Adding a half-link to my 116600 bracelet

[Nipson]

Hi Guys,

I'm currently wearing my SD4k with 4 links at 6h and 6 links at 12h (5.5 showing out of the clasp) and the shape of my wrist makes the clasp coming a bit more to the inner side of it.
I'm right in the spot where if i'm swapping a link from 12h to 6h i'd get 5 at 6h and 4.5 showing at 12h.

Is the half-link of the 116610 compatible with my bracelet? I'm thinking of adding it at 6h.
If so, anyone knowing the part number?

Cheers!

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Nipson

Hi Guys,

I'm currently wearing my SD4k with 4 links at 6h and 6 links at 12h (5.5 showing out of the clasp) and the shape of my wrist makes the clasp coming a bit more to the inner side of it.
I'm right in the spot where if i'm swapping a link from 12h to 6h i'd get 5 at 6h and 4.5 showing at 12h.

Is the half-link of the 116610 compatible with my bracelet? I'm thinking of adding it at 6h.
If so, anyone knowing the part number?

Cheers!

How do the clasp blades sit? as opposed to the clasp cover you can see?

[swissfrank]

I’ve used one on an 39 mm explorer at 6 and it made a big difference!
The numbers on the package B-32-21029-D1 and 102072495.
That was a few years ago and cost was around $60. US at a AD.
Not sure of bracelet size on SD4k but I know it fits a 39mm explorer.

[brandrea]

I believe the half link is compatible, but I do not know the part number, sorry.

[marcotagudelo]

I have read in the forums half links but went to rsc and they have links and a half at least for newer reference. Purchased one for my wifes jubilee datejust, the guy says no half links for 6 digits reference

[dardeca]

Why not just adjust the clasp position in or out 1 spot to compensate for the issue? The best thing about these modern sub/seadwellers is the significant adjustability within the clasp.

[DaveCG]

It's fully compatible and the part number you're looking for is B32-21029-D1.

I've added one to my 116600 for the exact same reasons, and it's solved the problem.

It's not "officially" approved by Rolex, so getting a dealer to actually sell me one was a pain.

[rushca01]

I put a half link on my 116600, works no issues.

[samuel019]

Cant imagine having any fit issues having a GlideLock but I've also never had any fit issues with any Rolex I've ever owned.

I'm a 5 and 5 guy with the micro adjustment set to its biggest setting. Puts the clasp dead center of my wrist but I do like mine a tad snug

OysterFlex is a whole other issue. D and F to now E and F

[Nipson]

Originally Posted by Devildog

How do the clasp blades sit? as opposed to the clasp cover you can see?

Here is what i mean.
My current 4-6 config fits my wrist but is unbalanced.
I'd like my clasp which is today more to the inner side of my wrist to be spot on the underside.
Swapping 1 link from 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock will end-up with 5 apparent links at 6h and 4.5 apparent links at 12h, which will be again unbalanced, but on the other side.

I think the only solution is the additional half-link at 6h and removing one link at 12h. That would give a 4.5-5 (4.5 apparent at 12) config

[eightball76]

I fitted one myself and it works a treat, nothing to do with the adjustment on the glide lock but more to do with the clasp position on the wrist

[darius359]

I had to remove the diver extension, as it's comparable to 1.5 links. Did the trick, then I had to move one link from the 6 o'clock side to 12 to balance out the clasp on my wrist.

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by Nipson

Here is what i mean.
My current 4-6 config fits my wrist but is unbalanced.
I'd like my clasp which is today more to the inner side of my wrist to be spot on the underside.
Swapping 1 link from 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock will end-up with 5 apparent links at 6h and 4.5 apparent links at 12h, which will be again unbalanced, but on the other side.

I think the only solution is the additional half-link at 6h and removing one link at 12h. That would give a 4.5-5 (4.5 apparent at 12) config

I know you're asking about the half link part number, but I'm not sure what you mean by "unbalanced".

The key is to ideally get the blades of the clasp (as opposed to the clasp "cover") sitting centrally on the underside of the wrist when your hand is turned palm-up and you're looking at your wrist. This naturally means that the clasp cover will sit a little closer to the inner (thumb-side) of your wrist as the blades are a little longer than the clasp cover. It's even more pronounced on the GMT as the clasp cover is shorter.

As long as the blades are central on the underside of your wrist, and the watch head is central on top of your wrist, then you're good to go. "Balancing" the number of links on each side is irrelevant as it's about comfort on the wrist.

To give an example, my wrist is much thicker on the outer (ulna) side. As a result, my GMT bracelet (which is my most extreme difference) is split 4-8 links between 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock! Blades of the clasp are perfectly centred underneath, as is the head on top, so the comfort is perfect. Yes, it looks very skewed off the wrist, but that's irrelevant when it's being worn.

[Nipson]

Originally Posted by DaveCG

It's fully compatible and the part number you're looking for is B32-21029-D1.

I've added one to my 116600 for the exact same reasons, and it's solved the problem.

It's not "officially" approved by Rolex, so getting a dealer to actually sell me one was a pain.

I can now relate.
I went to Bucherer this weekend with my watch to ask them to order a half-link, as i was able to order 2 new full links through them previously.
They told me they cannot do it. If the watch doesn't include a half-link originally they are not allowed to order one. They are basically not allowed to "create" hybrid models.
The watchmaker told me kinda off the record that if i present myself with a 116610, which does include originally a half-link, then he could order one.

[Tools]

Bracelets are not "balanced"

They almost always need fewer links on the 6 side for a best fit.

[Alex71168]

I got a half link from my AD no problem here in the uk cost was £53 same as a standard link

[xjeeunitx]

bracelet should be shorter on the 6 o'clock side. all of my watches are disproportionate when depicted on a photo like you did. but when worn, it is just right. can you show us a picture of the clasp side with the watch on the wrist?

personally, i think you are good to go.

[Nipson]

Originally Posted by DaveCG

It's fully compatible and the part number you're looking for is B32-21029-D1.

I've added one to my 116600 for the exact same reasons, and it's solved the problem.

It's not "officially" approved by Rolex, so getting a dealer to actually sell me one was a pain.

I can relate ^^
Bucherer Paris refused to sell me one, saying it is not a default part of that model and it is therefore not approved by Rolex. And if I come over with a sub, then they could sell me one. Absurd!