Why is bracelet stretch bad?

[gunhose]

I like my 1979 president stretched, very comfy and still very strong ! The fact that my late father put that stretch while wearing every single day is just a bonus!

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by Bulldozer

Not having owned a vintage Rolex, why is bracelet stretch considered bad? Is that a sign of an impending bracelet failure and complete loss of watch?

Well, it can make a watch unwearable. My mother’s ladies president had so much wear and the bracelet stretched out so much it eventually needed to be replaced. So, RSC said we’ll pony up 10 grand and we will give you a new bracelet. So that’s why.

[Kliminator]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Well, it can make a watch unwearable. My mother’s ladies president had so much wear and the bracelet stretched out so much it eventually needed to be replaced. So, RSC said we’ll pony up 10 grand and we will give you a new bracelet. So that’s why.

Send it to an independent if you still have it

[Catatafish]

I don't understand how this even happens. I guess I wear mine rather loosely so it seems to be very little force being applied to any load bearing components.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by Kliminator

Send it to an independent if you still have it

Thanks, taken care of now. But it’s really a shame RSC can’t provide a refurbishing of the bracelet.


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[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Thanks, taken care of now. But it’s really a shame RSC can’t provide a refurbishing of the bracelet.


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RSC's M.O. is to replace worn or broken with new. They simply don't have the time nor specialty to completely disassemble a bracelet link by link and rebuild it with new pins, laser weld in metal that has eroded away and reassemble. There are independent businesses that do perform this type of service though. There is Michael Young in H.K. and Rolliworks in California.

[123Blueface]

Originally Posted by Catatafish

I don't understand how this even happens. I guess I wear mine rather loosely so it seems to be very little force being applied to any load bearing components.

Actually, in my dad’s case, that’s what caused it.
If fitted firmly on wrist, less chance of stretch due to wrist movement.

[scubadds]

I would think it would wear "sloppy" or move around laterally more?

[hongkongrr]

Originally Posted by SubMarine

I dunno, why is loose underwear bad?

This cracked me up so bad.

[Calatrava r]

Who says it is bad. As long as the bracelet stays together the condition adds comfort and a soft casual look from years of its intended use. Akin to the nice patina gold takes on over the years which many people would never polish to a like new shine. They love the look of years of wear.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

RSC's M.O. is to replace worn or broken with new. They simply don't have the time nor specialty to completely disassemble a bracelet link by link and rebuild it with new pins, laser weld in metal that has eroded away and reassemble. There are independent businesses that do perform this type of service though. There is Michael Young in H.K. and Rolliworks in California.

Actually Rolex says, in their advertising for service, they do completely take apart the bracelet and replace any worn pieces.

[Likestheshiny]

I find stretched bracelets floppy and less comfortable. You can "correct" it to a degree by removing links and wearing the bracelet very tight, but that still doesn't restore the original feel. And if you're one to wear your watches a little loose, the extra horizontal play on a stretched bracelet makes the whole thing wiggle around in a way that certainly doesn't scream "luxury product."

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Actually Rolex says, in their advertising for service, they do completely take apart the bracelet and replace any worn pieces.

Rolex claims a lot of stuff.

[Ssunnylee24]

my U serial SD bracelet has a minor stretch, it still works and reliable.
However, coming from wearing a new 6 digit bracelet, I just wish it was as sturdy/tight.
Do I "need" to get it repaired? no do I "want" to get it repaired? yes, why not..

[Onikage]

They can look like rotten teeth when visible parts of the links wear away.. That's bad.

[Kliminator]

Bracelet stretch on the day date 40 is supposed to be must less likely due to the ceramic sleeves. The wear/tear/stretch comes from dirt, grit, grime that builds up and wears down the parts due to metal on metal. The ceramic sleeves are supposed to prevent that metal on metal contact.

Since it's relatively new - we'll have to see how these bracelets look in a decade or two :)

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Actually Rolex says, in their advertising for service, they do completely take apart the bracelet and replace any worn pieces.

Wrong. Show it to me in writing. They take the bracelet off the case and basically clean it ultrasonically then refinish it. As far as disassembling all the links by separating them from the permanent pins your statement has me baffled. If this were true Michael Young or Rolliworks would have no bracelet restoration work.

[Bizcut1]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

Wrong. Show it to me in writing. They take the bracelet off the case and basically clean it ultrasonically then refinish it. As far as disassembling all the links by separating them from the permanent pins your statement has me baffled. If this were true Michael Young or Rolliworks would have no bracelet restoration work.

^^^ This ^^^.

It's specialized work and these are two of the best and most well-known.

Just be prepared to wait. Six weeks from Rolliworks.

Ben

[sillo]

Originally Posted by Catatafish

I don't understand how this even happens. I guess I wear mine rather loosely so it seems to be very little force being applied to any load bearing components.

Friction between the pins and links caused by the bracelet moving around is how it happens. Wearing it loose actually seems to accelerate this.

Wearing it tight isn't going to cause more wear because the wear isn't from a tensile force.

OP here's another good thread on bracelet wear

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=89630

[Catatafish]

Originally Posted by sillo38

Friction between the pins and links caused by the bracelet moving around is how it happens. Wearing it loose actually seems to accelerate this.

Wearing it tight isn't going to cause more wear because the wear isn't from a tensile force.

OP here's another good thread on bracelet wear

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=89630

Good explanation.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by SubMarine

I dunno, why is loose underwear bad?

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by ocN55

Also a stretched bracelet can be an expensive repair... $300-500

Compared to the price of a new bracelet $300-$500 is just a song.

[T.Mas]

Originally Posted by sillo38

Friction between the pins and links caused by the bracelet moving around is how it happens. Wearing it loose actually seems to accelerate this.

Wearing it tight isn't going to cause more wear because the wear isn't from a tensile force.

OP here's another good thread on bracelet wear

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=89630

This is great info! It doesn’t address possibly the biggest reason for jubilee band stretch though, the deformation of the hollow center links. As the round shape becomes more oval through pressure when wearing, the band slowly becomes larger with more space between each link.

[Bizcut1]

Stretch marks are always fugly...

[Fat_ninja]

Originally Posted by Wcdhtwn

Well now that it’s been brought up, how tight is underwear supposed to be?

It needs to provide support... but not overly restrictive... that’s what my skinny jeans are for

[Jim_Bob_Jumpback]

To me, it indicated a poorly maintained watch. I've worn my 16750 almost daily for 15 years, and barely have any stretch. I rinse it out regularly with a little soap, and now have an ultrasonic cleaner that I use on the bracelet only.