Results from adding a half-link to my Explorer 1

[Daily Driver]

For the last 2 years I have been trying to find the perfect fit for my Explorer 1. My wrist is just at the point where it was too loose when I kept the original full set of links and had the micro adjustment moved to the 'shortest' notch. I tried removing a link from the 6 o'clock side and moving the micro adjustment to its 'longest' notch. It was a better fit with one link removed. However, the watch face was slightly rotated away from me and not in the optimal place on my wrist. Additionally, the link under the clasp closest to the 12 o'clock side was cantilevered in an uncomfortable way.

The solution was a half-link. This does not change the overall length of the bracelet when you use the micro adjustments (at least not when I measure it), but it repositions the watch face, and gets rid of the cantilever problem.

The Explorer does not come with a half-link, but the Sub half link DOES. The Sub half link fits and matches perfectly.

I am now totally satisfied with the fit, and use the easy-link as it was intended.

Your results may vary!

[watchwatcher]

Great! Let's see some pics.

[brandrea]

Well done

I did the same recently with my DBlue. I think the half link should be standard on all models

[RoleyPolly]

Pics or it didn't happen!

[Russell44]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Well done

I did the same recently with my DBlue. I think the half link should be standard on all models

Strange that they don't, I just picked up a Citizen eco drive as a beater and it has a half link each side of the clasp.

[henrylee]

The half link from the sub is wonderful!

[bbressler]

Glad it worked for you! Had to do the same with my GMT

[weeone]

Do you mind if I ask a question here? It's related to bracelet fitment.





With the length of the clasp underneath, the bracelet is pulled slightly. Would a half link solve this or should I just leave well enough alone?

[cmajpwc]

I'd like to see pictures. I was thinking of doing something similar.

[Kosgad]

Originally Posted by Daily Driver

For the last 2 years I have been trying to find the perfect fit for my Explorer 1. My wrist is just at the point where it was too loose when I kept the original full set of links and had the micro adjustment moved to the 'shortest' notch. I tried removing a link from the 6 o'clock side and moving the micro adjustment to its 'longest' notch. It was a better fit with one link removed. However, the watch face was slightly rotated away from me and not in the optimal place on my wrist. Additionally, the link under the clasp closest to the 12 o'clock side was cantilevered in an uncomfortable way.

The solution was a half-link. This does not change the overall length of the bracelet when you use the micro adjustments (at least not when I measure it), but it repositions the watch face, and gets rid of the cantilever problem.

The Explorer does not come with a half-link, but the Sub half link DOES. The Sub half link fits and matches perfectly.

I am now totally satisfied with the fit, and use the easy-link as it was intended.

Your results may vary!

Pl share the pictures with us. I am struggling to find a good fit with my explorer 2 and could try this option. Tx

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Adamk]

Glad everything turned out well

[Daily Driver]

Here are a couple of pictures of the way the watch sits on my wrist, and the matching of the half link. I did not take any 'before' pictures for comparison.


[attach]IMG_0971.jpg

IMG_0961.jpg[/attach]

[Daily Driver]

WeeOne, from the looks of your picture, a half link would probably make the cantilevering worse.

[weeone]

Originally Posted by Daily Driver

WeeOne, from the looks of your picture, a half link would probably make the cantilevering worse.

It looks like our clasps sit very similarly around the wrist. Good to know I'm at least not alone.

[Kosgad]

Originally Posted by Daily Driver

Here are a couple of pictures of the way the watch sits on my wrist, and the matching of the half link. I did not take any 'before' pictures for comparison.


[attach]Attachment 808076

Attachment 808077[/attach]

That looks great. Would you mind me asking g how much you spent for the half link? Who sourced it for you.
Thanks.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Jack T]

I applaud your resourcefulness, now you can really enjoy a truly great watch. Go!

[cornerstore]

Originally Posted by Daily Driver

For the last 2 years I have been trying to find the perfect fit for my Explorer 1. My wrist is just at the point where it was too loose when I kept the original full set of links and had the micro adjustment moved to the 'shortest' notch. I tried removing a link from the 6 o'clock side and moving the micro adjustment to its 'longest' notch. It was a better fit with one link removed. However, the watch face was slightly rotated away from me and not in the optimal place on my wrist. Additionally, the link under the clasp closest to the 12 o'clock side was cantilevered in an uncomfortable way.

The solution was a half-link. This does not change the overall length of the bracelet when you use the micro adjustments (at least not when I measure it), but it repositions the watch face, and gets rid of the cantilever problem.

The Explorer does not come with a half-link, but the Sub half link DOES. The Sub half link fits and matches perfectly.

I am now totally satisfied with the fit, and use the easy-link as it was intended.

Your results may vary!

Same results here. Have them on my Exp l and Daytona's. Been wearing Explorer for ten days now in the heat and haven't taken it off.

[Daily Driver]

Originally Posted by Kosgad

That looks great. Would you mind me asking g how much you spent for the half link? Who sourced it for you.
Thanks

Sorry to be so long in reply.

As I recall, I paid about $75.00 USD. If you watch the "for sale" section, you will see them come up from people that don't need the half link that comes with the Sub. There is one for sale as I write.

I got mine from one of the major retailers in the US. Ask for the parts department!!

[Kosgad]

Originally Posted by Daily Driver

Sorry to be so long in reply.

As I recall, I paid about $75.00 USD. If you watch the "for sale" section, you will see them come up from people that don't need the half link that comes with the Sub. There is one for sale as I write.

I got mine from one of the major retailers in the US. Ask for the parts department!!

Thanks for the reply. It does not cost much👍. I may have to try half link😎

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Daily Driver]

Kosgrad, I sent you an email.
Good luck.

[Capt_Johnnie]

Many thanks for this thread. Finally I can center my Explorer clasp! And if somebody struggles to get these thru AD / RSC - one big UK based preowned watch specialist with very good service facilities provides the links thru their eBay store (preowned links, naturally).

[dubins930]

I did the same exact thing, with the same results... the fit is perfection
The downside? Rolex prices for a half link...

[Capt_Johnnie]

Hello,

After getting the half link for my Explorer and wearing it for a couple of months I still think that something is wrong with the fit.

This is my first Rolex so I seek your help what to do.

The watch tends to slip towards outside of my wrist and the clasp sticks out from the inner side then. My wrist size is 15.8cm circumference and 52mm top width, so no overhang problem here as Explorer lug-to-lug is 47.3mm.

Profile of my wrist is extremely sloping due to low fat percentage, sport background and genes.

I cannot attach picture links due to forum rules.

Watch has been adjusted 3 times since buying from AD and it has been stressful because 3 screw heads has been damaged and several scratches made to the watch. (small ones though that can be easily removed in factory service)

Should I visit RSC and ask them to reverse the clasp? And ask them to replace the damaged screws and avoid banging the watch?

I can get perfect fit with RubberB but I would like to use the bracelet as well.

[boring_sandwich]

Does anyone with a half link know if centre / middle section of the link pivots around the pin unlike the full sized link.

[shaunylw]

I had the same issue with my explorer. I started wearing it with the EZ link extended, then moved that back in, added a link and adjusted the micro adjustment to find the perfect fit. I couldn't find a half link when I was looking. Sounds like a great solution!