2 Questions: Stretch and Micro adjustment

[glimmer]

Hi everyone,

I had two questions and figured that it would be prudent to fit it into one thread.

Anyhow I have just recently come into ownership of a DJ with Jubilee bracelet and an Explorer II with the Oyster bracelet.

With the Jubilee I found that there is a little bit of what I have found to be called "Stretch," but was wondering what are the causes of this (aside from wear and tear) and what can be done to try and prevent it from happening.

On the Oyster my question is more on the micro adjustment that can be done on the clasp. What is the equivalent in link removal of one notch adjustment? Is it a "half" link?

Any comments would be much appreciated...thanks.

[Colnago]

"Stretch" is a common enough term for what I refer to as "elongation due to wear"....that's all it is, plain and simple......the metals (including Gold) Rolex use in their bracelets do not stretch.....best way to avoid this it to keep the bracelet clean using warm water and dishwashing liquid (not bar soap as this leaves a residue which dirt can stick to)....by keeping it clean you avoid grime and grit getting in between the rubbing surfaces on the bracelet.....grit and grime act as a rubbing compound and cause the wear in "elongation due to wear"

I would think one micro hole in an Oyster bracelet is around one third of a link as far as adjustment goes....

[glimmer]

Originally Posted by Colnago

"Stretch" is a common enough term for what I refer to as "elongation due to wear"....that's all it is, plain and simple......the metals (including Gold) Rolex use in their bracelets do not stretch.....best way to avoid this it to keep the bracelet clean using warm water and dishwashing liquid (not bar soap as this leaves a residue which dirt can stick to)....by keeping it clean you avoid grime and grit getting in between the rubbing surfaces on the bracelet.....grit and grime act as a rubbing compound and cause the wear in "elongation due to wear"

I would think one micro hole in an Oyster bracelet is around one third of a link as far as adjustment goes....

Thanks Bill...if the metals don't stretch, can I say that the pins keeping them together (I assume there are pins) are the ones that stretch/elongate?

[ParisDakarBmw]

First band stretch has several factors to address. First is a bracelet fitted too loosley. This adds extra movement between parts to make them thinner. This leads to stretch. Make sure the watch is in the tightest position that your comfortable with.

Second factor to address with bracelet stretch is dirt, and dead skin inside the parts. Most of us use a soft toothbrush, and a mild hand soap, or dishsoap in warm water. Make sure the watch is water tight, and cover it with soap. Gently brush the entire watch, paying close attention to the grooves betwwen the links. Dry the watch with an old t-shirt and you've just removed planty of stuff that wears out the inside od the bracelet. Take it to a jewelry store for a ultrasonic cleaning of the bracelet only. That will remove the other hidden gunk.

As for the sizing. The idea is to use the fewest links to fit your wrist comfortably. For example my watch has 5 links on the 6 o'clock side, the 12 olclock side will always be even or hold the odd link. If you need to take a link off, it would be from the odd number on the 12 oclock side. Start by placing your fine clasp attacments in the outermost position. put the watch on, and snap the buckle.If you need more make the numbers even on each side, or the extra on the 12 oclock side. after you hace it close use the fine adjustments to ger it perferct. No need to have an extra link gaining wear and tear for nothing. Yout watch should fit fine.

[glimmer]

Originally Posted by ParisDakarBmw

First band stretch has several factors to address. First is a bracelet fitted too loosley. This adds extra movement between parts to make them thinner. This leads to stretch. Make sure the watch is in the tightest position that your comfortable with.

Second factor to address with bracelet stretch is dirt, and dead skin inside the parts. Most of us use a soft toothbrush, and a mild hand soap, or dishsoap in warm water. Make sure the watch is water tight, and cover it with soap. Gently brush the entire watch, paying close attention to the grooves betwwen the links. Dry the watch with an old t-shirt and you've just removed planty of stuff that wears out the inside od the bracelet. Take it to a jewelry store for a ultrasonic cleaning of the bracelet only. That will remove the other hidden gunk.

As for the sizing. The idea is to use the fewest links to fit your wrist comfortably. For example my watch has 5 links on the 6 o'clock side, the 12 olclock side will always be even or hold the odd link. If you need to take a link off, it would be from the odd number on the 12 oclock side. Start by placing your fine clasp attacments in the outermost position. put the watch on, and snap the buckle.If you need more make the numbers even on each side, or the extra on the 12 oclock side. after you hace it close use the fine adjustments to ger it perferct. No need to have an extra link gaining wear and tear for nothing. Yout watch should fit fine.

Thanks, I appreciate the inputs!

[Colnago]

Originally Posted by glimmer

Thanks Bill...if the metals don't stretch, can I say that the pins keeping them together (I assume there are pins) are the ones that stretch/elongate?

No......none of the materials stretch....they all just wear....the pins wear where they contact the links......the links wear where they contact the pins....steel pins in TT bracelets tend to wear the Gold centre links quicker than they would steel ones....TT bracelets can therefore display signs of wear sooner

[glimmer]

Originally Posted by Colnago

No......none of the materials stretch....they all just wear....the pins wear where they contact the links......the links wear where they contact the pins....steel pins in TT bracelets tend to wear the Gold centre links quicker than they would steel ones....TT bracelets can therefore display signs of wear sooner

I got the idea...thanks again!

[sellingblackbird]

Is there a point at which you need to worry about stretch? For example can a bracelet stretch so much that is will break?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by sellingblackbird

Is there a point at which you need to worry about stretch? For example can a bracelet stretch so much that is will break?

Yes... the edges of the inner link become so thin that they crack and the pin can literally tear right through the link....

[achova]

Anther item to consider is that a worn bracelet can lead to case-wear. Orchi has a nice pictorial on the matter here: http://orchipalar.blogspot.com/2010/...haps-this.html

Photos of a Tudor Sub I once knew. Lugs worn due to a heavily worn Rolex U.S.A C+I Jubilee.

[gene74]

can stretch be corrected?

[glimmer]

Lots of great replies, very informative...

[Dr. Robert]

You know as we all get older we'll all suffer from a little stretch here & there....no biggie.