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. My wife finds it amusing that I claim I"m the 3rd person on the Internet to have done this - Dec of 2019.
Summary
2x Rolex EasyLinks preferably brushed metal finish. This link allows you to adjust the bracelet by 5mm bigger or smaller.
Details
My brushed metal 16mm EasyLink came from the 77200 Bracelet (904L Steel) meant for the Rolex Explorer I. It can also be found in the following,
2019 Explorer I (214270) with 77200 Bracelet
Explorer II (16570)- 2011 Explorer II (216570) uses a
Bracelet - 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 referencing what I believe is a Rolex Parts Catalogue,
| EasyLink | Bracelet Size | Watches | End Links | Bracelet Codes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21mm | ||||
| 16mm | Majority Men's | See above... | 20mm | 77200 Oyster Bracelet from Explorer I 214270 |
| 19mm | 72190 (Datejust) | |||
| 13mm | Ladies DateJust 31mm | 16mm | 70160 (steel), 72160 (two town steel), 72161 (rose gold two tone), 72163 (gold two tone), 73168 (gold two tone) | |
| 13mm | 72130, 72131, 72133, | |||
| 11mm | Ladies DateJust 26mm |
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 below (note i have the CAL. number and notice that changes... maybe it's relevant to the finish?). Back in the day (I'm guessing before 2015), it could be ordered for $75 dollars, but Rolex has restricted purchase (you must own the watch, and return the defective piece).
| 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 for $400 USD from escobar144.
|
| 103789371 | Explorer 1 - reference 214270 | eBay Listing sold for $462.30 USD (I was outbid) ~ Dec 2019 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
Oyster Perpetual 114200 34mm with Rolex EasyLink 16mm
My first success so far is customizing my Oyster Perpetual 114200 34mm. It's a straight snap in with no modifications required,
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 | Needs customization. |
|
| BLNR | |
|
Black Bay 58 with Rolex Easylink 16mm
With quite a bit of work I also had success retrofitting an EasyLink on my BB58 (Black Bay 58),
And then next, doing the same for a Rolex Explorer 1016 bracelet.
Aside - Custom Tudor Black Bay 58 with GlideLock
As an aside, also thought about fitting a GlideLock which allows 20mm in 2mm increments adjustments, but I probably will not get going because it is 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.
Maybe... more research to come.
Rolex Explorer 1016 Bracelet with Rolex EasyLink 16mm
The 1016 bracelet is also 16mm so in theory this should work.
The inner link join is 7.76
The last link width 16.22 total.
Rolex Explorer 1003 Bracelet with Rolex EasyLink
The clasp width = 15.98mm.
The connector to the rest of the strap is 8.75mm
References
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QEfmmG_LRg - My initial inspiration which shows a gentleman putting an EasyLink on the Oyster 114200.