SD43 126600 - extending link removal?

[greentimgreen]

Quite out of the blue I found myself securing a SD43, to be collected tomorrow if all goes to plan. It’s an amazing watch and I’m really quite excited...

...doing some research I see that some people remove the extender link during sizing. I usually remove 2 links from a Submariner (for example) and I think that’s about the same size as the extending link. I’ll never wear the watch over a wet suit (sacrilegious I know!) so wondering if the done thing is to remove the extender rather than two normal links. Would the watch feel more ‘solid’ as a result?

Anybody with experience or an opinion to share would be gratefully received!


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[samson66]

Absolutely positively remove the divers extension. Then size the watch after.

What size wrist are you?

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[greentimgreen]

Excellent! I’m glad I asked!

From memory my wrist is something like 16cms, though I’ve recently acquired a new dad-bod and so that might have increased marginally...


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[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by greentimgreen

Excellent! I’m glad I asked!

From memory my wrist is something like 16cms, though I’ve recently acquired a new dad-bod and so that might have increased marginally...

Your measurement is academic, since what really matters is how the watch fits. That said, I've got about a 16.5cm wrist (about 6.5 inches) and removed 3.5 links from my SubC to size it properly. I've got to think you've got a larger wrist than 16cm if you only have to take out two links. I'd hazard a guess you're closer to 17 to 17.5 cm, which would be a good thing in light of how chunky the SD43 is.

But like I said, it's academic. Take the extension link out, then see where you go from there. As always, remember to keep the clasp centered opposite the case. (Believe it or not, some watchmakers need to be reminded of this.)

[JAFO1]

In hind sight, I wish I would have removed the divers extension. The nice thing is, you can make micro adjustments with the clasp. Enjoy the watch! It really is a stunning piece.

[ZOOK]

I've read posts on here saying that the ADs refuse to remove the dive extension per Rolex instruction. So you might have to size the bracelet yourself.

[Dr. Prunesquallor]

Yes, get rid of it. My AD questioned being able to do it until he talked to the actual jeweler. It’s the same as a link.


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[Dr. Prunesquallor]

Oh, and congrats on the acquisition! What an awesome watch.


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[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by ZOOK

I've read posts on here saying that the ADs refuse to remove the dive extension per Rolex instruction. So you might have to size the bracelet yourself.

That's the first I've heard of this. I have read warnings that Rolex will not sell replacement extension links separately from the bracelet, so ADs urge you not to lose it, but those admonishments came on the heels of them removing it. Unless Rolex has actually issued new instructions since those reports, then it might be down to what individual ADs are willing to do. In the alternative, you can always go to a non-AD watchmaker and pay to have it removed, if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.

[mbdurham]

Congrats! Nice pickup! I love mine. My wrist is 7.5 and I removed 1 link and the divers extension and its fits perfectly with the small adjustments on the clasp. if that helps you.

[sirC]

Why remove it?
Mine wears fine with it

[samson66]

Originally Posted by greentimgreen

Excellent! I’m glad I asked!

From memory my wrist is something like 16cms, though I’ve recently acquired a new dad-bod and so that might have increased marginally...


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My reason for asking wasn't to determine that the watch is too big or too small or anything like that, I was going to give you and idea on how to set it up. Took me a few tries to get it right.

My wrist is about 7.25". I have six links at 12 o'clock and four and a half at six o'clock. Works perfect for me. Remember to size the six o'clock side to your wrist. The other side is almost immaterial due to the glide lock.

Like I said, took me a few tries to figure that out. First watch I've owned with a glide lock clasp.

Good luck, the watch is a true stunner. Greatest diver out there IMO

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by sirC

Why remove it?
Mine wears fine with it

It does effectively extend the length of the already-long clasp. Whether or not this affects wearability likely comes down to individual preference.

[spurwar]

I was able to get the link removed at the AD without question. My wrist is 17cm and I think they took out a couple of additional links as well. As the previous post mentions, definitely size to the six o'clock side. I have 6 links at twelve o'clock and 3.5 links at six o'clock and it fits perfectly.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by greentimgreen

Excellent! I’m glad I asked!

From memory my wrist is something like 16cms, though I’ve recently acquired a new dad-bod and so that might have increased marginally...


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Try five links at 12 o'clock and four links at 6 o'clock. Depending on how that works you can add the half link on either side as needed.

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[greentimgreen]

Originally Posted by samson66

Try five links at 12 o'clock and four links at 6 o'clock. Depending on how that works you can add the half link on either side as needed.

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[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by ZOOK

I've read posts on here saying that the ADs refuse to remove the dive extension per Rolex instruction. So you might have to size the bracelet yourself.

I don’t know if it’s a Rolex edict but when I picked mine up last month I faced this. My AD, who is normally very obliging, baulked when I asked her to remove the diver’s extension. She was a bit vague, saying it was a better to leave it on and she wasn’t really making sense, but I wasn’t going to have a row about it so she removed 1 link from 6 o’clock and two from 12 o’clock for my 6.5” wrist.

Unlike others, I didn’t find any discomfort with the extension in-situ, but what I couldn’t get past was how ugly it looks sticking out one end of the already enormous clasp.

So I removed it a couple of days ago and replaced it with the two links previously removed from 12 o’clock. Looks much better now and is a dead easy DIY with the correct screwdriver and a hair-dryer.

[greentimgreen]

So interesting experience with the AD today, and I thought it was worth following up here. The AD was very reluctant to remove the divers extension. I repeatedly stated this as my preference and they repeatedly rebutted.

I’ve left with the watch on my wrist, and with two and half links removed, the divers extension in place, it’s a very comfortable watch. Heavier than my 114060, as expected, but still eminently wearable.

Overall I’m very pleased with my acquisition. I figure i can remove the extension if I need to in the future. It’s a gorgeous piece - the red text has more impact than I expected it would, and I don’t mind the cyclops at all!




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[brandrea]

Congratulations, it looks perfect on your wrist

Many of us have removed the diver link and find it to wear even more comfortable. YMMV

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by greentimgreen

So interesting experience with the AD today, and I thought it was worth following up here. The AD was very reluctant to remove the divers extension. I repeatedly stated this as my preference and they repeatedly rebutted.

I’ve left with the watch on my wrist, and with two and half links removed, the divers extension in place, it’s a very comfortable watch. Heavier than my 114060, as expected, but still eminently wearable.

Congrats on the pickup; it looks great. Regarding the extension removal, I'm continually surprised at how Rolex and its ADs fail on basic matters of customer service. In what universe does it make any difference to them how a customer chooses to wear his watch? I suppose they might be afraid you'll sell the extension link, but that hardly seems a reason to refuse your request, since you obviously can just remove it yourself. At any rate, I hope you get it sorted out to your satisfaction, whether that means removing it on your own, or enjoying it as is.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by greentimgreen

So interesting experience with the AD today, and I thought it was worth following up here. The AD was very reluctant to remove the divers extension. I repeatedly stated this as my preference and they repeatedly rebutted.

I’ve left with the watch on my wrist, and with two and half links removed, the divers extension in place, it’s a very comfortable watch. Heavier than my 114060, as expected, but still eminently wearable.

Overall I’m very pleased with my acquisition. I figure i can remove the extension if I need to in the future. It’s a gorgeous piece - the red text has more impact than I expected it would, and I don’t mind the cyclops at all!

First of all the watch looks terrific - congratulations!

The business with removing the extension. The AD's balking at doing this seems to becoming more and more common. I don't know what the reason is. I will say that when my AD removed mine, it took them a really long time. I was in the store for a good 45 min getting it sized. He really struggled getting it off, but after he did he actually thanked me and said it was a really good experience for him and now he would know how to do it in the future.

So I don't know what the issue is that makes it difficult to remove but I am thinking the AD's know that it's not a piece of cake and are coming up with excuses not to have to do it.

I assure you that unless you plan to wear it with a wetsuit, you will be better off in the long run if you remove it. It will wear more comfortably and will be a little lighter as well. Just take it to another AD in the future and have them do it.

As for the cyclops, my eyes are thankful for it every single time I wear it

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by greentimgreen

Quite out of the blue I found myself securing a SD43, to be collected tomorrow if all goes to plan. It’s an amazing watch and I’m really quite excited...

...doing some research I see that some people remove the extender link during sizing. I usually remove 2 links from a Submariner (for example) and I think that’s about the same size as the extending link. I’ll never wear the watch over a wet suit (sacrilegious I know!) so wondering if the done thing is to remove the extender rather than two normal links. Would the watch feel more ‘solid’ as a result?

Anybody with experience or an opinion to share would be gratefully received!


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Some RSC (canada for sure) won't warranty the integrity of the bracelet if you "modify" an essential component. That means removing the divers extension. You have to sign a waver and everything... but they will remove it.

Logically you could imply if you did it yourself and the bracelet fell off for some reason and you tried to claim the failure as a warranty fix they could deny it.

[greentimgreen]

Thanks for the warm comments guys. It’s been a good day!

I think any argument ADs might have to keep the link on are logically flawed, and I’m sure i’ll remove it myself soon enough, but for now I’ll enjoy wearing my ‘hefty sub’ as she is!


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[crazycarlitos]

Congrats and it looks terrific!

Diver extension extends too far out.
Removing it will make it more comfy and it will look better imo.
It’s a simple diy, if the ad won’t do it.

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

Some RSC (canada for sure) won't warranty the integrity of the bracelet if you "modify" an essential component. That means removing the divers extension. You have to sign a waver and everything... but they will remove it.

Logically you could imply if you did it yourself and the bracelet fell off for some reason and you tried to claim the failure as a warranty fix they could deny it.

I can see the refusal to cover damages if one removes the extension on one's own, but seeing as how ADs' watchmakers size bracelets every day by removing links, I cannot see how removal of the extension alters the "integrity" of the bracelet in any additional way. I'm not doubting your account; I just find the whole process unseemly, and rather silly. One of these days, Rolex will bottle its own farts and try to sell them with the belief they smell like roses.

[Wristwatcherboy]

When I bought my SD43 I requested the extension be removed. The AD hadn’t done it before on an SD43, but took one close look at it and said yep that’s absolutely fine- it’s your watch! He came back about 5 mins later and said it was easy- exactly the same as removing a standard link.

Frankly I don’t need it, will never go diving with the watch, I have never worn a wetsuit and don’t intend to and I don’t like how it sticks out from the clasp slightly. Very comfy without.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

I can see the refusal to cover damages if one removes the extension on one's own, but seeing as how ADs' watchmakers size bracelets every day by removing links, I cannot see how removal of the extension alters the "integrity" of the bracelet in any additional way. I'm not doubting your account; I just find the whole process unseemly, and rather silly. One of these days, Rolex will bottle its own farts and try to sell them with the belief they smell like roses.

it's absurd. Tom (TNG11) had this issue at RSC canada when he had a SD43.

A link or an extension are pretty much the same thing. They just like to be difficult i think

[abozz]

I leave my diver extension on, why? BECAUSE IS COOL!!! .
For me is a integral part of the SeaDweller and a beautiful piece.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

It does effectively extend the length of the already-long clasp. Whether or not this affects wearability likely comes down to individual preference.

Would agree....seems to sit better with extension out but personal preference.

[xbox]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

It does effectively extend the length of the already-long clasp. Whether or not this affects wearability likely comes down to individual preference.

Wears different, because you're losing the articulation that would occur between two normal links.

On my first DeepSea, I found that leverage caused by the Divers link could actually loosen the clasp open a little.

Probably my wrist profile and as you say, individual preference.