Modern can still wear out...

[SearChart]

Even a modern bracelet can be thrashed in a few years time if you don't take good care of it. Solid links or not, doesn't matter.

[harvey]

Bas, what would you do what that bracelet then?

[Lol-x]

Some serious pressure must have been applied to that bracelet, how was it being worn to do that, maybe way loose and stressed when bending the wrist?

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by harvey

Bas, what would you do what that bracelet then?

New bracelet
Not only is this one worn to shreds, it was also badly overpolished in the past.

Originally Posted by Lol-x

Some serious pressure must have been applied to that bracelet, how was it being worn to do that, maybe way loose and stressed when bending the wrist?

Probably a combination of never cleaning and wearing it loose. And then never taking it off either.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by SearChart

New bracelet
Not only is this one worn to shreds, it was also badly overpolished in the past.



Probably a combination of never cleaning and wearing it loose. And then never taking it off either.

And many on forum think the so called solid link bracelet is always better than the older type.When in the real world if worn on the wrist correctly, looked after with regular washing cleaning, both will last a lifetime and beyond.

[SubMarin18]

Originally Posted by padi56

And many on forum think the so called solid link bracelet is always better than the older type.When in the real world if worn on the wrist correctly, looked after with regular washing cleaning, both will last a lifetime and beyond.

Nice to “see” you Padi! Hope you’re feeling better.

[KeithP]

Originally Posted by padi56

And many on forum think the so called solid link bracelet is always better than the older type.When in the real world if worn on the wrist correctly, looked after with regular washing cleaning, both will last a lifetime and beyond.

I see so many 6 digit references on wrists in NYC. Nearly all of them worn loose like bangle bracelets

[Coolex]

This is the result of one go on the Jooltool

[dardeca]

Originally Posted by padi56

And many on forum think the so called solid link bracelet is always better than the older type.When in the real world if worn on the wrist correctly, looked after with regular washing cleaning, both will last a lifetime and beyond.

Serious question: how do you determine that it is worn on the wrist correctly? No movement/slide along the wrist?

[DoctorA]

Originally Posted by padi56

And many on forum think the so called solid link bracelet is always better than the older type.When in the real world if worn on the wrist correctly, looked after with regular washing cleaning, both will last a lifetime and beyond.

How can washing and cleaning make a difference in bracelet stretching?

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

How can washing and cleaning make a difference in bracelet stretching?

Dirt, grime, body oils=sandpaper. Sandpaper=excessive wear of the bracelet pins and the link holes they pivot in.
Why do we shower on a daily basis? Just because it is something to kill 15 minutes a day?

[herts9]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

How can washing and cleaning make a difference in bracelet stretching?

Oil, sweat and gunk can build up within the links and pins which cause excessive friction and will put more stress on the moving parts leading to more wear. A little over a long time can add up.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

How can washing and cleaning make a difference in bracelet stretching?

Dirt and other debris can make its way into the connecting joints (where the pins go) and wear down the metal over time.

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Probably a combination of never cleaning and wearing it loose. And then never taking it off either.

When you say cleaning, do you mean periodic ultrasonic or plain old soap and water? Thanks!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by masterserg

When you say cleaning, do you mean periodic ultrasonic or plain old soap and water? Thanks!

Below a picture of my late 1999 own working tool watch SD,it was used and many times abused for many years with well over 600 hours underwater as a real working tool,picture after last service many years ago.And has never has any ultrasonic cleaning by myself, only just good old soap and water and normal routine service.This working tool has seen more use that today's mainly pampered watches will see in ten lifetimes.Keep it clean wear snug fit on wrist then no matter whether old or new type will last a life time.

[SeaAndSky]

Originally Posted by padi56

Below a picture of my late 1999 own working tool watch SD,it was used and many times abused for many years with well over 600 hours underwater as a real working tool,picture after last service many years ago.And has never has any ultrasonic cleaning by myself, only just good old soap and water and normal routine service.This working tool has seen more use that today's mainly pampered watches will see in ten lifetimes.Keep it clean wear snug fit on wrist then no matter whether old or new type will last a life time.

A fine looking timepiece, PADI!

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by padi56

Below a picture of my late 1999 own working tool watch SD,it was used and many times abused for many years with well over 600 hours underwater as a real working tool,picture after last service many years ago.And has never has any ultrasonic cleaning by myself, only just good old soap and water and normal routine service.This working tool has seen more use that today's mainly pampered watches will see in ten lifetimes.Keep it clean wear snug fit on wrist then no matter whether old or new type will last a life time.

It looks good. Unfortunately i do not think that could be the case with all watches used while working and being cleaned with just soap and water. You mileage my vary.

[TheDude]

Originally Posted by padi56

Below a picture of my late 1999 own working tool watch SD,it was used and many times abused for many years with well over 600 hours underwater as a real working tool,picture after last service many years ago.And has never has any ultrasonic cleaning by myself, only just good old soap and water and normal routine service.This working tool has seen more use that today's mainly pampered watches will see in ten lifetimes.Keep it clean wear snug fit on wrist then no matter whether old or new type will last a life time.

My 16660 bracelet from 1984 is tight as a drum and I’ve only owned it from 2010. Not a hint of stretch.


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[SearChart]

Originally Posted by padi56

Below a picture of my late 1999 own working tool watch SD,it was used and many times abused for many years with well over 600 hours underwater as a real working tool,picture after last service many years ago.And has never has any ultrasonic cleaning by myself, only just good old soap and water and normal routine service.This working tool has seen more use that today's mainly pampered watches will see in ten lifetimes.Keep it clean wear snug fit on wrist then no matter whether old or new type will last a life time.

Great looking SD Peter

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by masterserg

When you say cleaning, do you mean periodic ultrasonic or plain old soap and water? Thanks!

Just keeping it clean with soap and water in the first place.

Some bracelets have so much dark gunk in between links, all skin grease. It is fking revolting.

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by padi56

Below a picture of my late 1999 own working tool watch SD,it was used and many times abused for many years with well over 600 hours underwater as a real working tool,picture after last service many years ago.And has never has any ultrasonic cleaning by myself, only just good old soap and water and normal routine service.This working tool has seen more use that today's mainly pampered watches will see in ten lifetimes.Keep it clean wear snug fit on wrist then no matter whether old or new type will last a life time.

Originally Posted by SearChart

Just keeping it clean with soap and water in the first place.

Some bracelets have so much dark gunk in between links, all skin grease. It is fking revolting.

TY both!

@ PADI, that is a beautiful SD!

[nicon]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

Some serious pressure must have been applied to that bracelet, how was it being worn to do that, maybe way loose and stressed when bending the wrist?

No serious pressure, just well known wear caused by dirt grinding pins and links from the inside.

Originally Posted by padi56

And many on forum think the so called solid link bracelet is always better than the older type.When in the real world if worn on the wrist correctly, looked after with regular washing cleaning, both will last a lifetime and beyond.

Moreover, according to Rolliworks stretch repair is harder to do on solid links bracelets. Maybe ceramic pin collars will help in the future, but nothing can beat regular cleaning.

[easterbunny]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

Some serious pressure must have been applied to that bracelet, how was it being worn to do that, maybe way loose and stressed when bending the wrist?

sometimes I think about the opposite. when it is a bit looser I can push it up my wrist when I know i'm going to bend the wrist (and avoid pressure). If it is too tight it sits closer to the wrist all the time and gets more pressure when I bend the wrist.

[mjclark32]

I remember years back a guy posted pics of his ceramic gmt. He wore it daily to construction sites, if I remember correctly, it was also beat up and “stretched”

[Onikage]

That's that then.

[LandWatch]

Must have really been abused given it’s a relatively new model. Hard to imagine what he was doing with it ...

[brandrea]

Interesting to see Bas.

[77T]

In the FS listings, some call that “comfy SEL Oyster bracelet”...


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[Tha Baron]

Originally Posted by 77T

In the FS listings, some call that “comfy SEL Oyster bracelet”...


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Reminds me of George Carlin’s bit on “euphemisms”

[GoingPlaces]

Wow, this is very interesting. Solid links and ceramic sleeves help but certainly don't prohibit stretch. Maintenance is still imperative.