uncomfortable in one direction or the other. However, that little half-link does the trick.

Well, okay

But did you read what I wrote about the ORIGINAL sizing of the bracelet where you can put your index finger under the clasp?

What I am trying to say here:

This "index finger sizing" actually ought to do the trick by its own without he help of the "Easy Extension" link.

Do you normally have a tight-fitting Rolex on your wrist? (I mean tight-fitting altogether, also on COLD days??). If so, I can understand that the "Easy Extension" link IS helpfull.

But - as I wrote - what if your watch is normally sitting kinda loose (the "index finger fit")?? Then it SHOULD fit just nice and snug - but not TOO snug - when your wrist swells.

[USMCsilver]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

Well, okay

But did you read what I wrote about the ORIGINAL sizing of the bracelet where you can put your index finger under the clasp?

Do you normally have a tight-fitting Rolex on your wrist? (I mean tight-fitting altogether, also on COLD days??).

Yes, I read it.

What I'm saying is that, for me, there's a fine line between tight fitting and comfortably loose. When loose, I'd say there's a finger's worth of wiggle room. However, when I get hot, the bracelet becomes uncomfortable to somewhat of a degree. Again, not so bad as to where I'd need to take the watch off, but, again, for me, that's when the extension comes in handy.

I guess the point that you are trying to make is that this is a worthless addition to a Rolex. Personally, I think it's a nice feature that doesn't cost a lot to add to a high-dollar watch and since it is probably very inexpensive to tool, other watchmakers should follow suit.

[wandyprawira]

If I had this feature on my watch, I would never have used it as it would make the watch too loose and then affraid of knocking the case on the table.

[DaveN]

I don't go with the index finger rule as a starting point. I don't like a watch that keeps slipping off the wrist down to the back of my hand. My watch is to allow a finger to go under the bracelet but not all the way through. The adjustment has turned out to be a very desirable feature for me.

[ohlins]

what works for others may not work for another..........and doesnt mean that the feature is not useful.....

[leopardprey]

The "Summer Extension" link works great. I had a Datejust with this feature for a short while when I was in Thailand at the time. There was as big difference in the fit of the bracelet from when I was in an indoors air condition environment and when walking around in the hot humid outdoors. HAd the bracelet adjusted so it fit just right and comfortable when indoors. Then when outdoors, or after getting pumped up lifting weights, used the "Extension" to change. Is only about a 1/4-1/2 link difference. Is perfect. Before this on traditional Rolex, usually had to take the watch off and use a toothpick to adjust the micro adjustments on the bracelets.

The only Bracelet on a watch that has a better design in Glashuette Original Sports Evolution GMTs and Dive watches. THey have a hidden push button on the logo on the clasp that if you push in, you can then adjust the bracelet in micro adjustements. So you can adjust the snuggness or loosness of the bracelet without even having to take the bracelet off.

[Bama]

"Hotter than two rats humping in a wool sock" Sterling, I can always tell when a fellow Southerner is on the forum. I understand the point Bo is trying to make. If you are wearing it within the guidelines of being able to slip an index finger in there then that should be enough room to compensate for the wrist swelling.
I went back to the AD and had mine adjusted to fit just a little more snug than that. When I'm in the office it feels great - snug and secure but with enought room to slide it around just a little bit. This week the humidity has been out of control with the heat index of 110 or higher. My wrist swells just walking to the car It would be nice to have that extension to make minor adjustments for when I'm outide in this kind of weather.

[wandyprawira]

Originally Posted by Bama

"Hotter than two rats humping in a wool sock" Sterling, I can always tell when a fellow Southerner is on the forum. I understand the point Bo is trying to make. If you are wearing it within the guidelines of being able to slip an index finger in there then that should be enough room to compensate for the wrist swelling.
I went back to the AD and had mine adjusted to fit just a little more snug than that. When I'm in the office it feels great - snug and secure but with enought room to slide it around just a little bit. This week the humidity has been out of control with the heat index of 110 or higher. My wrist swells just walking to the car It would be nice to have that extension to make minor adjustments for when I'm outide in this kind of weather.

Good point, Michael!

Perhaps Bo doesn't sweat that much in Denmark except in the evening
Right, Bo?

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by Bama

"Hotter than two rats humping in a wool sock" Sterling, I can always tell when a fellow Southerner is on the forum. I understand the point Bo is trying to make. If you are wearing it within the guidelines of being able to slip an index finger in there then that should be enough room to compensate for the wrist swelling.
I went back to the AD and had mine adjusted to fit just a little more snug than that. When I'm in the office it feels great - snug and secure but with enought room to slide it around just a little bit. This week the humidity has been out of control with the heat index of 110 or higher. My wrist swells just walking to the car It would be nice to have that extension to make minor adjustments for when I'm outide in this kind of weather.

So basically you are telling me that you DO have that "(index or whatever) finger fit" and that your wrist swells SO much that even this way of fitting the bracelet could not compensate for the huge amount of heat and humidity?

Because in that case, I realize that the "Easy Extension" link in fact DOES help

I was just wondering, because I do not own a Rolex with that kind of clasp.

Interesting!

Thanks!

[Bama]

No, I used to have the bracelet adjusted a little more loosely - enough to fit an index finger in between. If I had left it like that then it would probably be ok and then your original point is valid. I had it adjusted to be just a little more tight than that because I just liked the way it felt. Again, in the cool indoors it fits just fine and is only a problem out in the heat. The problem in this part of the United States during the summer is that the heat and humidity is so extreme that the new extension would be nice for minor and quick adjustments, especially for someone like me who wears the bracelet "just a little more" tightly than our accepted recommendation.

[GoldenBear]

You southern guys must bloat more than a woman during "that time of the month". LOL. I am lucky I live on the coast where it is very comfortable, often chilly. Shrinkage is a problem, however. But that is another topic. A finger under the bracelet seems a little loose to start with. Mine is half that loose and it fits perfectly.

[Bama]

Originally Posted by GoldenBear

You southern guys must bloat more than a woman during "that time of the month". LOL. I am lucky I live on the coast where it is very comfortable, often chilly. Shrinkage is a problem, however. But that is another topic. A finger under the bracelet seems a little loose to start with. Mine is half that loose and it fits perfectly.

I've lived in this weather my whole life and I still find myself irritable during the whole summer season, which seems to last until at least October. It really can be miserable. Nothing quite like being drenched with sweat by 8:00 a.m. However, we southerners also sometimes take pride in how hot it is here and how uncomfortable it is for visitors I'd love to experience a San Francisco summer some day. The other day I think I actually saw the Rollie sweating. BTW, the way you described your fit sounds like the way I have my bracelet adjusted.

[leopardprey]

A lot also depends on you bodies make up. If one has boney or skinny wrist, might not be much expansion during humid weather. Where is one has wirst that are fatter or more muscular, wrist will expand more during sleeping, exercising/weight lifting, or outdoors in a humid environment.

Sometimes also one wants, due to physical activity, to have the watch bracelet snug so watch does not move around at all. With the extension you can do this and then easily adjust it to a little looser for comfort when activity stops.