Bracelet links on Explorer 114270

[Kowlick]

Hi all, I’ve been to several ADs and haven’t found an answer to this question. Hoping someone here might have an answer. I have an Explorer 114270 that “rides high” towards the 12 o’clock side — not really centered on the wrist.



There are five bracelet links on the 6 o’clock side and seven on the 12 o’clock side and yet the clasp still isn’t centered — it’s jammed to one side — which causes the watch to tend to not be centered.





I’d like to move one link from 6 o’clock to 12 o’clock but It looks like five links is the minimum I can have (on either side) using a screwdriver to adjust.



1) Is this normal for a 2002 Explorer? I have a SubC and BLNR that can adjust down to four links on the 6 o’clock side. They sit much more naturally on the wrist.
2) Is there a way to remove a permanent link?


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[R!$]

1. very normal and usually overlooked
2. I wouldnt go down that road if I were you...

[Seibei]

Strange. You can have 4 links on the 6 o'clock side on a Submariner. With your watch it looks like you are stuck with 5.

[leetse2]

This might be helpful.

https://www.minus4plus6.com/bracelet.php

[watchwatcher]

And therein lies one of the issues with 5 digit vs. 6 digit bracelets, IMO.

To answer your questions, yes, it is normal (unfortunately).

And yes, you can remove the permanent link. It's actually a DIY job, or if you have a competent watchmaker, you can have him do it for you. Good luck,

[Kowlick]

Thanks everyone for your replies. Leetse2, that is a really great link. It describes exactly the issue I’m running into. Would rather not DIY this. Going to see if I can find an AD that knows how to remove the permanent link.


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[importstunna]

1 - yes, it's normal. I have the same issue as you on the same watch.
2 - yes there is. RSC actually told me they could do it but advised against it.

All of my 5 digit pieces sit like this, so I've just gotten used to it. Figured it's better than removing a permanent link if I ever wanted to sell them.

[Beckster]

It’s normal. Go and remove a permanent link from the 6 o’clock side and you won’t regret it!

[bob78h]

From your shots it doesn't look too off center to me. I think if you moved one link over you might find the 6:00 side too short.

You can remove a permanent link but the link gets destroyed in the process. If you can live with how it is currently I would recommend against having that done. You also won't have a smooth taper to the clasp, since the first 4 links taper.

I used to own a 114270 (wish I had held on to it), and had a permanent link removed to get 4 links on the 6:00 side. However I have really small wrists, so the clasp was literally hanging off my wrist before, and even with a link removed it was still off center (I have 3.5 links on that side on the 6 digit models).

Another possibility which I've heard of but haven't tried, is to see if you can find a watchmaker who can take out the link attached to the clasp and put in a new rivet. That way you could always go back if you want to sell the watch or don't like the fit.

[wardman]

Another reason the glidelock is the best ever..... But that is a different convo. I Googled and bought a 1/2 link for my GMT. Problem solved. They are out there and mine was 35 USD. Maybe an option for you.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Kowlick

Thanks everyone for your replies. Leetse2, that is a really great link. It describes exactly the issue I’m running into. Would rather not DIY this. Going to see if I can find an AD that knows how to remove the permanent link.

Removing a permanent link is common and a time honored way to shorten a bracelet half. So common, in fact, that this is the reason the latest bracelets have a sharper taper and can be shortened to 4 links.

A good craftsman can actually grind the side taper of your older bracelet with a link removed, to the exact same profile of the new 4 link halves. Usually the slight mis-match is not noticeable though and so this is seldom done - but some of us are perfectionists.