President band stretch

[Chozn1]

I had an 80's model DD, and for it's age the band stretch really wasn't all that bad. My father-in-law's is his everyday though and has been for 20 years. I think I could stick my pinky through some of the links. Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating just a little, but it's substantial.

I tried a new one on a few months ago when I took my DD to my AD, and he told me that the new ones won't have the problems with stretch. Any truth to this? I know they made them heavier. Did they upgrade the band somehow to account for that?

[scottschoe]

The new solid links really reduce stretch.

[topcat30093]

I bought a new DD about 5 years ago, which had the heavier bracelet on it, 2 months ago I replaced it for a new one & I couldn't believe how tight it was on my wrist, with only the same number of links removed.
When I compared the 2 together, you could certainly see the difference between the 2 bracelets.
NOTE: The bracelet is fitted quite snuggly on my wrist, so there is no slack to assist the stretching.
At a cost of over £5,000 to replace the bracelet with a geniune one, you don't what it wear out to quickly!!!!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by Chozn1

(...)Did they upgrade the band somehow to account for that?

As stated, the centre links are now SOLID. This change of the DD bracelet was introduced in year 2000. Before that, the links LOOKED solid but in fact weren't. The solid links should reduce stretching, but you still have to keep dirt away from the links since dirt (besides wearing the watch loose) is a big contributor to the stretching issue.

You can read more about the changes that the DD saw in 2000 in this Basel Show Report.

www.classicwatchparts.com can make your stretched DD bracelet look like new again. The company is situated in Hong Kong and owned by Mr. Michael Young. Drop him an email, but be prepared that he is not known to reply quickly.

[scottschoe]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

www.classicwatchparts.com can make your stretched DD bracelet look like new again. The company is situated in Hong Kong and owned by Mr. Michael Young. Drop him an email, but be prepared that he is not known to reply quickly.

Just a thought, but wouldn't it be risky for US-based guys to use his restoration, since I've heard stories of bands alone (or entire watches) being seized by customs? Is there a US alternative that people have used?

[SPACE-DWELLER]

It shouldn't be a problem if you bought the DD in the States originally and have a receipt for the purchase. That way, you can prove that the bracelet (and watch) was bought in the US and that it is an item sent back from repair. So you are not importing an item bought abroad. At least that is how the custom's rules are in Denmark.

[Alex Stylianou]

Yeah , I think it's the same with the jubilees !