A diver’s extension is a folding clasp with an extra adjustment mechanism built in underneath. It is made for professional dive watches. It lets the bracelet be lengthened easily, so the watch fits over a wetsuit.
How does a diver’s extension work?
From the outside, a diver’s extension looks like an ordinary folding clasp. The only difference sits underneath, where an extra adjustment mechanism is built in. On some designs, tooth-shaped notches hold the bracelet at the chosen length. The same notches also keep the bracelet secure on the wrist. Orient describes the extender as used mostly on diver’s watches. Its purpose is practical: the band can be made longer when a wetsuit goes on, then shorter again afterwards.
What are Rolex Glidelock and Fliplock?
Rolex has its own answers to the same problem. The Glidelock does the job of a diver’s clasp, but it works a little differently, and Rolex holds a patent on it. It lengthens the bracelet by up to 20 mm, in 2 mm steps. The Fliplock is a separate extension. It adds a further 26 mm to the Oyster bracelet, so the watch fits over thick diving suits.
Which watches have a diver’s extension?
Diver’s extensions appear on watches built for professional diving. One example is the Citizen Promaster ref. NY0125-83E. At Rolex, the Deepsea shows what the extra length is for. Its Fliplock adds 26 mm, enough for the watch to be worn over a 7 mm wetsuit. That is the whole point of the part: a bracelet that fits the bare wrist must also grow to fit over a suit.
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