Explorer “On the Fly” Extension Link
- Worldwide Shipping & Insurance
- Bespoke to your Rolex Model
- Machined to 0.02 mm Precision
For Collectors Who Refuse to Compromise on Comfort
Steel Reef On-The-Fly Links are 100% bespoke — individually engineered for your exact Rolex model, not “one size fits most.” Select the right model from the dropdown and we guarantee an indistinguishable fit, finish, and feel. No compromise. Ever.
If you’ve ever found your Rolex perfect in the morning, too tight by the afternoon, and loose again by evening, you know wrist size changes constantly with heat, cold, and movement. Your bracelet can’t keep up — until now.
-
Instant, tool-free ±5 mm adjustment completely hidden under your clasp — you’ll never see it, and neither will anyone else, except they’ll notice your watch always sits perfectly.
-
Installs quickly with a screwdriver – fully reversible, no trace.
-
Built from the same 904L/316L stainless steel grades your Rolex uses, then machined to ±0.02 mm tolerances so it disappears into your bracelet.
This is a precision upgrade trusted by serious Rolex enthusiasts worldwide — a detail you’ll notice every time you put your watch on.
Tools Required
- Oyster bracelet: 1.6 mm flat-blade watchmaker’s screwdriver
- Jubilee bracelet: 1.4 mm flat-blade watchmaker’s screwdriver
- Push-pin or spring-bar tool
- (Optional) Purple Loctite 222 low-strength threadlocker
Installation Steps
1. Remove the clasp from the bracelet
- Use a push-pin or spring-bar tool to depress the spring bar that connects the clasp to the bracelet.
- Detach the clasp completely.
2. Remove the original connector link
- The connector link is the last link on the bracelet, attaching directly to the clasp.
- Use the correct screwdriver to remove the screw securing it to the bracelet.
- If you have a Submariner or Sea-Dweller: the OTF extension link replaces the diver’s extension on your clasp. The diver’s extension provides ~1 inch of extra length for wetsuits and is not designed for daily micro-adjustment.
3. Install the Steel Reef On The Fly Extension Link
- Position the extension link where the connector link (or diver’s extension) was removed.
- Use the provided screw to attach it to the bracelet.
- (Optional) Apply a very small drop of Loctite 222 to the screw threads before tightening.
4. Reattach the clasp
- With the extension link in the open position, slide the clasp’s connector into the extension link’s folding arms.
- Use the spring-bar tool to depress the spring bar and secure the clasp back onto the bracelet.
About Bracelet Fit
- The Steel Reef OTF link adds 5 mm of instant, on-the-go adjustment — the equivalent of a half-link.
- The original Rolex connector link is typically ~10 mm long. Our OTF link is 5 mm when closed and 10 mm when open.
This means:
- If left open, your bracelet will be the same length as before installation.
- If left closed, your bracelet will be 5 mm shorter.
To keep your original “base” fit with the OTF closed (and still have +5 mm available when opened):
- Move the bracelet attachment point along the clasp’s micro-adjustment holes to lengthen it.
- If you are already on the last micro-adjustment hole and cannot lengthen further, add an extra link (many full-set watches include a spare link).
- Steel Reef also sells half-links and full-links for all Rolex models on our website.
Submariner & Sea-Dweller owners: Since the OTF replaces the diver’s extension, you will need to experiment with micro-adjustment settings and/or links to return to your preferred base fit.
We don’t make “universal” links. Every Steel Reef component is individually designed for a specific Rolex reference and cut from the same grade of steel your watch is made from. Machined to ±0.02 mm, our links match OEM-inspired tolerances and finish so precisely that they disappear into your bracelet — the only difference is the improved comfort and balance. This level of precision takes time, expertise, and cost to achieve, which is exactly why serious collectors choose Steel Reef.
If it doesn’t look, feel, and fit like it belongs on your Rolex, send it back for a full refund.
We take pride in the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of our products, each inspired by OEM standards.
We are not affiliated, associated, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with any watch brands. Our parts are aftermarket accessories, designed with quality and precision.