Bracelet Size Question

[scoot4nat]

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum and to Rolex in general. I am seriously considering purchasing GMT BLNR. I tried it on at my local AD and the bracelet was very tight - only just closing even with the extra bit it gives you without altering the bracelet.

My question is this...how big is the standard bracelet on this model (and others if different)? My wrist is 8.5 inches and I do like a bit of movement from a watch when I wear it.

I own two Tag Heuers and had to have links removed from both when they were purchased.

My inclination is that the AD removed links so that it would fit the average wrist that came into the store but I'm not sure how standard this practice migh be. My worry is that the bracelet that comes as standard is just too small.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by scoot4nat

Hi everyone,

My inclination is that the AD removed links so that it would fit the average wrist that came into the store but I'm not sure how standard this practice migh be. My worry is that the bracelet that comes as standard is just too small.

Don't think so...but no big deal. Just have the AD order you an extra link or two.

[bbressler]

It comes with 12 links plus EasyLink. You will probably have to buy an extra link or two with an 8.5" wrist.

[Tools]

The Dealer is likely to provide any extra links to make it fit you. If not they are only about 40 bucks.

[scoot4nat]

Thanks for the replies - although I must admit I'm a bit surprised at I might need to pay for extra links. Not so much the cost but the principle. My wrist isn't that much more than average.

Out of interest, how muc do extra links generally cost?

[CHRONOLEX]

In my experience with larger wristed friends, the AD was happy to provide links to close the deal.

[AK797]

Average is around 7 so your wrists are indeed much larger than average.

[beer]

An AD will almost certainly give you them for free!

They are allowed a certain amount of flexibility i.e. discount, freebies to help secure sales.

Even if you have to ask, but if it is visibly too small they should give a link or 2.

[viper9669]

For the GMTII ref you will need an extra link and micro adjustment to the outermost position on the clasp for comfort, congrats in advance!

[Constantine]

Originally Posted by scoot4nat

My question is this...how big is the standard bracelet on this model (and others if different)? My wrist is 8.5 inches and I do like a bit of movement from a watch when I wear it.

Mine is 7.5, and the bracelet of my BLNR fit perfectly without any adjustments. So you would need 2 links and possibly attach the easy link to the outer slot in the clasp. The AD you buy it from should size it for free.

[jhe888]

I have an 8.25" wrist. Maybe 8.5" if it is hot or I have been exerting myself. That is a lot bigger than average. My Explorer I needed one extra link. You are going to need one extra link, maybe two.

Beyond that, the Easylink extension in the Oysterlock clasp on your watch will give you another 5mm if needed. You can also move the attachment point of the bracelet inside the clasp by moving which set of springbar holes it is in. It comes in the middle, and you can make it 3mm tighter or looser by moving the springbar.

For my wrist, it is one extra link, with the Easylink open. I keep the springbar in the middle mounting hole. I might prefer it a touch looser, but moving the springbar out makes it a little too loose with the Easylink out, and a little too tight with it closed. I suppose I could try adding one more link, and monkey with the other options, but it is so close now I am not sure I can improve the fit. (I am fighting the urge to keep tinkering with it. I know in my head that it won't make any difference, but my heart would like to try ALL the permutations. And it does vary a bit with the temperature and the day and time of day, too, so perfect today may be a little loose on a colder day.)

A link is about $40 or $50, but as said, the dealer who sells the watch will probably throw one in with the purchase.

[Ritch99]

I have an 8" wrist. As soon as I started buying Rolex watches, with exception of anything with the glidelock clasp, I always need to add a link and adjust the micro adjust feature. If I buy from the AD, they have always added a link free of charge. When I buy from a trusted seller or used, I buy extra links and have the AD install them as they are always happy to do it free of charge. That got old, so I bought all of the basic tools needed to adjust bracelets. Now I can do my own adjustments and not have to got to the AD.

If you are mechanically inclined at all, adjustments are easy. You just need the right tools and knowledge. The Tools I bought online and the knowledge I acquired in this forum.

Only problem is that the guys I know who are into Rolex time pieces come to me to adjust their bracelets or have them cleaned in my sonic cleaner every so often.

[jhe888]

Ritch99, what is the caliper-looking tool?

[Speed]

That tool is used to remove spring bars from non-lug hole watches. I've heard mixed things about them. Main knock is they do not exert enough pressure on both ends of the spring bar.

[jhe888]

Will that tool fit "inside" a bracelet? Seems like something has to be unattached to get that tool on both ends of a springbar. I might think something with a ratchet and spiral screw (like a Crescent wrench), or even a thumbscrew (like a caliper) might be a better design if it can get enough purchase on the springbar. It would have a lower profile, and the jaws would open in a straight line.

[Ritch99]

Originally Posted by jhe888

Will that tool fit "inside" a bracelet? Seems like something has to be unattached to get that tool on both ends of a springbar. I might think something with a ratchet and spiral screw (like a Crescent wrench), or even a thumbscrew (like a caliper) might be a better design if it can get enough purchase on the springbar. It would have a lower profile, and the jaws would open in a straight line.

Yes it will fit and is used for no holes cases. Flip your watch over and you will see notches on each side of the end link to get at the spring bars. The theory behind the tool is sound. However, even with the fine forks (tips), they are still too wide for Rolex. What I did was, I bought some 1.2 mm screw drive bits and under a high power magnifier notched them to contour to the spring bar. Now it works perfectly. I put tape on the case lugs to protect them...zero scratches.

Or...like many do, you can use a 1.2 mm screw driver to pull back each side of the spring bar one at a time. This tool is full adjustable and very well made. The main thing I will use this tool for is bracelet removal for ultrasonic cleaning once or twice a year.

[Ritch99]

Here are a few pics of the Bergeon spring bar tool.