The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 18 February 2008, 04:48 AM   #1
JPP
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: London
Posts: 115
So - with all this banging on about flimsy bracelets

who has had a Rolex bracelet bend or become disfigured? I am really keen to know because all I seem to read about is how flimsy the bracelets are. But I've never ever seen a pic or heard a story of anyone suffering a bent bracelet.

So come on guys and girls - let's hear or see the stories please. Or is the case of everyone jumping on a non-existent bandwagon...
JPP is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 04:51 AM   #2
scottschoe
"TRF" Member
 
scottschoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 3,295
I don't think many people think the bracelets are structurally weak, but they just feel flimsy in comparison to a lot others on the market.
__________________
__________________
scottschoe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 04:54 AM   #3
C.J.
"TRF" Member
 
C.J.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: *
Posts: 10,196
I've beaten the hell out of mine. Lot's of scratches and even bent the clasp portion that catches to hold the bracelet closed. But, one has never failed
__________________
Me? I'm still looking for Kokomo. I just hope that damn golfer isn't there
C.J. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 04:56 AM   #4
0luke1
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 49
I actually ordered the GMT II instead of the GMTIIc because it has the hollow links. I find sold link bracelets to be annoying by the end of the day, especially when I'm traveling.
0luke1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 05:03 AM   #5
f16570
"TRF" Member
 
f16570's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Real Name: F
Location: Scotland
Watch: Exp II White Face
Posts: 4,272
Size is no definaition or gaurantee of strength. The oyster bracelet has proved it over many years in the most adverse situations.
__________________
Why have what's new when you have what's best.
f
f16570 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 05:21 AM   #6
cmr
"TRF" Member
 
cmr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Real Name: marcus
Location: us, oklahoma
Posts: 1,646
Quote:
Originally Posted by scottschoe View Post
I don't think many people think the bracelets are structurally weak, but they just feel flimsy in comparison to a lot others on the market.
they aren't flimsy in strength unless they are very old and poorly maintained. the hinge pins will wear through causing the bracelet to break. that goes for any watch bracelet no matter the manufacture. they just look and feel flimsy, not like a bracelet you would find on a 5,000.00 watch. i have seen many of them dented because they are hollow. i have a seiko monster that i paid 86.00 for brand new and the bracelet and clasp on it feel and look better than a oyster bracelet.

the bracelet on my gmt2c feels very wonderful and was one of the major selling points for me. with all that said it is very subjective and is entirely up to the individual. some love it because it is light and insignificant feeling but for me that very thing kills it. it just comes down to personal preference.
__________________
cmr


OA-Black dial SS Daytona, V-White dial SS Daytona, Z-GMT2C
Wife, Z-Platinum Yacht Master, Black ceramic White dial SS Daytona,
cmr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 05:22 AM   #7
DSJ
"TRF" Member
 
DSJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Real Name: David
Location: USA
Watch: your step!
Posts: 7,882
When I started seriously shopping for my 16613, the AD showed me a used black dial that he got in on trade. The previous owner had gotten the watch caught on his boat somehow, and significantly deformed one of the gold center links. You may also recall a recent 14060m for sale on here with a similare condition:
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...nk+damage+sale

That said, I still bought a 16613 and would have no problem owning another Rolex with either SEL or the previous version. However, I would PREFER if they were solid!
__________________
Rolex. The Rolex of watches.
16570 Expy2 Noir, 116710 GMT Master II,
2552.80 SMP
DSJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 07:33 AM   #8
Perdu
"TRF" Member
 
Perdu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Real Name: Gary
Location: GMT-6
Watch: GMT
Posts: 3,350
I put a dent in the hollow end link of my 16613. A service took most of it out.
__________________
Omega Seamaster 300M GMT Noire
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 8500

Benson 1937 Sterling Silver Hunter
Perdu is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 07:37 AM   #9
Jimbits76
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 9,407
As you can see in my other post....my OP has a 51 year old oyster bracelet. Up until the last couple of years, it was worn almost everyday by either my grandfather, my father or me.
Only now, after five years of my 8 and a half inch wrists has it started to stretch and the rivets start to give.
If that isn't a testament to the Oyster bracelet I don't know what is!!!!!

J
Jimbits76 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 08:01 AM   #10
SPACE-DWELLER
"TRF" Member
 
SPACE-DWELLER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Real Name: Bo
Location: Denmark
Watch: Rolex, of course!
Posts: 22,436
Well, being a serial flipper, I must admit that I have yet to have to the chance to have a Rolex long enough to have had any issues with the bracelets. But the "flimsy" Oyster bracelets are made to last at least 20 years+ even with heavy duty wearing habits.
__________________
With kind regards, Bo

LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...
SPACE-DWELLER is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 08:04 AM   #11
Jimbits76
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 9,407
I was a cereal flipper this morning Bo, I knocked my wife's bowl of Cheerios over our living room carpet!

J
Jimbits76 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 08:40 AM   #12
mike
"TRF" Member
 
mike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 22,683
I tore one up one time, but that was a freak thing. Over time I've had the clasp wear, but tightened it myself. I've had a few stretch a bit over the years, but again with very hard use (and abuse).
My experience has been the SELs have been a lot stronger than the older non-sels (even though I prefer the old style LOL!)
mike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 08:52 AM   #13
SPACE-DWELLER
"TRF" Member
 
SPACE-DWELLER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Real Name: Bo
Location: Denmark
Watch: Rolex, of course!
Posts: 22,436
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbits76 View Post
I was a cereal flipper this morning Bo, I knocked my wife's bowl of Cheerios over our living room carpet!

J


Good'un!
__________________
With kind regards, Bo

LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...
SPACE-DWELLER is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 09:53 AM   #14
Dan Pierce
2024 Pledge Member
 
Dan Pierce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Real Name: D'OH!
Location: Kentucky
Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3
Posts: 36,217
Granted the stamped clasp and hollow center links utilised by Rolex for decades seem less than substatial compared to some other Swiss brands. However, they have certainly stood the test of time. It was once an issue for me but experience has proven the design very sound.
dP
__________________
TRF Member# 1668
Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band
Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation
The Crown & Shield Club
Honorary Member of P-Club
Dan Pierce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 10:04 AM   #15
SPACE-DWELLER
"TRF" Member
 
SPACE-DWELLER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Real Name: Bo
Location: Denmark
Watch: Rolex, of course!
Posts: 22,436
Sometimes, less is more! The design of the conventional Oyster bands is simple and light-weight, yet ingenious. It WORKS, and that's what matters.
__________________
With kind regards, Bo

LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...
SPACE-DWELLER is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 10:10 AM   #16
sharif
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: South East USA
Posts: 671
Quote:
Originally Posted by scottschoe View Post
I don't think many people think the bracelets are structurally weak, but they just feel flimsy in comparison to a lot others on the market.
That sums it up perfectly, IMHO.

It's just the feeling of flimsy....but from all indications, its a very strong design.
sharif is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 11:54 AM   #17
GoldenBear
"TRF" Member
 
GoldenBear's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: San Francisco
Watch: Submariner
Posts: 2,480
One day I posted all of the things I did over the past 18 years while wearing my Rolex. From Deep-sea fishing and deep powder skiing, climbing Half-dome and golfing at courses all over the world. No issues with the durability of my SS Sub. No worries.
__________________
____________________________________________
Rolex Blue TT Submariner
Rolex SS Submariner
Breitling Emergency Mission

**They are just watches, wear 'em.**
____________________________________________
GoldenBear is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 12:03 PM   #18
Incurable
"TRF" Member
 
Incurable's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Real Name: Pat
Location: PNW
Watch: your P's and Q's
Posts: 2,549
I'm not entirely sure if all this dissatisfaction with the Rolex bracelet is not based more on financial than practical reasons...
__________________

Rolex GMT Master II 16710 (Blk/Blk)
Rolex Explorer 114270
Sinn 356 Sa Flieger
Limes Endurance 1Tausend
Too many others...
#2592

It may seem like I'm doing nothing but, at a cellular level, I'm actually quite busy...
Incurable is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 12:11 PM   #19
GoldenBear
"TRF" Member
 
GoldenBear's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: San Francisco
Watch: Submariner
Posts: 2,480
Finding a reason not to buy something instead of all of the reasons to buy it. My wife hates the cup holders in her new 7-series. Well, we own that already, nothing we can do about that.
__________________
____________________________________________
Rolex Blue TT Submariner
Rolex SS Submariner
Breitling Emergency Mission

**They are just watches, wear 'em.**
____________________________________________
GoldenBear is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 12:19 PM   #20
sharif
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: South East USA
Posts: 671
Quote:
Originally Posted by GoldenBear View Post
Finding a reason not to buy something instead of all of the reasons to buy it. My wife hates the cup holders in her new 7-series. Well, we own that already, nothing we can do about that.
I partially agree with you....

I cannot judge the decision making process that occured in this buyer's head. But I can tell you from experience....that after years and years of lusting/hearing about how great the Rolex watch is.....it can sometimes be a little bit of a let down, when you pick one up for the first time. Maybe he was expecting the bracelet to be hewn from a solid ingot of stainless steel....hand carved by old world craftsman toiling away in a cave somewhere to create it. Then he picks up the stamped steel clasp, and thinks otherwise??

Just speculating of course.

Check out the GMTIIc....if you still don't think it's the definition of solidity, then maybe GoldenBear is right! :)
sharif is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 02:25 PM   #21
Arturo
"TRF" Member
 
Arturo's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Real Name: Arturo
Location: Pacific Northwest
Watch: Black GMT ll
Posts: 1,271
I actually love the feeling of the oyster when you first pick it up. I like the sound of the links clicking together. Both of my oyster bracelets (LV and GNT ll) feel plenty solid. IF you wear them loose like jewelry, then you will subject the bracelet to stretch, regardless of manufacture when you are dealing with link bracelets. Just wear the bracelet snug and this will promote healthy winding, and the weight of the watch head will not be slopping around to incrementally stretch the bracelet. Even the stretch would be slow to happen and very incremental, but why do it? Don't wear the watch low on the wrist and then puch up out of a chair....that has stretched another solid silver bracelet of mine, so it could damage a watch bracelet. That is why I wear the watch snub and up a bit on the wrist. No real stories of any friends who have beaten up their Oysters....These boys are solid.
Arturo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 04:06 PM   #22
JJ Irani
Fondly Remembered
 
JJ Irani's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Real Name: JJ
Location: Auckland, NZ
Watch: ALL SOLD!!
Posts: 74,319
You could hang a 200 pound man from an Oyster bracelet. End of story!!
__________________
Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!!

I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!
JJ Irani is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 05:01 PM   #23
Andad
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Andad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Real Name: Eddie
Location: Australia
Watch: A few.
Posts: 37,534
C'mon JJ, show us a pix of you doing that.
__________________
E

Andad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 05:02 PM   #24
Andad
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Andad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Real Name: Eddie
Location: Australia
Watch: A few.
Posts: 37,534
It's gunna hurt your neck.
__________________
E

Andad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2008, 07:28 PM   #25
topcat30093
"TRF" Member
 
topcat30093's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Real Name: Tony
Location: England
Posts: 5,460
I had to have a new bracelet fitted to a S/S Sub, when it went back for a service because Rolex told me that the lugs that secure the clasp were so badly worn that the clasp would keep coming undone.
Replacement cost of a bracelet back then was about £260.00 that was about 8 years ago.
Cheers
topcat30093 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 February 2008, 12:11 AM   #26
bwalkerVintage
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Real Name: Brendan
Location: Cougar Country
Posts: 825
Icon10

Quote:
Originally Posted by directioneng View Post
C'mon JJ, show us a pix of you doing that.
But not in your birthday suit!!!!
bwalkerVintage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 February 2008, 12:21 AM   #27
bwalkerVintage
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Real Name: Brendan
Location: Cougar Country
Posts: 825
Quote:
Originally Posted by sharif View Post
I partially agree with you....

IBut I can tell you from experience....that after years and years of lusting/hearing about how great the Rolex watch is.....it can sometimes be a little bit of a let down, when you pick one up for the first time.

Exact opposite for me. It felt right when I put it on. I still have yet to feel somethign more right and doubt I ever will.
bwalkerVintage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 February 2008, 12:31 AM   #28
entropydave
"TRF" Member
 
entropydave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Dave
Location: Huntington, IN
Posts: 680
I dunno what strap I have on my AK (not WIS enough yet I guess) but it seems really well made and engineered to me! milled parts, the "Rolex" is laser etched instead of pressed out, SELs as well I gather (but not too sure what benefits it confers except extra weightiness).

I love it - glad they are well made because I dread to think what it would cost it replace! Probably would have to go NATO on it!
entropydave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 February 2008, 12:40 AM   #29
DavidHasselhoff
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sweden
Watch: SS Submariner
Posts: 312
Quote:
Originally Posted by GoldenBear View Post
Finding a reason not to buy something instead of all of the reasons to buy it. My wife hates the cup holders in her new 7-series. Well, we own that already, nothing we can do about that.
Ohh, that poor thing...
DavidHasselhoff is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 February 2008, 12:44 AM   #30
BLSampson
"TRF" Member
 
BLSampson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Real Name: Bryan
Location: Kansas City, MO
Watch: TT Blue Submariner
Posts: 930
"that after years and years of lusting/hearing about how great the Rolex watch is.....it can sometimes be a little bit of a let down, when you pick one up for the first time."



I lusted the jubilee bracelet for years yet after I tried one on I thought the same thing...flimsy and over rated. After further research, on this forum, I still lust the jubilee and now own two GMTs with jubilee bracelets.

__________________
Yoboman
"People sleep safely in their beds at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
BLSampson is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

OCWatches

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.