HELP Explorer II Bracelet Sizing Question

[SaddleSC]

I have read conflicting stories on sizing the Explorer II Oyster bracelet. I have always owned Submariners, Sea Dwellers, GMTs, etc.

On all Rolex models (new or old), I always remove one link on the 6 o'clock side (leaving 4 remaining full links, not counting the SEL). I have read that the Explorer II has 5 fixed links on the 6 o'clock side and therefore it is difficult to center the clasp for smaller (6.75") wrists.

Could someone please confirm this and/or post pics of the bracelet to give me a better idea of whether this watch will work for me? I am also not opposed to reversing the clasp if that will achieve the result I am looking for.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Tools]

.. Explorer II's use the same bracelet as the GMT..

For any era, Oyster bracelets have the same numer of permanent links on each side.......

[SaddleSC]

That is what I thought also, but when I look at photos online, it looks like the shortest I would be able to make the 6 o'clock side is 5 full links. On my Submariner I only have 4 full links on the 6 o'clock side.

[aleiberman]

remove a permanent link on the six o clock side and problems will all go away.

submariners with SEL bracelets have a half link on the six o clock side, which help "a bit" with our issue, as i have the same problem as you. therefore you will have four and a half links versus five.

larry, i dont know when the half link was exactly introduced. im not sure if it is on all SEL submariners.

[cyglee]

The top is a SD with 1 perm link removed, allowing 4 full links (great fit).
The middle is Exp ll, 5 full links (I do not wear much, so left 4 perm links on).
The bottom is LV, showing 4.5 links (works for me).

I have the best fit with 4 or 4.5 links on the 6 side.
And so, I removed (vise-grips) a perm link on my SD and GMT ll.
It is easy to DIY, or some have visited an AD.
Hope this helps.
[IMG][/IMG]

[aleiberman]

Gordon, great visual comparison. I've always wondering if that half link shortens the bracelet enough to be comfortable. I've also pulled permenant links, but I hate doing it.

[SaddleSC]

Thanks so much for the comparison shots Gordon.

A picture truly is worth 1000 words. In the past, with my Sea Dweller, I just reversed the bracelet and it appears that would be a good (non-destructive) way to test drive the Explorer II.

[George Ab]

I nominate Gordon for best response of the day!

[Tools]

Originally Posted by SaddleSC

That is what I thought also, but when I look at photos online, it looks like the shortest I would be able to make the 6 o'clock side is 5 full links. On my Submariner I only have 4 full links on the 6 o'clock side.

Your Sub Date Ceramic has the latest generation of bracelets... All of the new bracelets have an additional removable link on each side, and so will the newest 216570.. The older watches/bracelets do not..

So, you are comparing apples to oranges........

[SaddleSC]

Originally Posted by Tools

Your Sub Date Ceramic has the latest generation of bracelets... All of the new bracelets have an additional removable link on each side, and so will the newest 216570.. The older watches/bracelets do not..

So, you are comparing apples to oranges........

I was not referring to my Sub C. I was referring to my 16613 classic Submariner.

[cyglee]

Originally Posted by SaddleSC

Thanks so much for the comparison shots Gordon.

A picture truly is worth 1000 words. In the past, with my Sea Dweller, I just reversed the bracelet and it appears that would be a good (non-destructive) way to test drive the Explorer II.

Originally Posted by George Ab

I nominate Gordon for best response of the day!

Charles, I tried the reversed clasp, but it just felt too awkward... so out came the vise-grips!
George, thanks for the post... loving that latest "last one" YM.