When did Rolex Introduce Easylink
Rolex is a company that is responsible for tons of innovations and inventions. It is a company that does things a lot differently than most of its competitors. And as such, when something that isn’t the way Rolex wants, or when something they want doesn’t exist, they simply invent it. As a matter of fact, Rolex has more than 500 patents to its name.
Rolex has a whole department that works with research and development and as such, the company has come up with some really clever and smart inventions, solutions, and materials over the years. In this article, we are looking closer at one of them, namely the Rolex Easylink.
But before we dig into the main question of this article, let’s first understand what it is.
What is Rolex Easylink?
Shortly summarized, the Easylink is a clasp function of certain Rolex bracelets that allows the wearer to adjust the size of the bracelet without the use of any tools by 5mm.
Getting the perfect size of a bracelet for your wrist can be difficult. But if you have found the perfect size, there’s another challenge, which is the fact that the wrist expands or contracts depending on the climate and temperature. With that said, your watch may sit perfectly on your wrist in a normal climate, but then sits too tightly when you go out in the heat.
Naturally, as the wrist can expand and contract very rapidly, you don’t want to, not have the possibility to go around with tools all the time to adjust the size of the bracelet. The solution needed to be quick, effortless, and not require any tools.
Rolex’s solution to this issue was the Easylink – a solution that allows you to adjust the size of the bracelet by 5mm without the use of any tools within a matter of seconds.
“Rolex watch bracelets are designed to offer the wearer maximum comfort while embodying elegance, one of the brand’s core values. Rolex has, therefore, developed and patented ingenious extension systems, simple and functional, for the bracelets in its Oyster collection. These innovations, which do not require the use of any tools, make the watch a pleasure to wear under any conditions.”
-Rolex
When did Rolex introduce Easylink?
The complete name by Rolex for this solution is “Easylink rapid extension system”, but it is most often just referred to as “Easylink”.
Rolex patented the Easylink system in 1996. The system is highly functional and practical but appears very simple. The Easylink system is discreetly hidden beneath the clasp and if you don’t know of its existence, you may never notice that it’s there. The Easylink system consists of a link that is effortlessly pulled out or folded back on itself, as demonstrated in the video below:
Do all Rolex watches have the Easylink?
No, not all Rolex watches have the Easylink system. However, Rolex has consistently, over the years, implemented it into more and more models that do not have any other quick adjustment bracelet system. For, example, the Oyster Perpetual collection received the Easylink in 2020 when Rolex revised the whole collection. Previously, the only way to micro-adjust the size of the bracelet was by moving the position of the clasp – for which you needed tools.
With that said, whilst the Easlylink system was patented in 1996, it has taken Rolex more than two decades to implement it into all the models that Rolex deems necessary to have it. The introduction has come gradually and for different models. For example, the Datejust 36 116234 had the Easylink for the Oyster bracelet version, but not for the Jubilee version. When Rolex later introduced the new-generation Datejust 36 reference 126234, both the Oyster and Jubilee versions came with the Easylink extension system.
Now, we say not all Rolex watches have the Easylink system because some watches have other adjustment solutions that are more appropriate for their purpose. The Submariner, for example, has the Glidelock system as it is a dive watch. This is more appropriate as the Glidelock allows for adjustment of up to 20mm.
The Deepsea Sea-Dweller has an Oysterlock clasp which allows for even greater adjustment, and some models come with leather straps.
Can you buy Easylink and add it to models that don’t have it?
Yes, in some cases, it is possible to modify your watch and add the Easylink extension system. If you have an older watch that didn’t come with the Easylink extension system, it may be possible to add one. The Oyster Perpetual 39mm, for example, does not have the Easylink, but some owners have modified it with an Easylink extension system.
If it is in fact possible to add it to your model, it is an easy modification that only requires you to remove a link and attach it to the bracelet. The challenge, however, is sourcing one. Some ADs may be willing to order one for you and assist with this. But some may say no because it is technically a “modification” to the watch as it didn’t leave the factory that way. And as you may be aware, Rolex does not support modifications to their watches, even though it is an original part.
The Rolex Easylink for 20mm bracelets has the part number B32-20193-D1
The Rolex Easylink for 31mm bracelets has the part number 32-33733 QUICK EXTENSION LINK 72DB00 13 ST
