The Everose gold Yacht-Master 40 was the first watch to sport the new Rolex Oysterflex bracelet, which is very different from the bracelets that came with previous Rolex watches. In the most simple of terms, the Oysterflex bracelet is Rolex’s take on a rubber watch strap. However, calling it a rubber strap would be a bit of an insult since it looks a lot like a metal bracelet. As with all of Rolex’s products, the Oysterflex has been over-engineered to an unimaginable degree, with every detail taken into account.
When it comes to adjusting Rolex’s metal bracelets, sizing them is a pretty straightforward task. Link can be added or taken away from the bracelet to make it the right size, in addition to the clasp’s inherent flexibility. With the Rolex Oysterflex bracelet, on the other hand, each side is made of a single piece of material that doesn’t join together. It’s held together by a solid gold clasp. So, how do you adjust the Rolex Oysterflex bracelet?.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is an iconic luxury watch known for its timeless elegance and precision But over time, your Rolex bracelet may need slight fitting adjustments for maximum comfort
Adjusting the bracelet yourself is possible with the right tools and techniques. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through step-by-step instructions on how to properly adjust your Rolex Oyster Perpetual bracelet at home
Why You May Need to Adjust Your Rolex Bracelet
There are a few common reasons you may need to tinker with your Rolex bracelet length
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Seasonal wrist swelling or shrinking – Your wrist size can fluctuate during hot or cold months, requiring more or less links.
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Weight changes – Losing or gaining weight can affect how well your watch fits.
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Special occasions – You may want a looser or tighter fit for sports, formal events, etc.
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Discomfort – If links are sticking out or pinching your skin, adjusting is needed.
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New watch feeling loose – Brand new Rolexes often fit larger until properly adjusted.
Taking the time to get the perfect custom fit will maximize how comfortable your Rolex feels and prevent any damage from abracelet that’s too tight or loose.
Before You Start – Important Tips
Before you dive into bracelet adjustment, keep these tips in mind:
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Go slow – Take your time and don’t rush the small adjustments.
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Use quality tools – Invest in a quality watch toolkit to avoid scratches.
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Know your links – Rolex bracelets have solid end links, center links, and folded links.
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Follow safety rules – Always wear eye protection and be careful handling small parts.
Adjusting the Rolex bracelet requires dexterity and patience. Setting up a proper workspace and having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother.
Step 1 – Remove Links on Both Sides
Start by detaching links on both sides of the bracelet evenly for balance. Removing an equal number from each side allows for symmetrical resizing.
You’ll need a small jewelry screwdriver to detach the pins connecting each link. Gently pry open the pin notch by notch to slide it out.
Remember to go slowly and be careful not to scratch the bracelet or bend pins. Remove the desired number of links from each side and set them aside in case you need to put them back later.
Step 2 – Adjust the Clasp
After removing entire links, you can do minor fitting adjustments using the clasp. Rolex Oyster bracelets have a folding Oysterclasp with an Easylink extension link.
First, check if the Easylink provides a better fit when engaged. You can also micro-adjust within about 5mm using the oyster clasp.
Turn the bottom of the Rolex clasp clockwise or counter-clockwise to extend or retract the bracelet inner links. This helps achieve the perfect custom fit.
Step 3 – Resize End Links
If removing entire links doesn’t solve the fit issue, you may need to resize the end links specifically.
End links are the bars that connect the bracelet to the watch case. Rolex end links have screws within them that allow resizing.
Use a small flat head screwdriver to adjust the sizing of the end links themselves. This provides an additional millimeter or two of adjustment if needed.
Step 4 – Reattach Links
Should you need to put links back into your Rolex, simply reverse the first step. Reposition the pins into each link making sure the locking mechanism lines up.
Gently tap pins back into place with a watch hammer or mallet to secure them properly within each link.
Inspect the entire bracelet to ensure all pins are tightly affixed and no gaps between links remain. Your Rolex is now perfectly resized and ready to wear.
Rolex Bracelet Adjustment Best Practices
Adjusting your own Rolex bracelet is possible if you follow precise techniques. Keep these best practices in mind:
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Only make minor adjustments of 1-2 links maximum. For larger sizing issues, visit a Rolex service center.
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Work on a soft surface like a towel to prevent scratching and use a high quality watch toolkit.
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Take your time and don’t force pins or screws – gentle precision is key.
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Wear eye protection as bracelet parts and tools can slip.
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Keep all detached links, pins, and screws since you may need them later for resizing again.
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Clean your bracelet thoroughly after adjusting to remove any dirt, skin oils or dust.
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If you’re ever unsure about safely adjusting your Rolex bracelet yourself, ask a professional for assistance to avoid damage.
With care and patience, you can achieve the perfect fit adjustment for your Rolex Oyster Perpetual bracelet on your own and enjoy maximum comfort.
FAQs About Adjusting Rolex Oyster Bracelets
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about adjusting Rolex bracelet sizing yourself:
How many links should I remove from my Rolex bracelet?
It’s best to start by just removing 1-2 links total from both sides of the bracelet for a minor adjustment. Assess the fit and remove more if needed, but go slow and make incremental adjustments.
What tools do I need to adjust a Rolex band?
You’ll need a quality watch toolkit that includes options like small screwdrivers, tweezers, a bracelet holder, hammer, and eye protection. Invest in tools designed specifically for watch adjustment.
Can I just add or remove one side of links?
It’s best to keep the bracelet symmetrical by removing or adding the same number of links to each side. This helps the band stay balanced and fit comfortably.
Is it easy to scratch my Rolex bracelet while adjusting it?
Yes, the polished surfaces and thin bracelet links can scratch easily. Always work on a soft towel over a table. Avoid metal jewelry tools and don’t force pins.
Should I ask a professional to resize my bracelet?
If you need to remove several links or are unsure about the process, it never hurts to have a professional do it. Many watch repair shops offer quick and affordable Rolex bracelet adjustments.
Adjusting your Rolex Oyster Perpetual bracelet is a delicate process but worthwhile for achieving the perfect custom fit. Armed with quality tools and the right techniques, you can alter the comfort and wearability of your luxury timepiece. So take it slow and follow these tips for safely resizing your Rolex bracelet.
Micro-Adjustment with the Clasp
To make changes to your Rolex Oysterflex bracelet, the first thing you should do is check to see if you can get the right fit by moving the clasp. All of the different Rolex watches with Oysterflex bracelets have clasps that have some kind of extension system included. Some of the first Oysterflex bracelets had clasps with the Fliplock extension. This lets you instantly make the bracelet bigger or smaller by about 5 mm by folding out an extension link inside the clasp.
However, in the years since the Oysterflex bracelet made its debut, Rolex has expanded its clasp adjustment capabilities. At the moment, all Rolex watches with Oysterflex bracelets come with clasps that use Rolex’s patented Glidelock extension system. This makes it possible to make quick, tool-free adjustments in small steps, which are usually enough to make an Oysterflex bracelet fit your wrist. But if your Oysterflex is still too big or too small after you’ve changed the clasp, you might need to replace one or both of the sides with a different length of the same type.
What Is the Rolex Oysterflex Bracelet?
Before we talk about how to adjust the Rolex Oysterflex bracelet, it might be helpful to talk about what the Oysterflex is and how it’s different from other Rolex bracelets. Rolex calls the Oysterflex a bracelet even though it looks like a rubber strap. This is because each side has a flexible metal core made from a highly flexible titanium and nickel alloy that is then covered in black elastomer.
Just like one of Rolex’s metal bracelets, the Oysterflex surrounds your entire wrist with mechanically-connected metal components. On the other hand, while Rolex bracelets have several separate links that connect each side of the watch to the clasp, the Oysterflex bracelet only has one flexible metal link that does the job. Even though it looks like a normal rubber strap, the Oysterflex is stronger than a metal bracelet and more comfortable, flexible, and light than rubber. As a result, it is the most expensive option in Rolex’s collection, and it can only be found on a few models that are all made from solid 18k gold.
The Rolex Oysterflex bracelet is made of a single piece on each side, so you can’t just add or remove links to make it fit your wrist. Because of this, the overall process for sizing the Oysterflex bracelet is a little different. Additionally, getting the perfect fit might even require a quick trip to your nearby authorized Rolex store, since you might not be able to adjust the bracelet enough without first switching out one of the sides for one that is a different length.