16618 18k Oyster Bracelet Stretch

[tomchicago]

are the 18k oyster bracelets, such as are found on the 16618, prone to stretch?

[Colnago]

It's not stretch.....it's elongation due to wear.....Gold wears quicker than steel......keep it clean and it will not wear as quickly.....don't wear it too loose as well as this can cause premature wear....

[SCD]

Originally Posted by Colnago

It's not stretch.....it's elongation due to wear...

Okay, now wait a minute...I thought stretch in almost any context *was* elongation due to wear.

[Colnago]

Think about an elastic band....it stretches and there's definitely no wear there...

The metals used for Rolex watch bracelets cannot and will not "stretch" due to the forces our bodies can exert on them....it's that simple.....but they absolutely do wear....when they wear the holes in the links which house the pins elongate and the pins themselves wear also....this causes the bracelet to become looser....it has not stretched to become like this, it has simply become worn.....

This subject has been discussed many many times on here....do some searches.....

[SCD]

I understand the distinction you're making. :)

[golfball123]

i think wearing it tight or snugly will cause the wear as during the course of the day, we flex the wrist on and off and that will create more 'pulling' force than wearing the watch a bit loose.
any comments ?

[Colnago]

That's exactly what happens.....made even worse if you do not keep the bracelet clean.....any grit and grime that gets between the links and pins acts as a cutting compound which accelerates wear....better not too tight but also not too loose.....all bracelets have sufficient adjustment that they can be made to fit just right.....and each and every one of us should be able to keep them clean with simple soap and water....

[RollieNZ]

Everything wears out.....