Once you start using adjustable - without tools - bracelets, you never want to go back. This is my journey to making it happen to my favourite watches.
Rolex EasyLink
I now have the Rolex EasyLink installed on my Oyster Perpetual. It allows just the right amount of give as my wrist contracts and expands over the day.
Summary
2x Rolex EasyLinks preferably brushed metal finish. This link allows you to adjust the bracelet by 5mm bigger or smaller.
Details
The brushed metal EasyLink can be found in the 77200 904L Steel Bracelets,
- Current generation (as of 2019) Explorer I (214270), Explorer II models
(not sure of # here) and 216570 - Air King (116900)
A polished finish is also on the Datejust 116200, Datejust II 116300, 116334, GMT-Master II 116710 and Daytona 116520.
The EasyLink actually exists in 3 sizes,
- 16mm for majority of watches
- 13mm for 31mm ladies watches
- 11mm for 26mm ladies watches
The size references how the bracelet tapers down to the clasp. The one I'm looking for is 16mm.
The part numbers I've managed to look up are (note i have the CAL. number and notice that changes... maybe it's relevant to the finish?). Back in the day, it could be ordered for $75 dollars, but Rolex has restricted purchase (you must own the watch, and return the defective piece).
Now the pricing technically should be about $75 USD, but you won't be able to to buy it anymore.
| Code | Bracelet Code | CAL. | Finish | Source | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B32-20193-D1 | 77200 | 103267137 | Brushed | Explorer I reference 214270 with brushed finish. | One I purchased via forums from escobar144.
|
| 103789371 | Explorer 1 - reference 214270 | eBay Listing sold for $462.30 and worn by original owner on Oyster Perpetual 114200 34mm,
| |||
| 102843696 | Brushed | Explorer 2 - reference (not able to determine) | Per forum and picture,
|
Documented Successes
My first success so far is customizing my Oyster Perpetual 114200 34mm,
I've also read about success from Watch Enthusiasts who confirmed this also worked for bracelets which taper down to 16mm,
| Watch Family | Reference | EasyLink 16mm Confirmations | Glidelock Confirmations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oyster Perpetual | 114200 34mm |
| |
116000 36mm | |||
114300 39mm | |||
| Explorer I | 1016 36mm | This looks like it may work. | |
| 14270 36mm | Presumably this should work too given it is pretty much identical to the 114270. | ||
| 114270 36mm |
| ||
| 214270 39mm | |||
| Black Bay | 58 | This looks like may work. |
|
| BLNR | |
|
Active Next Goals
I'm working on the BB58 (Black Bay 58) with Easylink as shown here,
And then next, doing the same for a Rolex Explorer 1016 bracelet.
Custom Tudor Black Bay 58 with GlideLock
As an aside, also looking at a GlideLock which allows 20mm in 2mm increments adjustments, but I understand is much bulkier than an easylink,
A forum member built his Franken BB58 with the following,
Black Bay 58 Bracelet - You need to have the end links and the proper clasp.
93150 Oyster Bracelet - Look for something generic 20mm that tapers down to
. This style based on my readings could come from an existing Air-King, Explorer, Explorer II, GMT-Master, 14060 & 16610 & 16800 Submariner and Perpetual Date.
Once the 93150 is in, I've read that it will work with both an EasyLink and/or a Glidelock from a 97200 bracelet that comes with the Submariner 116610 or 114060.
... more research to come.
References
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QEfmmG_LRg - My initial inspiration which shows a gentleman putting an EasyLink on the Oyster 114200.