The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10 June 2019, 09:43 AM   #1
prlwatch
"TRF" Member
 
prlwatch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: CA
Watch: 16710 BLRO w/3186
Posts: 120
Pics and review of Black Bay 58 bracelet and strap options

I've got some pics and thoughts about these options:
  1. Glidelock clasp + Rolex 93150 bracelet + endlinks from Black Bay 58 bracelet
  2. Strapcode Super Oyster with straight end links
  3. Tudor Black Bay 58 fabric strap
  4. Generic black NATO strap
  5. Strapcode President with straight end links
  6. Strapcode Hexad Oyster with straight end links

#1
First, hats off to cleanupinaisle3who put me on to the idea of using Rolex 93150 bracelet with endlinks from the BB58 bracelet. This was a great fit, and it became absolutely perfect after swapping in the glidelock clasp from a Rolex 97200 bracelet.

#2
I think the straight end links look great - a nice vintage look. I wore this for a while before #1, and I will again after I get a smaller clasp. The ratchet clasp in the pics is just too blocky for use with BB58.

#3
Wow I though I got the short version of this fabric strap by accident the first time I put it on. But, that's just because I had used before was generic NATO straps. This Tudor strap lacks the characteristic "tail" that you tuck back in. However, I really like it. Very comfortable and looks more classy than a regular NATO.

#4
Generic NATO strap. OK. Nice for "beater mode."

#5
Meh.

#6
Ridiculous. But on a Seiko SUMO this is the bomb. :-)
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 93150-1.jpg (134.1 KB, 2042 views)
File Type: jpg 93150-2.jpg (155.5 KB, 2014 views)
File Type: jpg 93150-3.jpg (103.4 KB, 1999 views)
File Type: jpg SO-1.jpg (156.6 KB, 1978 views)
File Type: jpg SO-2.jpg (131.4 KB, 1953 views)
File Type: jpg SO-3.jpg (131.5 KB, 1945 views)
File Type: jpg SO-4.jpg (213.5 KB, 1939 views)
File Type: jpg SO-5.jpg (132.8 KB, 1930 views)
File Type: jpg TF-1.jpg (223.7 KB, 1951 views)
File Type: jpg TF-2.jpg (193.5 KB, 1928 views)
File Type: jpg TF-3.jpg (137.0 KB, 1921 views)
File Type: jpg TF-4.jpg (136.2 KB, 1921 views)
File Type: jpg NATO-1.jpg (190.9 KB, 1917 views)
File Type: jpg NATO-2.jpg (131.6 KB, 1909 views)
File Type: jpg NATO-3.jpg (222.3 KB, 1921 views)
File Type: jpg NATO-4.jpg (135.7 KB, 1914 views)
File Type: jpg SP-1.jpg (138.8 KB, 1915 views)
File Type: jpg SP-2.jpg (97.1 KB, 1899 views)
File Type: jpg SP-3.jpg (150.4 KB, 1900 views)
File Type: jpg SP-4.jpg (127.9 KB, 1899 views)
File Type: jpg SH-1.jpg (130.6 KB, 1896 views)
File Type: jpg SH-2.jpg (172.6 KB, 1903 views)
File Type: jpg SH-3.jpg (121.7 KB, 1897 views)
File Type: jpg SH-4.jpg (121.0 KB, 1902 views)
File Type: jpg SH-5.jpg (186.5 KB, 1913 views)
File Type: jpg SH-6.jpg (132.3 KB, 1908 views)
prlwatch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 June 2019, 10:38 AM   #2
judson
"TRF" Member
 
judson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: USA
Watch: changes depending
Posts: 800
Number 1 looks awesome, I agree that number 2 needs a different clasp but also looks good.
judson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 June 2019, 10:51 AM   #3
mgsooner
"TRF" Member
 
mgsooner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Real Name: Matthew
Location: Tulsa, OK, USA
Posts: 1,894
I’m curious what’s wrong with Option 7: the factory bracelet.
mgsooner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 June 2019, 02:42 PM   #4
prlwatch
"TRF" Member
 
prlwatch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: CA
Watch: 16710 BLRO w/3186
Posts: 120
Quote:
Originally Posted by mgsooner View Post
I’m curious what’s wrong with Option 7: the factory bracelet.
My wrist changes size a good bit during the day. Glidelock is nice for that. Sometimes a watch and bracelet will work for me without such adjustability, but other times not. The Tudor bracelet was often very comfortable, but not always.
prlwatch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 June 2019, 02:52 PM   #5
mgsooner
"TRF" Member
 
mgsooner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Real Name: Matthew
Location: Tulsa, OK, USA
Posts: 1,894
Quote:
Originally Posted by prlwatch View Post
My wrist changes size a good bit during the day. Glidelock is nice for that. Sometimes a watch and bracelet will work for me without such adjustability, but other times not. The Tudor bracelet was often very comfortable, but not always.
I worry about that. Unless something changes in 2020, the 58 is my next watch. It’s not glidelock but as the weather’s been heating up I’ve been using the easylink on my 214270 almost daily.
mgsooner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 June 2019, 09:21 PM   #6
1William
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: North Carolina
Watch: Rolex/Others
Posts: 44,344
Informative post. Thanks for sharing. I like the OEM bracelet the most.
1William is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 June 2019, 10:52 PM   #7
FreshPrince14
"TRF" Member
 
FreshPrince14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: TRF
Watch: 16710 & 6694
Posts: 791
Love 1-4. Although 2 does need a different clasp just because of the crown. Straight end links are very cool.

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk
FreshPrince14 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 July 2019, 08:15 AM   #8
faz
"TRF" Member
 
faz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Real Name: Faz
Location: Bay Area, CA
Watch: like'em all
Posts: 4,655
Love the pics my friend. Great options for that beauty.

(A recent BB58 thread reminded me of yours and I did a search and saw this thread.)
__________________
-Faz

Instagram @fazmoto
faz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 July 2019, 08:30 AM   #9
Rolly.BT
"TRF" Member
 
Rolly.BT's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Australia
Posts: 194
Wow option 1 would be my pick!
Rolly.BT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 December 2019, 01:56 PM   #10
axelbrass
"TRF" Member
 
axelbrass's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Toronto
Posts: 63
Wow! Like yourself, my wrist size changes during the day. Thanks for posting a way to have a non-tool adjustable BB58.
axelbrass is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 December 2019, 02:01 PM   #11
twowheels
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: portland, OR
Posts: 42
I miss my bb 58. The lack of bracelet adjustability got to me. The factory fabric strap is very nice but expensive. The president looks too big. The bb 58 is a nice compact size.
twowheels is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 December 2019, 03:47 PM   #12
ganiccus
Banned
 
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: QC, CA
Watch: Exp II
Posts: 457
Option 1 fit is definitely surprising, otherwise the Tudor fabric NATO strap is the second best option
ganiccus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 December 2019, 03:39 PM   #13
axelbrass
"TRF" Member
 
axelbrass's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Toronto
Posts: 63
prlwatch, I just tried measuring my EasyLink and it looks like it might fit the Black Bay 58 bracelet. Have you tried that as an option?
axelbrass is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 December 2019, 04:22 PM   #14
Rori
"TRF" Member
 
Rori's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Middle East
Watch: Rolex / Tudor
Posts: 3,588
Same here, number 1 is amazing. Never thought it can fit that perfect.

Quote:
Originally Posted by judson View Post
Number 1 looks awesome, I agree that number 2 needs a different clasp but also looks good.
__________________
Good watches are made to tell time but some brands are obsessed to tell it in the most beautiful way possible.
Rori is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 December 2019, 05:22 PM   #15
d8mok
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: UK
Posts: 67
I purchased a BB58 in November and completely agree regarding the original bracelet needing some on the go adjustment. It’s sometimes ok , but as soon as I get a bit warm it’s too tight.

I’ve put it on a nice brown leather strap for winter and will swap back in March /April and see if it’s any better by adding a link.

It would be nice if it came with a sub type clasp

If they release a BB58 GMT with Pepsi colours and a glidelock I’m literally running to the local AD.
d8mok is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 December 2019, 06:44 AM   #16
prlwatch
"TRF" Member
 
prlwatch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: CA
Watch: 16710 BLRO w/3186
Posts: 120
Quote:
Originally Posted by axelbrass View Post
prlwatch, I just tried measuring my EasyLink and it looks like it might fit the Black Bay 58 bracelet. Have you tried that as an option?
No, as I don't have any clasps with easylink. However, easylink overall width and center width are same as a normal link, right?

I'd have to check again, but I went the 93150 route instead of just fitting glidelock clasp and a couple of Rolex links to remaining Tudor bracelet because it would have required some modification. E.g., maybe filing some width off of Rolex center link, but not sure I'm remembering that correctly.
prlwatch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 December 2019, 04:28 PM   #17
axelbrass
"TRF" Member
 
axelbrass's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Toronto
Posts: 63
Quote:
Originally Posted by prlwatch View Post
No, as I don't have any clasps with easylink. However, easylink overall width and center width are same as a normal link, right?

I'd have to check again, but I went the 93150 route instead of just fitting glidelock clasp and a couple of Rolex links to remaining Tudor bracelet because it would have required some modification. E.g., maybe filing some width off of Rolex center link, but not sure I'm remembering that correctly.
Thanks prlwatch, Regarding the measurements, once my digital caliper comes from amazon I'll post the measurements.

Right now I'm sourcing parts and going to try making the EasyLink work. Failing that, Glidelock and I'll try filing some Rolex center links (if I can source) and failing that go with your build.

... and yes I'm obsessed now with making all my bracelets adjustable on the fly .
axelbrass is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29 March 2020, 11:06 AM   #18
SconnieBT
"TRF" Member
 
SconnieBT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Watch: Omega 2504.52
Posts: 114
Reviving this thread for a moment.... I'm in a similar boat. Bought a 58 last summer, love the bracelet but a little bit of on the go adjustment would be helpful, especially in the summer.
i just ordered a knockoff easy link via ebay. it will come in the mail shortly. I have a 58 and an 16570 explorer 2 that i'd like to make an EZ link solution work for... I'm pretty confident that i'll be able to make it work for one, but not the other.
I have seen one guy use a genuine Rolex EZ link on the 58, but it looked like he had to file down the inside of the rolex ez link to make it fit. The center link on the 58 is wider than the rolex center link.
I love how your option 1 looks, but for the cost it would take to make that happen? there's gotta be a better way. Also, if I'm looking correctly, on your option 1 pic, you can see how the the center link of the rolex bracelet is slightly smaller than the endlink space on the 58 endlinks.
Love to hear if any people have thought of any other options for the 58!
SconnieBT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 April 2020, 04:19 AM   #19
pakoriv
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Mexico
Posts: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by SconnieBT View Post
Reviving this thread for a moment.... I'm in a similar boat. Bought a 58 last summer, love the bracelet but a little bit of on the go adjustment would be helpful, especially in the summer.
i just ordered a knockoff easy link via ebay. it will come in the mail shortly. I have a 58 and an 16570 explorer 2 that i'd like to make an EZ link solution work for... I'm pretty confident that i'll be able to make it work for one, but not the other.
I have seen one guy use a genuine Rolex EZ link on the 58, but it looked like he had to file down the inside of the rolex ez link to make it fit. The center link on the 58 is wider than the rolex center link.
I love how your option 1 looks, but for the cost it would take to make that happen? there's gotta be a better way. Also, if I'm looking correctly, on your option 1 pic, you can see how the the center link of the rolex bracelet is slightly smaller than the endlink space on the 58 endlinks.
Love to hear if any people have thought of any other options for the 58!

I want to get a BB58 and was curious about fitting an ez link to the bracelet, and saw someone selling one (WUS forum username: Evinsky) with an ez link so I wrote him about it and this is what he answered:

"Well, getting a hold of an ezlink in the first place is going to be challenging. Rolex ADs will only order one for you if you own a Rolex that comes with one. I lost the one to my Batman GMT so I ordered a replacement. Then I actually found it so I had the spare. 2nd the width of the Tudor link is too large so you have to very carefully hone the sides down. I use some very fine 2000 grit knife sharpening stones. Lastly you need to drill out the hole in the link to fit the larger springbar of the EZLink. I used a series of small incriment wire gauge drill bits with cutting oil. It’s really only something you should try if you have some mechanical expertiese or jewling experience."

I hope this help.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Webp.net-resizeimage.jpg (52.0 KB, 1003 views)
pakoriv is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 May 2020, 10:12 AM   #20
axelbrass
"TRF" Member
 
axelbrass's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Toronto
Posts: 63
Thanks pakoriv for sharing the useful details from Evinsky's sale posting of the BB58 with the Easylink!

So I bought a used 77200 Explorer I bracelet and it arrived today.

Step 1 Fit EasyLink on BB58 Clasp - It fit without any issue . Below are the pictures.

I can't do the next steps because I don't have a fitting screwdriver. Once COVID-19 is done I'm taking it to a nearby Watch Maker.

But I did some review on the next step,

Step 2 Filing Tudor Link Gap - Hopefully, I don't need to do any filing. When measuring (per pictures below), it looks like it should be a perfect case in my case.

Step 3 Enlarge the Tudor Hole for EasyLink Springbar - I'll call ahead to the Watch Maker to make sure he can do this.

Proof it fits!
BB58 Easylink Clasp 1 of 2.jpg
BB58 Easylink Clasp 2 of 2.jpg

Measurements seem to match, but I will let everyone know once I take it to the Watch Maker.

BB58 Bracelet,
BB58 Measure for Easylink 1 of 2.jpg

77200 Bracelet,
BB58 Measure for Easylink 2 of 2.jpg
axelbrass is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 May 2020, 12:44 PM   #21
axelbrass
"TRF" Member
 
axelbrass's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Toronto
Posts: 63
I went ahead and got myself a watch kit to take apart my BB58 and Rolex Easylink links to do a dry fit.

And, nope the parts won't fit out of the box. The need work per Evinsky's points.

I'm outlining the steps here,

http://www.bonsaiframework.com/wiki/...Rolex+Easylink

But short of it:

File the BB58 Links,
BB58 Link to 77200 Link.jpg

Enlarge the BB58 hole,
Easylink Pin on BB58 Bracelet.jpeg
axelbrass is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 July 2020, 01:22 PM   #22
axelbrass
"TRF" Member
 
axelbrass's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Toronto
Posts: 63
Hi Folks, I just got my Rolex EasyLink fitted on to my BB58 and it works great!

It was a bit of work with some investments in tools, but very much worth it.

Finally, I can now enjoy my steel bracelet all summer! I'll post some pictures over the weekend.
axelbrass is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 August 2020, 01:15 AM   #23
jagoldstein10
"TRF" Member
 
jagoldstein10's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: USA
Posts: 15
Does anyone know if you can fit a full 77200 bracelet from a 39mm Explorer i on a bb58?
jagoldstein10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 August 2020, 02:54 AM   #24
Dr. Robert
"TRF" Member
 
Dr. Robert's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Real Name: Bob
Location: U.S.A.
Watch: 1655
Posts: 61,028
How about the rubber tropic strap made by the company that does the isofrane rubber strap?
It has that vintage look.
__________________
Founder & Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons
Dr. Robert is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 August 2020, 08:43 AM   #25
Polarexplorerii
"TRF" Member
 
Polarexplorerii's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: SA,TX
Watch: 16570,BLNR,116610
Posts: 2,160
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1William View Post
Informative post. Thanks for sharing. I like the OEM bracelet the most.
+1
Polarexplorerii is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 November 2020, 07:33 AM   #26
gregory_b
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Bali
Posts: 31
Pics and review of Black Bay 58 bracelet and strap options

How weird. I don’t seem to be able to view the images. Is there an additional permission setting I’m missing?

Edit :: posted a comment and now I can see. Must have been a Tapatalk issue, not recognising my log in. Carry on
gregory_b is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 November 2020, 02:04 PM   #27
axelbrass
"TRF" Member
 
axelbrass's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Toronto
Posts: 63
Thanks everyone here for the inspiration. I’ve documented the process fitting the Rolex EasyLink to the Black Bay 58 here,

https://axelbrass.com/bb58-black-bay...olex-easylink/

Feedback welcome as I’m still updating it.

And here's an animated image to show the shrinking and growing of the bracelet in action,

axelbrass is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 November 2020, 04:13 PM   #28
SkyJuice
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Land of OZ
Posts: 1,411
I am wondering if Ginault ocean rover bracelet can fit.
SkyJuice is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 November 2020, 05:49 PM   #29
Reinhard in SA
"TRF" Member
 
Reinhard in SA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: South Africa
Posts: 790
Strapcode does a bracelet specifically for the BB58. Must say, it looks good. Personally, I don't mind the rivets.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg strapcode.jpg (153.2 KB, 384 views)
Reinhard in SA is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.