What's the Difference Between Rolex Glidelock and Fliplock?

.Tech.
Rolex offers a few different extension systems for their clasps, each with a different way of adding length to the bracelet. For their diver's watches, they have have a combination of systems, the Glidelock and Fliplock extension systems, that help the bracelets of their dive watches fit comfortably over a wetsuit. 

Oysterlock Clasp of the Submariner (left) and Oysterlock Clasp of Deepsea with Rack Lifted
Using a toothed panel located under the clasp cover, the Glidelock extension system allows the wearer to glide the extension to increase the length of the bracelet by 20 millimeters in increments of 2 millimeters. The Submariner, Submariner Date and Sea-Dweller 4000 all feature the Glidelock, allowing their bracelets to be fitted over a 3 millimeter thick dive suit. The Deepsea model features a full diver's extension, combining the Glidelock with a rack that lifts, as shown in the photo above, and a Fliplock extension system that increases the bracelet length by an additional 26 millimeters, allowing it to fit over a 7 millimeter thick wetsuit.

Fully Extended Bracelets of the Submariner (top) and Deepsea (bottom)
Aside from the additional length added to the bracelet of the Deepsea, illustrated in the photo above, the lifting of the Glidelock rack allows the wearer to adjust the length with the watch on the wrist. You can see the extended Fliplock link on the Deepsea bracelet extended from the clasp in the photo. The Sea-Dweller 4000 also features a Fliplock extension, but only the Deepsea comes with the lifting rack to adjust the length without removing the watch. For more information on Rolex's extension systems, check out my post here.

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Rolex Extension Systems

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Rolex currently offers three different extension systems on their wristwatches, each extending the bracelet by varying lengths, depending on the model. No tools are required to adjust the lengths using these extensions, making it easy for the wearer to adjust whenever necessary. 

photo of Rolex Glidelock Extension System
Rolex Glidelock Extension System (photo: Rolex)
The Easylink allows one to extend the bracelet by 5mm by unfolding a link tucked away under the clasp. Rolex's professional dive watches, the Submariner, Deepsea and Sea-Dweller 4000, are equipped with the Glidelock extension system.

The Glidelock extends the bracelet by 20 millimeters at 2 millimeter increments with a toothed panel under the clasp. On the Deepsea model, the rack can be lifted to adjust the length without taking off the watch. The Fliplock Extension, on the Deepsea and Sea-Dweller 4000, is a fold-out link that increases the bracelet by an additional 26mm.

Check out my Submariner Date vs Deepsea Model Comparison to see a photo of the fully extended bracelet of the Deepsea with the Fliplock extension. I also included a photo of the rack of the Deepsea lifted out of the clasp.

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