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116618wannabee · 11 February 2014, 04:21 AM

Is this true? I have a feeling it can be fixed but maybe the community has an answer. Can they not replace the cotter pins that hold the links together?

How does metal stretch in the first place?

Keith1 · 11 February 2014, 04:24 AM

This does not look bad at all. Michael Young from Hong Kong is the only one I know of. He works wonders!

http://www.classicwatchrepair.com/

HogwldFLTR · 11 February 2014, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith1

This does not look bad at all. Michael Young from Hong Kong is the only one I know of. He works wonders!

http://www.classicwatchrepair.com/

Thanks for the link; that is impressive.

mjclark32 · 11 February 2014, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith1

This does not look bad at all. Michael Young from Hong Kong is the only one I know of. He works wonders!

http://www.classicwatchrepair.com/

Send it off in 5+ years, plenty of life left

Annan · 11 February 2014, 04:29 AM

I agree....does not look that bad. "Stretch" is caused by wear on the pins that hold the links together. And......also caused/contributed to by wear on the inside of the link "shafts" the pins slip through. Time and dirt are the factors that cause this wear.

Keith1 · 11 February 2014, 04:38 AM

Is your watch a 11xxxx, or a 1xxxx series?

Do you wash the band often with a soft soap, and rinse with water to keep the dirt out? If not I would to help minimize future stretching!

ec51 · 11 February 2014, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith1

Is your watch a 11xxxx, or a 1xxxx series?

Do you wash the band often with a soft soap, and rinse with water to keep the dirt out? If not I would to help minimize future stretching!

Ultrasonic would be better for cleaning out the bracelet, ~ 2x/year.

Keith1 · 11 February 2014, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ec51

Ultrasonic would be better for cleaning out the bracelet, ~ 2x/year.

I agree, but you can still clean weekly to get out the dead skin cells, etc.

ec51 · 11 February 2014, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith1

I agree, but you can still clean weekly to get out the dead skin cells, etc.

You can clean every day if you want to - but still, the ultrasonic will remove what regular washing won't.

cop414 · 11 February 2014, 05:01 AM

I agree that your band looks like it has many years of use left in it!

watchwatcher · 11 February 2014, 04:43 AM

Have to agree that doesn't look bad. If it bothers you, however, it can be fixed.

dysondiver · 11 February 2014, 04:48 AM

thats practically new ,,, years left in it , but another mike vote . if it bugs you , hes the man

Cc1966 · 11 February 2014, 05:12 AM

Another vote that you have a band with a lot of life left in it. x2 on the ultrasonic bath 2-4 times a year (on the bracelet only)...

E70x5 · 11 February 2014, 05:42 AM

I agree with the others, stretch looks minimal. I would wait a few years before servicing. Regardless of how much you wash it, it will stretch a little. Wear it, enjoy it and not worry about it for a few more years.

mike · 11 February 2014, 05:50 AM

As others have said it looks pretty good. Rolex is in the business of replacing not fixing.

petenyc · 11 February 2014, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike

as others have said it looks pretty good. Rolex is in the business of replacing not fixing.

+1

116618wannabee · 11 February 2014, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike

As others have said it looks pretty good. Rolex is in the business of replacing not fixing.

I am beginning to think that taking your watch to Rolex is like asking a barber if you need a haircut.

Starbucksboss · 11 February 2014, 03:17 PM

Looks OK...put it out of your mind and ENJOY.

Old Expat Beast · 11 February 2014, 03:33 PM

You can get a cheap'n'cheerful ultrasonic cleaner for under US$50 that will do the job fine.

bayerische · 11 February 2014, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

You can get a cheap'n'cheerful ultrasonic cleaner for under US$50 that will do the job fine.

Remember to take the bracelet off.

116618wannabee · 12 February 2014, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bayerische

Remember to take the bracelet off.

You dunk the entire watch or just the bracelet?

Cc1966 · 12 February 2014, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 116618wannabee

You dunk the entire watch or just the bracelet?

"Dunk" just the bracelet...

Evil-Twin · 12 February 2014, 05:39 AM

They did the same thing with me ( RSC NY ). Tried to force me to buy a new bracelet. I sent my watch with a bracelet that was 6 years old bought in 2007 ( forced to buy by Rolex or they would send it back un repaired at a cost of 120 dollars with shipping and insurance both ways and estimate cost. I sent them my watch 6 weeks ago and it came back in much worse condition although they did repair the watch. this is how I sent it

this is how I got it back

Tell me this is just a coincidence, there is something very underhanded a foot here. It certainly does not reek of world class customer service. The numbers are mounting. Just consider if so many people here are having this kind of experience, how about the thousands who have experienced the same thing and do not know this forum exists.

mimo5000 · 12 February 2014, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

You can get a cheap'n'cheerful ultrasonic cleaner for under US$50 that will do the job fine.

Sounds like a solid investment. Can someone recommend a brand and source?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

brianrx74 · 12 February 2014, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mimo5000

Sounds like a solid investment. Can someone recommend a brand and source?

This looks decent for the money. Read the reviews for some tips. There are a couple other alternatives listed on that page if you're looking for something more expensive.

http://www.amazon.com/Professional-U.../dp/B001DKDAVW

Roller07 · 12 February 2014, 02:19 AM

Of course they said it was irreversible, they want you to buy a new bracelet. That bracelet has many more years of life in it.

Tools · 12 February 2014, 03:09 AM

I don't see any "flex" or "stretch" in the OP watch photo. It looks pretty normal to me..

In any event, the RSC is correct; it is irreversible. "Stretch" is a misnomer. It is wear from the metals rubbing and grinding together. Both the connecting pins and the holes wear down increasing tolerances until eventually the pins or links fail.

The connecting pins can be sleeved or replaced if it gets too bad, but Rolex doesn't do that.

It is way too soon on the pictured bracelet to even consider such a drastic step..

bayerische · 11 February 2014, 04:35 PM

OP, I'd say your watch has very little stretch if any! The older bracelets (hollow links) tend to look more stretched when held as your holding your watch in your picture.

padi56 · 11 February 2014, 06:21 PM

Although indirectly Rolex related some of you guys worry about the so called bracelet stretch which in the real world is link pin wear and pin hole wear.Now this is a picture of my grandsons Alpha watch bracelet he has been wearing daily for over 7 years now as you can see very little wear.He just kept it clean with soap and water as I instructed him to do thats the secret regular washing, yes its scratched but that a fact of wearing.Although only rated to 30m he has several times fully submersed watch in water while fresh water fishing ,and many on forum afraid to get there Rolex watches wet and the Alpha cost just $60.
Please excuse picture taken with a very old cell phone.

joseluu · 11 February 2014, 09:26 PM

I just consider my watch as an extension of my body when showering. Give it a go with a soapy sponge and rinse well under the "rain". An ultrasonic cleaning about twice a year, ends the "treatment".

11 February 2014, 04:21 AM	#1
116618wannabee "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: NYC Watch: Your parking meter Posts: 74	band flex ... Rolex in NYC says it's irreversible Is this true? I have a feeling it can be fixed but maybe the community has an answer. Can they not replace the cotter pins that hold the links together? How does metal stretch in the first place? Attached Images

11 February 2014, 04:29 AM	#5
Annan "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Ron Location: Arizona, USA Watch: 116233 Posts: 3,180	I agree....does not look that bad. "Stretch" is caused by wear on the pins that hold the links together. And......also caused/contributed to by wear on the inside of the link "shafts" the pins slip through. Time and dirt are the factors that cause this wear. __________________ *so many Rolexes.....so little time*

11 February 2014, 05:01 AM	#10
cop414 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Tim Location: Pennsylvania Watch: 14060M Posts: 72,244	I agree that your band looks like it has many years of use left in it! __________________ Rolex Submariner 14060M Omega Seamaster 2254.50 DOXA Professional 1200T Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron P Club Member #17 2 FA ENABLED

11 February 2014, 05:12 AM	#13
Cc1966 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Christopher Location: Georgia, USA Watch: ing the Sea... Posts: 6,713	Another vote that you have a band with a lot of life left in it. x2 on the ultrasonic bath 2-4 times a year (on the bracelet only)... __________________ "I wish to have no Connection with any Ship that does not Sail fast for I intend to go in harm's way." Captain John Paul Jones, 16 November 1778 "*Curmudgeons* " Favorites: 1665 SD, Sub Date, DSSD, Exp II, Sub LV, GMTIIc

11 February 2014, 03:33 PM	#19
Old Expat Beast TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Adam Location: Far East Watch: Golden Tuna Posts: 28,826	You can get a cheap'n'cheerful ultrasonic cleaner for under US$50 that will do the job fine. __________________ _______________________

11 February 2014, 04:24 AM	#2
Keith1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: San Diego Watch: Sub-C blue, DSSD Posts: 2,482	This does not look bad at all. Michael Young from Hong Kong is the only one I know of. He works wonders! http://www.classicwatchrepair.com/

11 February 2014, 04:38 AM	#6
Keith1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: San Diego Watch: Sub-C blue, DSSD Posts: 2,482	Is your watch a 11xxxx, or a 1xxxx series? Do you wash the band often with a soft soap, and rinse with water to keep the dirt out? If not I would to help minimize future stretching!

11 February 2014, 04:43 AM	#11
watchwatcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Larry Location: Kentucky Watch: Yes Posts: 35,047	Have to agree that doesn't look bad. If it bothers you, however, it can be fixed.

11 February 2014, 04:48 AM	#12
dysondiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: tom Location: northern ireland Watch: my fins Posts: 10,063	thats practically new ,,, years left in it , but another mike vote . if it bugs you , hes the man

11 February 2014, 05:42 AM	#14
E70x5 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Phila Watch: Subc 116610 Posts: 392	I agree with the others, stretch looks minimal. I would wait a few years before servicing. Regardless of how much you wash it, it will stretch a little. Wear it, enjoy it and not worry about it for a few more years.

11 February 2014, 05:50 AM	#15
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	As others have said it looks pretty good. Rolex is in the business of replacing not fixing.

11 February 2014, 03:17 PM	#18
Starbucksboss Banned Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Reno Posts: 1,028	Looks OK...put it out of your mind and ENJOY.

12 February 2014, 05:39 AM	#23
Evil-Twin Banned Join Date: Feb 2014 Real Name: Bill Location: Small town in PA. Posts: 288	Looks like another case of hard sell and very poor service They did the same thing with me ( RSC NY ). Tried to force me to buy a new bracelet. I sent my watch with a bracelet that was 6 years old bought in 2007 ( forced to buy by Rolex or they would send it back un repaired at a cost of 120 dollars with shipping and insurance both ways and estimate cost. I sent them my watch 6 weeks ago and it came back in much worse condition although they did repair the watch. this is how I sent it this is how I got it back Tell me this is just a coincidence, there is something very underhanded a foot here. It certainly does not reek of world class customer service. The numbers are mounting. Just consider if so many people here are having this kind of experience, how about the thousands who have experienced the same thing and do not know this forum exists.

12 February 2014, 02:19 AM	#26
Roller07 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: GMT -5 Watch: HulkPepsiCoke Posts: 2,364	Of course they said it was irreversible, they want you to buy a new bracelet. That bracelet has many more years of life in it.

12 February 2014, 03:09 AM	#27
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	I don't see any "flex" or "stretch" in the OP watch photo. It looks pretty normal to me.. In any event, the RSC is correct; it is irreversible. "Stretch" is a misnomer. It is wear from the metals rubbing and grinding together. Both the connecting pins and the holes wear down increasing tolerances until eventually the pins or links fail. The connecting pins can be sleeved or replaced if it gets too bad, but Rolex doesn't do that. It is way too soon on the pictured bracelet to even consider such a drastic step.. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

11 February 2014, 04:35 PM	#28
bayerische "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Andreas Location: Margaritaville Watch: Smurf Posts: 19,879	OP, I'd say your watch has very little stretch if any! The older bracelets (hollow links) tend to look more stretched when held as your holding your watch in your picture. __________________ Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

11 February 2014, 06:21 PM	#29
padi56 "TRF" Life Patron Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Peter Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng Watch: ing you. Posts: 53,063	Although indirectly Rolex related some of you guys worry about the so called bracelet stretch which in the real world is link pin wear and pin hole wear.Now this is a picture of my grandsons Alpha watch bracelet he has been wearing daily for over 7 years now as you can see very little wear.He just kept it clean with soap and water as I instructed him to do thats the secret regular washing, yes its scratched but that a fact of wearing.Although only rated to 30m he has several times fully submersed watch in water while fresh water fishing ,and many on forum afraid to get there Rolex watches wet and the Alpha cost just $60. Please excuse picture taken with a very old cell phone. __________________ ICom Pro3 All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only. "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever." Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again. www.mc0yad.club Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder

11 February 2014, 09:26 PM	#30
joseluu "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Madrid (Spain) Posts: 702	I just consider my watch as an extension of my body when showering. Give it a go with a soapy sponge and rinse well under the "rain". An ultrasonic cleaning about twice a year, ends the "treatment".

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