Bracelet stretch question -platinum

[stockjock1975]

Hello everyone here at TRF! Every so often we see threads pop up addressing the topic of bracelet stretch on their rolex. Unfortunately, it seems to be an inevitable occurrence over time. But this got me thinking about the potential for this stretch to occur at different rates based on the weight difference of different models. In other words, is will the weight of a solid gold GMT cause bracelet stretch at a quicker rate than it would for a SS piece? Taking this thesis one step further, will full platinum models exhibit stretch at a quicker rate than gold or SS pieces?

Anyway, this question is more out of curiosity than anything, but I was interested in getting all your thoughts on the topic.

[520lux]

Im not sure about platinum but it seems like if you get a solid link band it should prevent the stretching. When they have the hollow center links from what I am guessing this is where the stretch is happening.

I have another watch that I purchased an upgraded solid link band and I am not seeing the stretching…

So my thoughts are solid steel, solid platinum solid gold should really help with stretching issues.

[Abdullah71601]

I think the stretch on solid links is due to the holes wallowing out and the pins wearing down. The softness of the material is the rate limiting step, assuming the watch is cleaned regularly and worn with the same fit.

If the bracelet is tighter against your wrist, the weight shouldn't play a significant role.

[watchwatcher]

Yeah...as long as you wear with the proper fit and keep clean, it will be fine.

[Sublover2166]

All of the new style solid center link bracelets will last for many years if you wear it properly fitted and not sloppy loose and keep it clean on a regular basis regardless of metal type.

[tkerrmd]

Newer platinum bracelet links have ceramic sleeves between pin and bracelet link to prevent wear

[mikeylacroix]

a few watchmakers have mentioned its the loose wearing+jiggling that wears it out fast leading to link stretch

[hunterp27]

It's my opinion (save all the opinion jokes) that the primary reason the bands stretch is poor fit. Anytime there's too much play, you are allowing the (insert material here) to work against itself and ultimately wear out especially if dirty with skin oils, dirt and grime. Its physics at the most basic level. Sure, the softer the material the quicker the wear, but if fitted properly its will outlast you or your desire to own it. Just an opinion.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Newer platinum bracelet links have ceramic sleeves between pin and bracelet link to prevent wear

Good to know doc more platinum for you after all that work at the track

[Rogdogg]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Newer platinum bracelet links have ceramic sleeves between pin and bracelet link to prevent wear

This was a fantastic upgrade, particularly for the Platinum. Am I right in thinking that the new DD40 has this new feature of ceramic sleeves also?

[diracpoint]

Gold sky dwellers have ceramic sleeves as well,

[520lux]

I just learned something new today!! I never really liked my watches a little big,, I am claustrophobic and for some reason it bothers me if its real tight but with my new purchase perhaps I should try to get use to a little tighter feeling as not to stretch out my band.

Glad I checked out this thread. I always figured hollow center links just over time streched regardless of fitment.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Sublover2166

All of the new style solid center link bracelets will last for many years if you wear it properly fitted and not sloppy loose and keep it clean on a regular basis regardless of metal type.

That would apply to any Rolex bracelet made over the past 50 years,in today's world this Internet term "hollow link" is a complete and utter misnomer all it means in the real world, is simply this. All the links are made from heavy solid gold, platinum, or solid S.steel tubing and then formed into shape in a press. This leaves a void in the center, just like any other piece of tube,however, the tubes are still made from solid 18Ct gold/Platinum or solid SS.

While the newer so called solid link bracelet might feel more substantial the newer type or so called solid links are still machined but they are machined with holes drilled right through the metal. So in the real world they are as well technically hollow but not to the same extent as the older type.And in every day wearing would doubt if any real difference in strength or longevity of life as long as you keep them clean. That's the simple answer in the life of any Rolex oyster bracelet keep it clean and they will last 20-30 years or very much longer.Plus wearing bracelet a snug fit just above the wrist bone and what snug fit means so you can get the tip of pinky finger just under the clasp.

Some of my watches were used and often abused as proper tool watches for years yet they show no sign of so called stretch or wear, yes they are scratched but that's all and now 25 years plus old.Even the older type Oyster bracelets have been stress tested and will take 525 lbs pressure before breaking and that's enough to seriously damage your wrist.

[Mr DateJust]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Newer platinum bracelet links have ceramic sleeves between pin and bracelet link to prevent wear

Does the 36mm DD platinum have the ceramic sleeves also? I thought it was only the DD40 and DDII? However someone also mentioned the sky dweller has them.

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Newer platinum bracelet links have ceramic sleeves between pin and bracelet link to prevent wear

The newer gold AND platinum oyster bracelets have ceramic sleeves. The new DD40 will also have them. This is covered in issue 4 of Rolex magazine. It also goes into the oils used for lubrication. Very interesting read.

[THC]

Great tutorial Peter... Thanks

[Matt Montana]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Yeah...as long as you wear with the proper fit and keep clean, it will be fine.

x2

[kilyung]

Platinum DD2 also uses the sleeves.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Good to know doc more platinum for you after all that work at the track

Originally Posted by Rogdogg

This was a fantastic upgrade, particularly for the Platinum. Am I right in thinking that the new DD40 has this new feature of ceramic sleeves also?

yup

[diracpoint]

ceramic sleeves in gold sky dweller oyster bracelet ...

[eltonbalch]

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

The newer gold AND platinum oyster bracelets have ceramic sleeves. The new DD40 will also have them. This is covered in issue 4 of Rolex magazine. It also goes into the oils used for lubrication. Very interesting read.

Are there also ceramic sleeves in bracelets with gold center links? I will likely never own a solid gold or platinum piece but I may consider a TT blue Sub. Is that too far down the food chain for ceramic center links?

[locutus49]

This is truth:

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Newer platinum bracelet links have ceramic sleeves between pin and bracelet link to prevent wear

[locutus49]

As far as I know, it does not apply to TT yet.

Originally Posted by eltonbalch

Are there also ceramic sleeves in bracelets with gold center links? I will likely never own a solid gold or platinum piece but I may consider a TT blue Sub. Is that too far down the food chain for ceramic center links?

[Etschell]

the best part about bracelet stretch is rolex last long enough to encounter it.