Rolex Oyster bracelets - so UNFAIR to the small-wristed!!

[JJ Irani]

That's right, guys.

Let's take the classic Sub-date example: The Oyster bracelets have 4 permanent links and one half link on the '6' side. Only ONE screw is provided on the half link which means you can ADD on an extra link (if you have a super large wrist), but there's no way you can SHORTEN that end of the bracelet.

Which makes me think that Rolex is being UNFAIR to the small-wristed blokes who find themselves battling, fuming and fretting trying to get a decent fit with a CENTRALISED CLASP.

Why can't Rolex provide at least one more removable link on the '6' side to make life a little moe easier and comfortable for guys whose wrists are below the 7" mark?

JJ

[Nicko]

You tell em' JJ, why don't you drop them a line. Did you say small wrist or limp wrist?

[2th Dr]

I'm guessing it has something to do with the tapering of the fixed links.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by 2th DR

I'm guessing it has something to do with the tapering of the fixed links.

I don't see how that has anything to do with it, Mark.

If they can provide so many removable links on the '12' side which are also tapered, why not just ONE more on the '6' side for guys like you who I know have been battling for a good fit?

JJ

[Jocke]

Otherwise you can do a hair transplant until the clasp will be in the middle.

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I don't see how that has anything to do with it, Mark.

If they can provide so many removable links on the '12' side which are also tapered, why not just ONE more on the '6' side for guys like you who I know have been battling for a good fit?

JJ

Didn't he say he was guessing, wiseguy.

[chris russell]

Go to the gym.

[Nicko]

Originally Posted by chris russell

Go to the gym.

X1000

Small wristed my

BTW, shouldn't this be in the joke section Jocke???? I mean I have been castigated for less....Come on JJ...

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by chris russell

Go to the gym.

JJ will not grow when he spy on well-trained women.

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by Nicko

BTW, shouldn't this be in the joke section Jocke???? I mean I have been castigated for less....Come on JJ...

I was not starting this thread so don't blame me.

[Nicko]

Drink milk!

[Nicko]

Originally Posted by Jocke

I was not starting this thread so don't blame me.

But it's always your fault!

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by Nicko

But it's always your fault!

Sorry I forgot that.

[2th Dr]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I don't see how that has anything to do with it, Mark.

If they can provide so many removable links on the '12' side which are also tapered, why not just ONE more on the '6' side for guys like you who I know have been battling for a good fit?

JJ

Because those last four on the 6 o'clock side are tapered, JJ. If you take that fourth link off, the remaining link won't blend into the clasp perfectly. NONE of the removable links are tapered, on EITHER side of the watch.

[2th Dr]

Originally Posted by chris russell

Go to the gym.

I've been working out since 1979. Yes, weights build muscle and bone, but your body will only allow so much bone to be built. Working out has NOTHING to do with small wrists.

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by 2th DR

I've been working out since 1979. Yes, weights build muscle and bone, but your body will only allow so much bone to be built. Working out has NOTHING to do with small wrists.

If JJ not work at his work so is the chance he will work in a gym same as nada.

[Dr. Robert]

Major league baseball...MLB steroids...that'll build up wrists...

[roger0770]

yeah, i do feel a bit unfair about having a small wrist. i am not a big guy, but i am pretty well built. i always have to go to the sf rsc to ask giovanni to take off a permanent link on my watches. however, i think rolex realized that problem, so on the newer bracelets with solid center links, i could actually size it myself without going to see giovanni.

[2th Dr]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

Major league baseball...MLB steroids...that'll build up wrists...

So will..... nevermind.

[JUSTROLEXES]

I guess that is one way for them to push the datejust line it's all calculated IMO

[Fiery]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Why can't Rolex provide at least one more removable link on the '6' side to make life a little moe easier and comfortable for guys whose wrists are below the 7" mark?

This is a very interesting topic, especially since I have a sub-6.5 inch wrist... Does this whole thing mean it's not really possible to center the clasp on my wrist? If so, does it apply to only old models, or new models as well? If new models also affected, does it work the same way with e.g. the GMT IIC and the Sub-C? Does the GlideLock clasp make any difference?

Does anyone have feedbacks on how the GMT IIC or Sub-C wears on a small (sub-6.5 inch) wrist? I'd be really sad to be forced to give up my dreams of getting a Rolex later this year...

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Fiery

This is a very interesting topic, especially since I have a sub-6.5 inch wrist... Does this whole thing mean it's not really possible to center the clasp on my wrist? If so, does it apply to only old models, or new models as well? If new models also affected, does it work the same way with e.g. the GMT IIC and the Sub-C? Does the GlideLock clasp make any difference?

Does anyone have feedbacks on how the GMT IIC or Sub-C wears on a small (sub-6.5 inch) wrist? I'd be really sad to be forced to give up my dreams of getting a Rolex later this year...

Good points raised, buddy.

With the GMT-IIC, the good news is that you do have the option of taking off links from BOTH sides which will give you greater flexibility.

There are 3 holes inside the clasp for that final adjustment. The Easy Link can be clicked in or out depending on the final fit.

The new Subs & DSSD are the ONLY ones fitted with the GLIDELOCK clasp. This one's even better enabling the wearer to make small adjustments of 1.8 mm at a time. After each adjustment, you have to click the half link back into place so it holds the GLIDELOCK in place.

JJ

[roger0770]

haven't tried on the new sub-c, but the 2c fits well on small wrists. the clasp centers fine on my tiny 6 inch wrist. yes, it fits nicely!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by roger0770

haven't tried on the new sub-c, but the 2c fits well on small wrists. the clasp centers fine on my tiny 6 inch wrist. yes, it fits nicely!

Good to hear. With links removable from both sides, the wearer does have more options and greater flexibility with the GMT-IIC.

JJ

[Fiery]

Originally Posted by roger0770

haven't tried on the new sub-c, but the 2c fits well on small wrists. the clasp centers fine on my tiny 6 inch wrist. yes, it fits nicely!

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Good to hear. With links removable from both sides, the wearer does have more options and greater flexibility with the GMT-IIC.

Thank you guys, that's a relief And it's very useful to know that I really should focus on the new models, and not consider any older ones.

Just one more silly question: as the new style clasp (e.g. GMT IIC, Daytona) doesn't expose the micro-adjustments from the outside of the clasp, would it be very difficult to adjust the micro-adjustments by myself? Would I need a special tool (e.g. a Bergeon spring bar tool) to do it?

[2th Dr]

Originally Posted by Fiery

This is a very interesting topic, especially since I have a sub-6.5 inch wrist... Does this whole thing mean it's not really possible to center the clasp on my wrist? If so, does it apply to only old models, or new models as well? If new models also affected, does it work the same way with e.g. the GMT IIC and the Sub-C? Does the GlideLock clasp make any difference?

Does anyone have feedbacks on how the GMT IIC or Sub-C wears on a small (sub-6.5 inch) wrist? I'd be really sad to be forced to give up my dreams of getting a Rolex later this year...

The GMT IIc and New Daytona fit my wrist with no problem.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Fiery

Thank you guys, that's a relief And it's very useful to know that I really should focus on the new models, and not consider any older ones.

Just one more silly question: as the new style clasp (e.g. GMT IIC, Daytona) doesn't expose the micro-adjustments from the outside of the clasp, would it be very difficult to adjust the micro-adjustments by myself? Would I need a special tool (e.g. a Bergeon spring bar tool) to do it?

Yes, get an original Swiss Made Bergeon 6111. That should do the job.

It's a bit fiddly at first, but it's easier to move the micro-pin inside the confines of the clasp if you open up the bracelet by completely taking off one screw from one of the links closer to the clasp.

JJ

[Watch Professor]

Originally Posted by Fiery

Thank you guys, that's a relief And it's very useful to know that I really should focus on the new models, and not consider any older ones.

Just one more silly question: as the new style clasp (e.g. GMT IIC, Daytona) doesn't expose the micro-adjustments from the outside of the clasp, would it be very difficult to adjust the micro-adjustments by myself? Would I need a special tool (e.g. a Bergeon spring bar tool) to do it?

In answer to your question, yes, you will need a special tool- Bergeon 6767 or similar. Since there are no outside micro-adjustments on the GMT IIC, you need to get inside the clasp to move the pin- a royal pain in the ----. However, since the 6:00 side has removable links, you can center the clasp and make the bracelet fit reasonably comfortably.

As far as the Sub Date, V and earlier, the clasp will not center properly on a wrist of 6 1/2 or smaller. My 6 1/4 wrist is an example of that. I have the head of the watch centered, but the clasp pulls off to the 12:00 side. Only removing a permanent link from the 6:00 side will center it, something I don't want to do. Having the external micro-adjustment holes makes it easy to move the pin, but, once again, a Bergeon tool is helpful to stick into the holes. (Be careful and try not to bend the pin, as I did on my recent purchase of the Sub Date, V series) Thanks David for a new pin.

As JJ points out, the Glide Lock clasp should be on every model, as you can micro adjust the bracelet to smaller tolerances (1.8mm) than the easy link which is a 5mm change. I find that the Easy link is rather useless as it makes the watch fit too big when my wrist swells.

I considered waiting for the new ceramic ss sub, but it looks so much like my GMT IIC, that I decided to get the current (V) series which has a beautifully balanced design. The downside is an inferior bracelet. I've adjusted the bracelet to fit reasonably well, with the 4 1/2 permanent links on the 6:00 side and two links off of the 12:00 side and the pin in the last (tightest)hole in the clasp. When my wrist swells, I'll move (using a tool) the pin to the next hole. This means that I travel with a Bergeon tool (not through airport security) to move the pin in hot weather. Fortunately for me, I haven't had to move it very often. And yes, I lift weights and work out, but my wrist stays the same size.

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Yes, get an original Swiss Made Bergeon 6111. That should do the job.

It's a bit fiddly at first, but it's easier to move the micro-pin inside the confines of the clasp if you open up the bracelet by completely taking off one screw from one of the links closer to the clasp.

JJ

JJ what tool are you using when you adjust a NATO?

[kyle L]

Tell me about it.