15202 New - Bracelet Quality Issues

[enp1311]

Hi,

I have a question regarding a newly acquired AP 15202. I had an issue with the bracelet (see picture left below, pic1), I had a link that was kind of "stuck" but overall the bracelet was smooth and snugged the wrist (picture right below, pic2)

I just got it back, and now the bracelet is stiff as hell and sits very "stiff" on the wrist (Pic Above, pic3). Does anybody know whether this is softening up? I do not understand how an AP quality standard could be so different. I am almost afraid to wear it as I fear it could bend it even under my cuff if I hit something.

Is this normal? Would be great if anybody could help.

Thanks for your help

[Tomas Eriksson]

Don’t worry, it will soften. It will soften and become a bit rattly after a while...and you will miss the crisp stiffness that it had when it was new.

[Igor01]

In my experience, the 15202 bracelet is very stiff, that was enough of a reason for me to go with 15400 instead. Not sure if it gets any better with wear, the brand new one I tried was very rigid and splayed too much on the sides of my wrist.

[enp1311]

Thanks, what is strange that the first bracelet which was on the watch was buttery smooth and the other one is so stiff, strange that they allow these deviating tolerances in their quality control. At least it is "consistently stiff" ;-).

[jojosnr]

Have you removed the plastic protective sheet ?

[enp1311]

Originally Posted by jojosnr

Have you removed the plastic protective sheet ?

You mean the blue/green thing is supposed to come off ;-)

[P2725TMB]

That doesn't sound right at all, they should be machined and made to a very tight tolerance but be smooth in use. In the third pic the bracelet does hang normally. It might be stating the obvious but you do know the bracelet won't droop below that point, as the links aren't designed to go flat against the case back, like on a Rolex, for instance.

[Tomas Eriksson]

Originally Posted by P2725TMB

That doesn't sound right at all, they should be machined and made to a very tight tolerance but be smooth in use. In the third pic the bracelet does hang normally. It might be stating the obvious but you do know the bracelet won't droop below that point, as the links aren't designed to go flat against the case back, like on a Rolex, for instance.

It won't go flat anytime soon but the "curvature" will change over time as the bracelet get some wear. End of the day, even with the tight tolerances from factory it's metal against metal.

[enp1311]

Originally Posted by Tomas Eriksson

It won't go flat anytime soon but the "curvature" will change over time as the bracelet get some wear. End of the day, even with the tight tolerances from factory it's metal against metal.

Thanks! Nevertheless, I will let them know that I am semi-happy ;-)

[srvrf]

Originally Posted by Tomas Eriksson

It won't go flat anytime soon but the "curvature" will change over time as the bracelet get some wear. End of the day, even with the tight tolerances from factory it's metal against metal.

This seem right to me. I used to own a 28560 and now a 29560 and the curvature of my bracelets were both between the OP's new one (top picture) and old one (lower right picture).

[P2725TMB]

Originally Posted by Tomas Eriksson

It won't go flat anytime soon but the "curvature" will change over time as the bracelet get some wear. End of the day, even with the tight tolerances from factory it's metal against metal.

It's the stiffness I don't understand, I assume the OP means that one link is stiff to move against another. If that is the case I'd find it unacceptable. I fully realise that its metal upon metal, so with use will loosen through physical wear (metal loss), but neither my 26331IP or 15500 have bracelets that stiff from new. Mine aren't 'loose' but still move freely and are very tactile.

[Tomas Eriksson]

Originally Posted by P2725TMB

It's the stiffness I don't understand, I assume the OP means that one link is stiff to move against another. If that is the case I'd find it unacceptable. I fully realise that its metal upon metal, so with use will loosen through physical wear (metal loss), but neither my 26331IP or 15500 have bracelets that stiff from new. Mine aren't 'loose' but still move freely and are very tactile.

Maybe this issue is unacceptable to you but Im missing any kind of advise to remedy the situation.

My cents... The bracelet is welded together and Im fairly sure (99,9%) this doesn't warrant a bracelet replacement.
The fix for the stiff-links in bracelet is almost certainly wiggling it back and forth maybe 50 times. OR JUST WEAR THE DAMN THING
Of course the owner can travel to his nearest boutique and have them do it, but in the process wasting his time and also risking scratches etc...

[benlee]

Strange problem... I don't recall I ever have any issues with AP RO bracelet. Maybe you should bring it back to AP for them to take a look

[P2725TMB]

Originally Posted by benlee

Strange problem... I don't recall I ever have any issues with AP RO bracelet. Maybe you should bring it back to AP for them to take a look

That's what I'd do, Ben, it doesn't sound at all acceptable to me, but Tomas Eriksson seems to think otherwise. I suppose its to what degree the links are 'stiff', but if it's as bad as the OP implies it shouldn't be acceptable at all. Anyway, end of discussion as far as I'm concerned...

[RolexZen]

Mine looks pretty much like Pic 2 (going by your image names, not the order of your pictures in your first post). When it was new, maybe it looked like Pic 3, not sure (have had my Jumbo since last July). Maybe, but I don’t remember it being quite that stiff.

[NOPDK]

1 drop of silicone lubricant at each link with high friction will loosen it right up. You can get silicone lubricant in dropper bottle for bike chains. They also sell silicone lubricant in spray can for garage door wheels. The dropper bottle is best as you can more easily control how much you dispense. Tolerances are tight on RO bracelet and metal on metal friction is causing that. Silicone is safe around gaskets and seals but I'd still try to keep away from head of watch. Wipe down bracelet with soft microfiber along grain to remove any excess.

[othertbone]

Come on boys, best advice is to take it back to the boutique for a fixing!

[Muxi]

Originally Posted by jojosnr

Have you removed the plastic protective sheet ?

This. When I got my RO i thought the bracelet was stiff too until I inwrapped it and it became buttery smooth