bracelet stretch

[aria]

i have seen lots of adverts stating there is or isn't stretch on the bracelets of pre owned watches for sale.
could somebody please explain what this means and any problems that arise by a bracelet being stretched.

many thanks.

navichas

[Tools]

Stretching is somewhat misused.. Bracelets don't really "stretch" until they are about to fail dramatically..

Stretch is usually "wear". Grit and debris gets into the crevices and causes a grinding paste that wears the metal pins and tubes through which the pins ride. This wear makes everything looser and thinner.. Eventually, the tubes can become so thin that they do stretch, crack, and fail.

Also, a loosely worn bracelet will "hammer" the metal parts together causing more wear and damage..

Some wear is expected of used watches.. How much you can tolerate is a personal thing.. ..

[azguy]

when the bracelet makes a 90 degree truna dn the clasp points at the floor, it's badly stretched.

A badly stretched bracelet, is uncomfortable and sloppy to wear...

[boogiebot]

so in the case where the pins get dirty and "stretch" will rolex replace them for the owner? or does the owner have to get a whole new bracelet?

[ecsub44]

Originally Posted by boogiebot

so in the case where the pins get dirty and "stretch" will rolex replace them for the owner? or does the owner have to get a whole new bracelet?

That's like expecting Audi to replace your tires after a few years of hard driving and "burning rubber". They surely don't...unless there is some kind of MFG flaw.

[JohnBoy]

Originally Posted by boogiebot

so in the case where the pins get dirty and "stretch" will rolex replace them for the owner? or does the owner have to get a whole new bracelet?

Sure! Rolex will be happy to replace the bracelet for a huge price! Alternately, you can replace it yourself with a less-used bracelet for 50-75% huge price. Or, you can shop around for 'pieces' and try to reassemble your own. The latter exercise is sorta fun if you have the tools and aptitude. But, its a lot better to keep the bracelet you have clean with a weekly washing. There are postings all over this forum for good cleaning methods. Good luck!

[boogiebot]

Originally Posted by ecsub44

That's like expecting Audi to replace your tires after a few years of hard driving and "burning rubber". They surely don't...unless there is some kind of MFG flaw.

ok fair enough, valid point. but can a person buy the pins from Rolex? i mean afterall you can buy brake pads from Audi

[dieseldragon]

Originally Posted by boogiebot

ok fair enough, valid point. but can a person buy the pins from Rolex? i mean afterall you can buy brake pads from Audi

No, the pins that hold the links together are not available separately

[boogiebot]

Originally Posted by dieseldragon

No, the pins that hold the links together are not available separately

thanks Ian

[rmfnla]

The bracelet can be rebuilt, however.

There are several people who specialize in this; do a search!