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Old 22 March 2011, 02:44 AM   #1
Brettno1
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How much stretch is too much?

From what I've read, bracelets with gold links tend to stretch over time. This affects the value of the watch. At what point does the stretch require the bracelet to be replaced? Is there a certain number of milimeters?
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Old 22 March 2011, 03:13 AM   #2
Puffy
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Don't think there's a certain number of mms, but i don't think anyone out there likes too much stretch.

Some stretch can be very comfortable. I'm wearing a GMT on an Oyster and the bracelet has just the right amount of stretch so it's snug and comfy
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Old 22 March 2011, 04:29 AM   #3
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In my opinion, compared to when a bracelet is new and properly fitted to your wrist, when you have to remove a link in order for the bracelet to still fit properly, it is stretched, but probably safe to continue to wear. If you have to remove two links, then it is stretched too much.
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Old 22 March 2011, 04:41 AM   #4
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Old 22 March 2011, 04:46 AM   #5
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I have a question on this stretch issue. If it stretches to much, do you just remove a link, or does it still sag a bit, and save it and have it as part of the sale if you wanna sell the watch?

Or do you buy a new bracelet and if you do, does it devalue the watch with a new bracelet, even though you include the old bracelet with the sale?

I have GMT II 2001 model and there is a slight slag when you hold it up.

Thanks
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Old 22 March 2011, 04:55 AM   #6
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I think its up to the wearer. What feels like too much stretch for one person might be just enough for another.
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Old 22 March 2011, 07:32 AM   #7
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"Stretch" is a wrong term for the phenomenon imho...

What happens isn't "stretching" but wear to the pins and surrounding links due to dirt and grime assembling there, acting as "sandpaper", grinding the metal away and thus giving more space between the links...

The law of gravitity plays a role, too... so if you wear your watch very loosely on the wrist, it's potentially more prone to "stretching" (i.e.: wear) simply because of the law of gravity that makes the watch case "pull" on the bracelet..

Some bracelets, especially the TT and solid gold OLD-style Jubilee bracelets tend to wear down more quickly, but it still takes a LOT to make them unsafe to wear. One should check the pins / links regularly AND be sure to wash the bracelet and watch in lukewarm water, using mild liquid soap... some also use a toothbrush between the links...

Here's a thread about wear and tear to the bracelet aka "stretch":

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...hlight=stretch
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Old 22 March 2011, 07:55 AM   #8
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I wouldn't worry unless you can slide it over your hand ;) I honestly can't see it even occuring unless the bracelet is constantly heavily soiled and unwashed. Ew :D
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Old 22 March 2011, 08:44 AM   #9
wehttaM
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Too much stretch is when you can flip the band over the head a few times with it still attached.
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Old 22 March 2011, 08:57 AM   #10
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To me, the main concern with "stretch" is the fact that it indicates wear. The worst stretch I've ever seen has been with jubilees and mainly tt. If a link in a jubilee completely fails, you still have others holding the bracelet together. So-- you aren't about to lose your watch, and stretch becomes a matter of personal preference.
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Old 22 March 2011, 05:20 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wehttaM View Post
Too much stretch is when you can flip the band over the head a few times with it still attached.
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Old 22 March 2011, 05:28 PM   #12
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Well, Well, Bo's back.
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