Advice sought on 118206 Pt 36mm DD bracelet stretch

[Heartfixer]

Friends, I'd like your advice on the level of bracelet "stretch" in the attached image in a solid link 36mm Pt DD. The stretch doesn't bother me at all visually as the watch wears and runs great. My question is more around bracelet integrity and what kind of longevity I can expect out of it.

This is a pre-owned watch from the early 2000s that I'm looking to purchase. I wear my watches tight, if that helps.

Thanks,
Heartfixer

[mikeshin92]

This bracelet looks like it's at least 90-95% of it's original condition in terms of stretch. I wouldn't hesitate on this one because of the bracelet. You'd probably be looking at 2 decades before it shows any heavy stretching, assuming you have the watch well fitted to your wrist and not flopping around everywhere.

[spacebjorn]

'Longevity' is quite subjective? Do you mean how long until you will need to have it serviced or until it's absolute end of life?

118206 has solid links and from your pic the bracelet looks to still have at least 80% integrity. If you wear it tight and make sure it gets cleaned every now and then I don't see why you can't wear this for at least 8-10 years...

[Heartfixer]

Makes me feel more confident about this purchase.

[Calatrava r]

I would think another twenty years at least, if the watch was worn daily by the previous owner.

[budokanman]

Yep I would not be worried, looks good and will last a long time (fellow 118206 owner)

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[WiseRat]

I guess I have a different opinion than the others here about what level of stretch I would accept. OP, I would say that is moderate stretch, not "light". Also, there appears to be something wrong between the 1st and 2nd links: the gap is much larger between those links than the gaps between the other links. Damage perhaps, or bent link pins?

For reference, very light stretch looks like this, from my 18038:

[Heartfixer]

The gap between the 1st and second link is symmetric in that the gap appears on the other side if I hold the watch upside down from the orientation I took the picture in. I believe it is largest near the head and progressively lower towards the clasp as the weight of the entire bracelet is on those links the way I held the watch for the picture.

Regardless, it is definitely stretched out compared to your image.

[Heartfixer]

There’s no issue with the link closest to the head, it is just that the entire weight of the bracelet is on that link the way I held the watch up, so it moves more under gravity than other links. If I flip the watch upside down, it is the opposite side of the links that have the progression of greater gaps at the head end relative to the clasp end.

I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all of you who responded to my post. You are such an amazing resource for Rolex newbies like me!

[Kenny G]

It easily has 10 years left before needing an overhaul assuming your don’t wear it too loose and stretch it out but the seller is being deceptive in the way they are holding the case of the watch. Look at WiseRat’s pic versus yours….drives me nuts when resellers show you the bracelet stretch while blatantly lying to you. The head of the watch is cranked back to make the sag less noticeable…

[CHRONOLEX]

Looks like a P serial number. I would caution that old style clasp is rather sharp and can be very uncomfortable especially when worn tight. Would advise in favor of a new buckle version.

[joli160]

Not much to worry about, it will not fail any time soon

[csaltphoto]

Honestly? I would send your pic to stretch experts like Rolliworks and see what they think and what the tab might be to restore.

[Njkdog]

Originally Posted by WiseRat

I guess I have a different opinion than the others here about what level of stretch I would accept. OP, I would say that is moderate stretch, not "light". Also, there appears to be something wrong between the 1st and 2nd links: the gap is much larger between those links than the gaps between the other links. Damage perhaps, or bent link pins?

For reference, very light stretch looks like this, from my 18038:

I kinda agree with you, but then again, you have your clasp closed, and he has his open, allowing for more links to show their state

[You]

It's fine, don't worry about it. You will have many years with it.

[Andad]

As WiseRat has demonstrated the wear should be assessed with the watch head vertical.

There is much more than light wear on that bracelet.

The price would have to reflect the condition.

[Incroyable12]

Originally Posted by WiseRat

I guess I have a different opinion than the others here about what level of stretch I would accept. OP, I would say that is moderate stretch, not "light". Also, there appears to be something wrong between the 1st and 2nd links: the gap is much larger between those links than the gaps between the other links. Damage perhaps, or bent link pins?

For reference, very light stretch looks like this, from my 18038:

Interesting. Never noticed that trick before.

[Heartfixer]

Thanks for the tips guys!

[huncho]

Originally Posted by WiseRat

I guess I have a different opinion than the others here about what level of stretch I would accept. OP, I would say that is moderate stretch, not "light". Also, there appears to be something wrong between the 1st and 2nd links: the gap is much larger between those links than the gaps between the other links. Damage perhaps, or bent link pins?

For reference, very light stretch looks like this, from my 18038:

when the clasp is closed it'll show much less stretch

[fskywalker]

Question in my mind is the pricing of the watch, that would help in saying whether it’s a good deal or not based on the bracelet wear, which as said by others is not bad at all.


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[DarthSimon]

How does the stretch look on this 18038?

[Kenny G]

Originally Posted by DarthSimon

How does the stretch look on this 18038?

That’s not too bad at all. You’ve probably got 10-15 years of wear before needing to do much to it as long as you don’t wear it super tight or super loose as that will accelerate stretching going forward.

You could also just have Rolex address it on every service if you never want to have any stretch but there really isn’t any need to do that.