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Old 29 July 2011, 03:39 AM   #1
isampark
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How bad is my bracelet stretch?

I today learned another new term while surfing TRF, a symptom called 'the stretch'.

My P-Serial 16610 seems to me a bit stretched. I have taken some pictures.











Please assess the severity of my Stretch!
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Old 29 July 2011, 03:57 AM   #2
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Yup there is a bit of "stretch" there but I for one dont think it looks bad at all. Looks pretty comfy the best way to avoid this is to keep the bracelet clean, perhaps wash it in warm soapy water once a week or so and use a soft toothbrush to insure you get all the dirt out, this will eliminate any future "stretching"
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Old 29 July 2011, 04:22 AM   #3
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Yup there is a bit of "stretch" there but I for one dont think it looks bad at all. Looks pretty comfy the best way to avoid this is to keep the bracelet clean, perhaps wash it in warm soapy water once a week or so and use a soft toothbrush to insure you get all the dirt out, this will eliminate any future "stretching"
My Sub is pretty mint as it's a weekend watch, but I normally keep it away from water (washing included).

Would washing it/keeping it cleaner help against stretch? I would have thought metal stretching was more due to how much it's worn, and not so much how dirty it is?
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Old 29 July 2011, 04:25 AM   #4
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My Sub is pretty mint as it's a weekend watch, but I normally keep it away from water (washing included).

Would washing it/keeping it cleaner help against stretch? I would have thought metal stretching was more due to how much it's worn, and not so much how dirty it is?
Its the dirt that gets trapped that causes the problem, it works like a grinding paste.
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Old 29 July 2011, 04:59 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by s14roller View Post
My Sub is pretty mint as it's a weekend watch, but I normally keep it away from water (washing included).

Would washing it/keeping it cleaner help against stretch? I would have thought metal stretching was more due to how much it's worn, and not so much how dirty it is?
You keep your sub away from water? Are you joking? Do you place a plastic bag over your dogs head so it doesn't breathe in dirty air too? As long your Sub is pressure tested now and then there is NO reason to keep it away from water- it won't melt. It may even be good for it in keeping it clean!
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Old 29 July 2011, 05:17 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by s14roller View Post
My Sub is pretty mint as it's a weekend watch, but I normally keep it away from water (washing included).

Would washing it/keeping it cleaner help against stretch? I would have thought metal stretching was more due to how much it's worn, and not so much how dirty it is?


It's a SUBMARINER. The water will not hurt it....and as long as you properly clean it, it will delay any stretch from setting in.

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You keep your sub away from water? Are you joking? Do you place a plastic bag over your dogs head so it doesn't breathe in dirty air too? As long your Sub is pressure tested now and then there is NO reason to keep it away from water- it won't melt. It may even be good for it in keeping it clean!
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Old 29 July 2011, 10:12 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by s14roller View Post
My Sub is pretty mint as it's a weekend watch, but I normally keep it away from water (washing included).

Would washing it/keeping it cleaner help against stretch? I would have thought metal stretching was more due to how much it's worn, and not so much how dirty it is?
Ewwwwww
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Old 29 July 2011, 11:22 AM   #8
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Thanks Adam,

I am waiting for my Veraet cleaning kit I bought last week, but it looks like it will take some time, so I will clean my watch using soap water this weekend.



Yeah you do not need anything fancy, I find that liquid hand soap and a soft toothbrush work the best.



Quote:
Originally Posted by s14roller View Post
My Sub is pretty mint as it's a weekend watch, but I normally keep it away from water (washing included).

Would washing it/keeping it cleaner help against stretch? I would have thought metal stretching was more due to how much it's worn, and not so much how dirty it is?


Absolutely. First of all your sub is made for being in the water as a dive watch, don't worry a bit about it. I would have it pressure checked at an AD every year or two if you regularly wear in the water and of course make sure the crown is tight

Washing it and keeping it clean will most definitely keep the bracelet like new for years/decades to come
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Old 30 July 2011, 12:49 AM   #9
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My Sub is pretty mint as it's a weekend watch, but I normally keep it away from water (washing included).
Why do you keep a Submariner away from water!?
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Old 30 July 2011, 03:58 AM   #10
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I use a steam gun that has alot of pressure behind it..this is okay right? Seems to get really clean.
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Old 30 July 2011, 02:12 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by s14roller View Post
My Sub is pretty mint as it's a weekend watch, but I normally keep it away from water (washing included).

Would washing it/keeping it cleaner help against stretch? I would have thought metal stretching was more due to how much it's worn, and not so much how dirty it is?
Ewwwww I bet that Sub must smell pretty 'ripe" by now not to mention all the "watch wax" in those links grinding them up
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Old 29 July 2011, 05:08 AM   #12
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Yup there is a bit of "stretch" there but I for one dont think it looks bad at all. Looks pretty comfy the best way to avoid this is to keep the bracelet clean, perhaps wash it in warm soapy water once a week or so and use a soft toothbrush to insure you get all the dirt out, this will eliminate any future "stretching"
X2

Well said.
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Old 30 July 2011, 03:20 PM   #13
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Yup there is a bit of "stretch" there but I for one dont think it looks bad at all. Looks pretty comfy the best way to avoid this is to keep the bracelet clean, perhaps wash it in warm soapy water once a week or so and use a soft toothbrush to insure you get all the dirt out, this will eliminate any future "stretching"
Interesting read!!

I wonder if the "soft" bristle toothbrush would cause some scratches on the bracelet if used repeatedly?

Thanks!
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Old 29 July 2011, 04:14 AM   #14
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Thanks Adam,

I am waiting for my Veraet cleaning kit I bought last week, but it looks like it will take some time, so I will clean my watch using soap water this weekend.

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Old 29 July 2011, 10:05 AM   #15
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Thanks Adam,

I am waiting for my Veraet cleaning kit I bought last week, but it looks like it will take some time, so I will clean my watch using soap water this weekend.

I just ordered some as well and WTF?!? They emailed and said it would be WEEKS before receiving it!
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Old 29 July 2011, 08:34 PM   #16
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Thanks Adam,

I am waiting for my Veraet cleaning kit I bought last week, but it looks like it will take some time, so I will clean my watch using soap water this weekend.

That stuff is fantastic, I love it.
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Old 29 July 2011, 04:17 AM   #17
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Doesn't look too bad.
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Old 29 July 2011, 04:24 AM   #18
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If you get a loupe and look at where the link-bars are, you can get a good idea of it's wear. They don't actually stretch, but the bars wear away grooves in the links.. Yours really isn't too bad at all. There is movement there and always some wiggle..

Here is one of my links from an older (by just a couple of years) T serial.

You can see that there is some wear, but minimal. This is what you are looking for..

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Old 29 July 2011, 10:46 AM   #19
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If you get a loupe and look at where the link-bars are, you can get a good idea of it's wear. They don't actually stretch, but the bars wear away grooves in the links.. Yours really isn't too bad at all. There is movement there and always some wiggle..

Here is one of my links from an older (by just a couple of years) T serial.

You can see that there is some wear, but minimal. This is what you are looking for..

This is why I read ever word Larry writes.... this is good
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Old 29 July 2011, 11:59 PM   #20
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If you get a loupe and look at where the link-bars are, you can get a good idea of it's wear. They don't actually stretch, but the bars wear away grooves in the links.. Yours really isn't too bad at all. There is movement there and always some wiggle..

Here is one of my links from an older (by just a couple of years) T serial.

You can see that there is some wear, but minimal. This is what you are looking for..

So it is not in fact the pins that bend or as some people call it stretch? But the pins wear away the metal causing groves in it?

Some people think the new solid middle links will solve the problem? Do you think so?
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Old 30 July 2011, 12:40 AM   #21
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So it is not in fact the pins that bend or as some people call it stretch? But the pins wear away the metal causing groves in it?

Some people think the new solid middle links will solve the problem? Do you think so?
I've got some stretch in my solid-linked Omega bracelets, so I think the new Rolex bracelets won't be immune even with the solid links.
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Old 29 July 2011, 04:45 AM   #22
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My DJ is 21 years old and has no stretch. If you wash it and clean out the band it wont stretch.
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Old 29 July 2011, 05:16 AM   #23
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oh i thought the the bars bend, and that's why the bracelet stretches. i didn't know the bars actually dig grooves into the links.
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Old 29 July 2011, 05:26 AM   #24
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I will duly clean my watch from now on!

By the way, how bad the stretch has to be before RSC gives you the ultimatum and recommend exchange of bracelet? <- and how much does a new 93250 oyster bracelet cost?
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Old 29 July 2011, 12:56 PM   #25
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insignificant

Quote:
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I will duly clean my watch from now on!

By the way, how bad the stretch has to be before RSC gives you the ultimatum and recommend exchange of bracelet? <- and how much does a new 93250 oyster bracelet cost?
The stretch on yours is pretty minor, IMO. You could easily get another 20-30 years out of that bracelet.
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Old 29 July 2011, 05:28 AM   #26
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Haven't washed mine in a while... going to wash now! Be right back...
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Old 29 July 2011, 05:32 AM   #27
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i use washing up liquid.
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Old 29 July 2011, 05:48 AM   #28
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Ultrasonic!
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Old 29 July 2011, 06:15 AM   #29
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Ultrasonic!
Only on the bracelet though...
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Old 29 July 2011, 06:37 AM   #30
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Only on the bracelet though...
Yes, thank you...forgot to mention that.
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