How bad is my bracelet stretch?

[Michael M.]

The stretch doesn't look to major.

[wehttaM]

Like the majority of the other people have said, your bracelet has a little stretch, but it's not too bad!

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by isampark

I will duly clean my watch from now on!

By the way, how bad the stretch has to be before RSC gives you the ultimatum and recommend exchange of bracelet? <- and how much does a new 93250 oyster bracelet cost?

The stretch on yours is pretty minor, IMO. You could easily get another 20-30 years out of that bracelet.

[gwozhog]

Gotta love them hollow links

[isampark]

Thanks everyone!

I am dropping mine off at RSC tomorrow, and now I can sleep easier tonight knowing they will not frown upon the condition of the bracelet

[Puffy]

Not too bad, seen a lot worse. it's what i'd call a comfy stretch...

[ExpII]

Originally Posted by isampark

Thanks Adam,

I am waiting for my Veraet cleaning kit I bought last week, but it looks like it will take some time, so I will clean my watch using soap water this weekend.

That stuff is fantastic, I love it.

[Dan Pierce]

Stretched? no. Broke in? Yes. Proper fit [lightly snug] and a regular cleaning schedule will keep it as is for decades to come.
dP

[Dweller of the Sea]

The stretching isn´t very bad, plent of milage left.
In the links with screws, you can replace the screws with new ones, that takes some of the stretch.

[RolexPete32]

Originally Posted by Tools

If you get a loupe and look at where the link-bars are, you can get a good idea of it's wear. They don't actually stretch, but the bars wear away grooves in the links.. Yours really isn't too bad at all. There is movement there and always some wiggle..

Here is one of my links from an older (by just a couple of years) T serial.

You can see that there is some wear, but minimal. This is what you are looking for..

So it is not in fact the pins that bend or as some people call it stretch? But the pins wear away the metal causing groves in it?

Some people think the new solid middle links will solve the problem? Do you think so?

[Hansch99]

Originally Posted by RolexPete32

So it is not in fact the pins that bend or as some people call it stretch? But the pins wear away the metal causing groves in it?

Some people think the new solid middle links will solve the problem? Do you think so?

I've got some stretch in my solid-linked Omega bracelets, so I think the new Rolex bracelets won't be immune even with the solid links.

[buke45]

It's wear not stretch!!

[conrail]

Originally Posted by s14roller

My Sub is pretty mint as it's a weekend watch, but I normally keep it away from water (washing included).

Why do you keep a Submariner away from water!?

[rkim11]

I use a steam gun that has alot of pressure behind it..this is okay right? Seems to get really clean.

[jnkay]

Fantastic photo Larry. You have truly advanced my understanding of the issue.

[jimchan]

Will watch your watch too tight caused stretching?

[lakeros]

If the bracelet "stretch" is giving you the willies may I suggest switching out to a nato band or the like. Many pictures on here if you want to know what it would look like.

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by s14roller

My Sub is pretty mint as it's a weekend watch, but I normally keep it away from water (washing included).

Would washing it/keeping it cleaner help against stretch? I would have thought metal stretching was more due to how much it's worn, and not so much how dirty it is?

Ewwwww I bet that Sub must smell pretty 'ripe" by now not to mention all the "watch wax" in those links grinding them up

[calibre1]

Originally Posted by MortgageGuy

Yup there is a bit of "stretch" there but I for one dont think it looks bad at all. Looks pretty comfy the best way to avoid this is to keep the bracelet clean, perhaps wash it in warm soapy water once a week or so and use a soft toothbrush to insure you get all the dirt out, this will eliminate any future "stretching"

Interesting read!!

I wonder if the "soft" bristle toothbrush would cause some scratches on the bracelet if used repeatedly?

Thanks!