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p_mcgee · 4 December 2010, 01:00 AM

Does anybody have a picture or 2 that illustrate what is meant by "stretch" on an Oyster bracelet? I've looked at many pre-owned Rolex GMTs and have been having difficulty telling the difference between a stretched bracelet and a tight bracelet. I'm visiting another watch store tonight & hope to be a little more prepared.

I tried to do a thread search on this topic, but most of the posts I found were debates about whether stretch is good or bad.

Thanks in advance!

007Willster · 4 December 2010, 01:13 AM

Stretch:

My wife's 1986 18K/SS Ladies Datejust

No Stretch:

My 2009 SS Daytona

The bracelet gets worn from dirt grinding in the links. Trust me that my wife's watch never gets cleaned unless I do it.

.

enronforme · 4 December 2010, 02:31 AM

yep, that's what I'd call stretch!

xtra3cats · 4 December 2010, 03:28 AM

Happens to guys too!

Dan Pierce · 4 December 2010, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtra3cats

Happens to guys too!

It can be kept to a minimum or completely eliminated by wearing your watch on the snug side and cleaned on a regular basis.
dP

Frogman4me · 4 December 2010, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan pierce

it can be kept to a minimum or completely eliminated by wearing your watch on the snug side and cleaned on a regular basis.
Dp

+1

Randy9999 · 4 December 2010, 04:00 AM

There's good old Oxydol...

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padi56 · 4 December 2010, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

It can be kept to a minimum or completely eliminated by wearing your watch on the snug side and cleaned on a regular basis.
dP

Have to agree Dan my oyster bracelets are as good as new 20 plus years old.

Ck8 · 4 December 2010, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 007Willster

Stretch:

My wife's 1986 18K/SS Ladies Datejust

No Stretch:

My 2009 SS Daytona

The bracelet gets worn from dirt grinding in the links. Trust me that my wife's watch never gets cleaned unless I do it.

.

How often do you clean your Daytona bracelet and what with? I use hand soap and a toothbrush on the inside of the bracelet due to PCL.

SaddleSC · 4 December 2010, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 007Willster

Stretch:

My wife's 1986 18K/SS Ladies Datejust

No Stretch:

My 2009 SS Daytona

The bracelet gets worn from dirt grinding in the links. Trust me that my wife's watch never gets cleaned unless I do it.

.

I will bet your wife's watch is super comfy though! I have a little stretch in my 20-year old 16613 and it makes the watch conform to my arm perfectly. Not all bad if you ask me.

smartson · 4 December 2010, 06:59 AM

Here is another example from an 80's jubilee. I have been thinking about sending to HK to tighten it.

However, the old jubliee bracelet seems to have the gap between links as part of the design, I just don't see how it can be tightened. I love to see pics of an non-stretch old style jubliee.
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007Willster · 4 December 2010, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtra3cats

Happens to guys too!

True enough! It just happen to be the worst one I had available. My 1989 Seamaster Professional 200M is about half way between the two...

007Willster · 4 December 2010, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ck8

How often do you clean your Daytona bracelet and what with? I use hand soap and a toothbrush on the inside of the bracelet due to PCL.

I usually wear a watch for a week at a time. I use a tooth brush, plain clear dish soap, and warm water when I take it off to change out watches. Dry it off with micro fiber and blow any remaining water out of the clasp or bracelet. Now it's ready for next time.

I neither abuse or pamper my watches when I wear them, but I always clean them up when I change.

Also, agree with Dan about wearing them loose. My wife wears hers at max loose! The first time I washed hers the water was black!

007Willster · 4 December 2010, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaddleSC

I will bet your wife's watch is super comfy though! I have a little stretch in my 20-year old 16613 and it makes the watch conform to my arm perfectly. Not all bad if you ask me.

HA! She wouldn't have it any other way. I say you should wear it like you want.

Cannop · 4 December 2010, 09:33 AM

As most of you are aware the biggest cause of wear or "stretch" in a bracelet is dust, dirt and grime working it's way in between the pins and the links and acting as an abrasive. To combat this get an ultrasonic cleaning bath. I got myself this ultrasonic cleaning bath from here and it does a fantastic job. Remove your bracelet, pop it in the basket, bung in some water and cleaning solution, switch it on and let it do it's thing. Your bracelets will come out looking like new and more importantly all the crud that gets between the pins and the links that causes the wear and "stretch" gets completely removed. Do it three or four times a year to keep wear at bay. When you think what our watches cost a hundred quid or a hundred and fifty bucks is a drop in the ocean. There are cheaper models that will do the same job but I wanted one that would take a carburettor!

Ck8 · 4 December 2010, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 007Willster

I usually wear a watch for a week at a time. I use a tooth brush, plain clear dish soap, and warm water when I take it off to change out watches. Dry it off with micro fiber and blow any remaining water out of the clasp or bracelet. Now it's ready for next time.

I neither abuse or pamper my watches when I wear them, but I always clean them up when I change.

Also, agree with Dan about wearing them loose. My wife wears hers at max loose! The first time I washed hers the water was black!

I still don't quite understand why wearing your watch loose would be more prone to stretch than snug. Surely if the cause of stretch is due to dirt between the links and pins both ways of wearing the watch would attract the same exposure to dirt?

BarkMaster · 4 December 2010, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ck8

I still don't quite understand why wearing your watch loose would be more prone to stretch than snug. Surely if the cause of stretch is due to dirt between the links and pins both ways of wearing the watch would attract the same exposure to dirt?

The links move more. More wear and tear.

George Ab · 4 December 2010, 10:33 AM

This is an oyster with moderate stretch.

What makes it so surprising is it an F Series - less than 7 year old watch. Note the black residue between the links, one of the signs that the watch was quite dirty.

For comparison, I also provided a similar age Explorer II F Series with no stretch.

Submarino · 4 December 2010, 11:08 AM

Nice examples George.

p_mcgee · 4 December 2010, 12:24 PM

Thanks for the info. I ended up at the jewelry store turning a bunch of their watches sideways like in these pictures. The guy looked at me a little funny but was happy when I agreed to buy a K series GMT (with a tight bracelet).

BarkMaster · 4 December 2010, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p_mcgee

Thanks for the info. I ended up at the jewelry store turning a bunch of their watches sideways like in these pictures. The guy looked at me a little funny but was happy when I agreed to buy a K series GMT (with a tight bracelet).

Funny story and good show!

heylerds · 4 December 2010, 01:59 PM

Here's my approximately 28 yr old Sub, enjoyed daily and seldom cleaned.

exchange83 · 4 December 2010, 02:24 PM

Those are some great examples. Thanks for sharing.

Dan Pierce · 4 December 2010, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p_mcgee

Thanks for the info. I ended up at the jewelry store turning a bunch of their watches sideways like in these pictures. The guy looked at me a little funny but was happy when I agreed to buy a K series GMT (with a tight bracelet).

K series, solid end links and lug holes. A perfect combination.

dP

007Willster · 5 December 2010, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p_mcgee

Thanks for the info. I ended up at the jewelry store turning a bunch of their watches sideways like in these pictures. The guy looked at me a little funny but was happy when I agreed to buy a K series GMT (with a tight bracelet).

Good job, enjoy!

Chipmunk · 5 December 2010, 04:05 AM

Stretch............what are we talking about again?

Just keep it cleaned.

youngr · 5 December 2010, 06:42 AM

Thanks for the pics

Randy9999 · 5 December 2010, 06:54 AM

The younger the watch, the stiffer the bracelet.

Rags · 5 December 2010, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 007Willster

Stretch:

My wife's 1986 18K/SS Ladies Datejust

No Stretch:

My 2009 SS Daytona

The bracelet gets worn from dirt grinding in the links. Trust me that my wife's watch never gets cleaned unless I do it.

.

Wow that DJ has what I call stretch....

4 December 2010, 01:00 AM	#1
p_mcgee "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 2,150	stretch Does anybody have a picture or 2 that illustrate what is meant by "stretch" on an Oyster bracelet? I've looked at many pre-owned Rolex GMTs and have been having difficulty telling the difference between a stretched bracelet and a tight bracelet. I'm visiting another watch store tonight & hope to be a little more prepared. I tried to do a thread search on this topic, but most of the posts I found were debates about whether stretch is good or bad. Thanks in advance!

4 December 2010, 01:13 AM	#2
007Willster "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Mike Location: Nashville, TN Watch: 116520 Posts: 127	Stretch: My wife's 1986 18K/SS Ladies Datejust No Stretch: My 2009 SS Daytona The bracelet gets worn from dirt grinding in the links. Trust me that my wife's watch never gets cleaned unless I do it. . __________________ STOC: Rolex SS WD Daytona, Rolex SS Submariner Date, Rolex SS Submariner, Ω De Ville Hour Vision, Ω Speedy Pro Sa, Ω De Ville Co-Axial SSec, Ω PO 45.5mm 600M Co-Axial,Ω SMP 300M Diver Chrono, Ω SMP 200M Quartz, Panerai Radiomir Black Seal, Breitling Navitimer, Sinn 356 Flieger Sa, TAG Heuer Aquaracer Calibre 5, Citizen Blue Angels Skyhawk.

4 December 2010, 02:31 AM	#3
enronforme "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Real Name: bob j Location: toledo, usa Watch: Love 'em all Posts: 525	yep, that's what I'd call stretch! __________________ 16610 Sub Date; 16570 Explorer ll (polar); GO Sport Evo; GP Seahawk ll; Tudor Hydronaut ll; Oris F1 Williams Chrono...

4 December 2010, 09:33 AM	#15
Cannop "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Duncan Location: UK Watch: Lots Posts: 443	As most of you are aware the biggest cause of wear or "stretch" in a bracelet is dust, dirt and grime working it's way in between the pins and the links and acting as an abrasive. To combat this get an ultrasonic cleaning bath. I got myself this ultrasonic cleaning bath from here and it does a fantastic job. Remove your bracelet, pop it in the basket, bung in some water and cleaning solution, switch it on and let it do it's thing. Your bracelets will come out looking like new and more importantly all the crud that gets between the pins and the links that causes the wear and "stretch" gets completely removed. Do it three or four times a year to keep wear at bay. When you think what our watches cost a hundred quid or a hundred and fifty bucks is a drop in the ocean. There are cheaper models that will do the same job but I wanted one that would take a carburettor! __________________ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten" - Sir Henry Royce (1863 -1933) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

4 December 2010, 10:33 AM	#18
George Ab "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: George Location: Seattle Watch: One of Them Posts: 6,924	This is an oyster with moderate stretch. What makes it so surprising is it an F Series - less than 7 year old watch. Note the black residue between the links, one of the signs that the watch was quite dirty. For comparison, I also provided a similar age Explorer II F Series with no stretch. Attached Images

4 December 2010, 03:28 AM	#4
xtra3cats Banned Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: United States Posts: 931	Happens to guys too!

4 December 2010, 04:00 AM	#7
Randy9999 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Randy Location: USA Watch: red 1680; 6542 Posts: 557	There's good old Oxydol...

4 December 2010, 06:59 AM	#11
smartson "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Roger Location: Toronto Posts: 604	Here is another example from an 80's jubilee. I have been thinking about sending to HK to tighten it. However, the old jubliee bracelet seems to have the gap between links as part of the design, I just don't see how it can be tightened. I love to see pics of an non-stretch old style jubliee.

4 December 2010, 11:08 AM	#19
Submarino "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Mr. H Location: Dallas Watch: them for me! Posts: 7,180	Nice examples George. __________________ WATCHES ARE THE NEW CURRENCY!/ MEMBER 27491/OFFICIALLY DESIGNATED OLD TIMER /AP OWNERS CLUB MEMBER Instagram @watchcollectinglifestyle

4 December 2010, 12:24 PM	#20
p_mcgee "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 2,150	Thanks for the info. I ended up at the jewelry store turning a bunch of their watches sideways like in these pictures. The guy looked at me a little funny but was happy when I agreed to buy a K series GMT (with a tight bracelet).

4 December 2010, 01:59 PM	#22
heylerds "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: GiL Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 32	Here's my approximately 28 yr old Sub, enjoyed daily and seldom cleaned.

4 December 2010, 02:24 PM	#23
exchange83 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Eric Location: New York Watch: Patek 5980r Posts: 489	Those are some great examples. Thanks for sharing.

5 December 2010, 04:05 AM	#26
Chipmunk "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Alvin Location: So Cal Watch: ROLEXES Posts: 5,390	Stretch............what are we talking about again? Just keep it cleaned. __________________ "A thing of beauty is a joy forever"............John Keats

5 December 2010, 06:42 AM	#27
youngr "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Richard Location: England Watch: 16610 & 16710 Posts: 899	Thanks for the pics __________________ SS Submariner Date "V" SS GMT Master II Pepsi "D"

5 December 2010, 06:54 AM	#28
Randy9999 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Randy Location: USA Watch: red 1680; 6542 Posts: 557	The younger the watch, the stiffer the bracelet.

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