"Breaking-in" vs. stretch in bracelet?

[chili90]

So I've had my Exp I for about 1.5 weeks now. I remember when I got it fit (2 links, and an adjustment in the clasp), it was pretty tight and secure. I could BARELY fit my pink through...and it was approaching to be a tiny bit uncomfortable.


But now when I wear it, it's snug with pinky-fit, and feels considerably looser than it was when it was first fitted, and has lost its squeakiness

It's a great fit right now, no complaints. But I was just wondering is this loosening because of bracelet stretch (only within 1 week?)....or is it natural that bracelets all get a bit looser because you "break-in" a little bit after some wrist time?

Thanks!

[watchf]

You lost weight :D

Sent from my Android mobile

[tedscott3]

Your bracelet is not stretching. If you had been on your feet for a whole when you bought it you probably were just a bit swollen.

[Watch Professor]

This is due to a change in your wrist due to temperature, humidity, time of day, and activity level, not the bracelet size, especially after just a couple of weeks.

[topjimmi]

Originally Posted by Watch Professor

This is due to a change in your wrist due to temperature, humidity, time of day, and activity level, not the bracelet size, especially after just a couple of weeks.

This

[boywondergq1]

Originally Posted by Watch Professor

This is due to a change in your wrist due to temperature, humidity, time of day, and activity level, not the bracelet size, especially after just a couple of weeks.

x 3

[padi56]

Bracelets cannot stretch but yes they can wear around the links pins,but some of my oyster bracelets are 20 years old.Yet they show no signs no this so call stretch and were used as a tool watch.Yes a few scratches yes just keep them clean wear snug fitting they will last 20 plus years with just a little owner care and normal routine service.

[T. Ferguson]

What is referred to as bracelet stretch is actually where metal wears away from the friction caused by metal to metal contact - primarily the pins and the inside of the holes the pins are inserted in. It results in a loose or sloppy bracelet, where more space can be seen between the links, and if the watch is held sideways the bracelet will appear to have a lot of "bend".

It takes years for this to occur in most cases. The best way to avoid this is simply to keep the watch and bracelet clean to minimize sources of friction (like dirt, sand and grit), and wear it on the snug side (but comfortable of course) rather than loose and floppy like an old ID bracelet, to minimize unnecessary movement.

[77T]

Possible wrist size changes aside (either due to prior swelling or later weight-loss), yes a new bracelet will loosen a bit in the first month of regular use.

As torque and longitudinal tension makes each link and pin work themselves into a free moving fitment you should see a little change in looseness - but not as much as you mention. Having fitted many new bracelets on vintage pieces I call this as "breaking-in". I've noticed that some links that may feel stiff at first, but within a month's worth of regular wear all the links are moving freely and no "squeaks"

[cop414]

Originally Posted by tedscott3

Your bracelet is not stretching. If you had been on your feet for a whole when you bought it you probably were just a bit swollen.

I would say this.
I've found that my wrist changes quite a bit during the day and is also very dependent on the temp and humidity. It's also possible as you say that a bit of the tightness is gone because of wearing it and this has caused what you perceive as a looser fit.

[gpfps]

Like the others told you it's your wrist size changing. I have old DD yg When itoke a link off to lok at it the holes where the pins run thru were not perfectly round but oval. That's what the causes bracelets to stretch !

[kilyung]

In a week? No way, has to be swelling.

[Johny]

does it have a diving extension? if so has it opened?