Strap wear

[bicster]

Hi everyone,

So I'm continuing on my quest for my first Rolex and have a question about strap wear.

I heard a rumour that the best way to tell the wear on a strap is to hold the watch like thus...



...and the angle of the strap indicates its wear.

Is that correct? If so, what exactly am I looking for to see how worn a strap is?

If anyone has some pictures of good versus bad straps that would be very helpful for my understanding.

Thanks in advance,

Chris

PS The above picture is of a fake...I figured that was easier than explaining!

[ersnyder]

Probably best not to display fakes on this forum. But, yes, what you're doing is a good way to check bracelet wear. The less flex, the newer the bracelet.

[bicster]

Ah ok, it's all about the play then?

I guess this makes sense as the more the watch is worn the looser the pins become and therefore more the band flexes laterally.

It'd be nice to see a couple of photos of good versus bad though.

Also, is there any way to repair or fix a worn strap or is it best to buy a new one?

Chris

[mikelprz]

hey bicster, good questions.. Im sure the pros will chime in soon.

[ParisDakarBmw]

I tried to draw a diagram, and attach the picture but it's too large. Give me a few!

[ParisDakarBmw]

Look at the space between the links at the top, and bottom. There is a fair amount of stretch on the watch shown.

If you hold the watch diagonal, the bracelet should be close to straight when new. As the metal wears, the bracelet becomes flexable.

Just imagine the bracelet swaying left to right when the watch is horizontal. If it goes 1 inch left, and 1 inch right, that is a bunch of play.

On a new one it will move a little, but is crisp, and tight.

Some shot bracelets have huge gaps between the links, and can almost be turned inside out........Not good!