Removing permanent link from 5 digit oyster bracelet

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Tools

Taking out a permanent link is a time-honored and common way to fit a Rolex bracelet to smaller wrists.

It was so common, this is why the newer bracelets have been changed to go down to 4 links (one additional removable link).

The 4 link halves have a steeper taper to get down to 16mm over 4 links rather than 5. The slight step on older bracelets is barely noticeable, and the links can be ground to the same taper as the newer bracelets. If it is re-tapered, it will be identical to the newer 4-link halves.

It's a watch, not a delicate Ming vase. Make it fit your needs.

How is a permanent link taken out? Is it drilled out and then threaded for a removable screw?

[silkroaded]

Another option is just to fit a 93150 clasp to the 93150 bracelet to give you 4 1/2 links.

[Jawnz]

Originally Posted by silkroaded

Another option is just to fit a 93150 clasp to the 93150 bracelet to give you 4 1/2 links.

Could you elaborate? Does a 93150 bracelet not come with a 93150 clasp? I feel like I’m missing something but I don’t know bracelet codes well.

[Jawnz]

Also can anyone explain how if you flip the bracelet it would fit tighter? I don’t get it..


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[watchwatcher]

It is for that very reason I would never, EVER buy a 5 digit bracelet.

I mean, if you're going to treat yourself, treat yourself. Taking a pair of vise grips to a Rolex watch is not my idea of treating yourself. But...hey, to each his own.

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by Jawnz

Could you elaborate? Does a 93150 bracelet not come with a 93150 clasp? I feel like I’m missing something but I don’t know bracelet codes well.

He meant a 93250 clasp on a 93150 bracelet. The 93250 clasp has a half link instead of a full link attached.

[Jawnz]

Originally Posted by HERITAGE82

He meant a 93250 clasp on a 93150 bracelet. The 93250 clasp has a half link instead of a full link attached.

Ah that makes more sense

[Watchlover22]

I did this for my 6263 Daytona (bought an extra bracelet so as to preserve the original one) and a 16600 Seadweller. Can’t even notice where they took it out. Taper is imperceptible.

I haven’t done it on my 5 digit explorer I yet and have the bracelet flipped…it annoys me so I don’t end up wearing it. Need to get a link removed for this one as well.

Have had both Rolliworks and LA Watch Works each remove one.

[Jawnz]

Originally Posted by Watchlover22

I did this for my 6263 Daytona (bought an extra bracelet so as to preserve the original one) and a 16600 Seadweller. Can’t even notice where they took it out. Taper is imperceptible.

I haven’t done it on my 5 digit explorer I yet and have the bracelet flipped…it annoys me so I don’t end up wearing it. Need to get a link removed for this one as well.

Have had both Rolliworks and LA Watch Works each remove one.

Do you send in the bracelet only or watch head too?

[Watchlover22]

Originally Posted by Jawnz

Do you send in the bracelet only or watch head too?

Just the bracelet

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by 1mlee0916

I’m thinking about purchasing a 5 digit model, but just found out there are 5 permanent links on the 6 o’clock side on the oyster bracelet.

I have 4 permanent links on my modern Rolex, so I think 5 permanent links won’t keep the clasp centered.

Do you have any pictures to show how tapered it will be if I remove one link? I understand that the it will be a rather abrupt change?

Thanks in advance.


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Originally Posted by tifosi

I wear my 12 series Sub with only 4 links on the 6 o'clock side and I've owned many a 5 digit Sub and other sports models and I never had to remove a permanent link. I think you'll be OK.

What Russ said ^^^

My CHNR and Daytona are both set up with 4 links on the 6 o'clock side.

My 16600 has 5. Whilst the clasp on the 5 digit may not appear to be ideally placed, and looks to be off centred, due to the design of the stamped 5 digit clasp (smaller, lighter, thinner and with a more integrated appearance) its as comfortable, if not more so, than the 6 digits.

So unless you are more concerned with looks than comfort, do not let the extra fixed link put you off. Live with it for a bit and if, like me, it makes no difference, great.

If it is uncomfortable for you, you have options. You could flip the clasp, purchase the clasp or the whole bracelet from a 5 digit Sub to give you 4 1/2 links (its actually more like 4 1/3 and I believe all the post 99/2000 SEL bracelets came with the short link at the clasp) or have a permanent link removed.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Jawnz

Also can anyone explain how if you flip the bracelet it would fit tighter? I don’t get it..


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It doesn't make the the bracelet tighter, but because the 12 o'clock side of the bracelet connects inside the visible clasp cover (up to an entire link or more on the GMTs if the tightest microadjust point is used) it has the effect of moving the entire clasp assembly closer to the 6 oclock side of the watch head.

Its often easier to simply flip the clasp depending on your link set up.

[Devildog]

double post

[Jawnz]

Originally Posted by Devildog

It doesn't make the the bracelet tighter, but because the 12 o'clock side of the bracelet connects inside the visible clasp cover (up to an entire link or more on the GMTs if the tightest microadjust point is used) it has the effect of moving the entire clasp assembly closer to the 6 oclock side of the watch head.

Its often easier to simply flip the clasp depending on your link set up.

Thanks for explaining. I just flipped the bracelet as you suggested. Does wear a bit better but as expected the bracelet is still quite loose. I wonder if I should just fit it with a new oystersteel, they have more removable links.


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[PeterKelly]

I have just purchased a 16570 and I have skinny wrists and was concerned that the bracelet wouldn’t be comfortable or sit properly. I expected to have to reverse it or have a permanent link removed.

My concerns turned out to be unfounded as the bracelet is very comfortable on my wrist even though the clasp is not centered.

Just my 2 cents worth.