How tight or loose do you wear your watch bracelet...and does that affect stretch?

[007Sub]

I have very small wrists and have been adjusting my bracelet both via removing links and the micro adjust holes.

I have heard that the bracelet's ideal fit should mean that you can squeeze one pointer finger in between your wrist and bracelet. It seems to me that my watch is either a little too loose or a little to tight.

What do you think is better side to lean towards?



ALSO: I wonder if having the bracelet looser increase wear between the lugs via increased endpeice movement; yet at the same time, I wonder if wearing the watch tighter increases bracelet stretch?

Thoughts?

[007Sub]

(reposting here because i thought it may make more sense in the tech forum)

Edited: No, how you wear your watch is far from "tech", but an interesting topic non-the-less. Also, making multiple posts of the exact same subject on different Boards unnecessarily fractionalizes the Forum. Both posts have been merged here.

I have very small wrists and have been adjusting my bracelet both via removing links and the micro adjust holes.

I have heard that the bracelet's ideal fit should mean that you can squeeze one pointer finger in between your wrist and bracelet. It seems to me that my watch is either a little too loose or a little to tight.

What do you think is better side to lean towards?



ALSO: I wonder if having the bracelet looser increase wear between the lugs via increased endpeice movement; yet at the same time, I wonder if wearing the watch tighter increases bracelet stretch?

Thoughts?

[SLS]

Two things, first you may be able to order a half link that will enable you to fit the bracelet a little better. Second, a loose bracelet can cause stretch, but a bigger factor IMO, that is often disregarded, is cleaning your bracelet. A dirty bracelet will increase wear and shorten its life dramatically! I use scrubbing bubbles to clean THE BRACELET ONLY, its gets in all those nooks & crannies that normal soap & water do not. I would contact your local AD or RSC to see if they can't be more assistance with the links.
Scott

Edit: Forgot to mention that you should wear it out for a couple of days, I would guess that since you are in NY, that you will be adjusting the bracelet size more because of the change in temperature from summer to winter.

[Daytonaboy1977]

As far as I am aware wearing the watch loose causes wear on the bracelet. To maximise bracelet life the watch should be worn comfortably fitted but not too tight.

[GoldenBear]

The effect of bracelet stretch is overrated. You should wear it how it is comfortable. You can argue that a bracelet that is too tight will increase wear, just like too lose. Being comfortable should be the only consideration.

[007Sub]

All good information! Thanks everyone.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by 007Sub

All good information! Thanks everyone.

If you can do this with your index finger, you have on a perfect fit!!

[007Sub]

Thanks. nice yacht-master!

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

If you can do this with your index finger, you have on a perfect fit!!

We all know that.





Jocke

[daytona1]

I'm having the same issue with my new DDII. There are no micro adjustments on the Pres. band. Either add a link or remove one. When I add the watch flopps around on my wrist. When I remove one it is to tight to get a fingrer behind. I am wearing it lose for now..

[Rebel]

I have small wrists (6 1/2 inch) but love the look and feel of the sport models. I currently wear a Polar Expy II. I had the Dallas RSC remove one permanent link from the 6:00 side. I wear the watch as you say loose enough to fit one finger in the bracelet.

With the permanent link removed....the watch sits great on the wrist and is very comfortable in all weather conditions from hot to cold. I only adjust the micro adjustment for winter/summer conditions.

Hope this helps.

[Tools]

As said........wearing the watch too tight can bend the relatively weak spring-bars, but is pretty unlikely to actually "stretch" the heavy Stainless Steel in an Oyster.

Most wear and apparent stretching is from movement and hammering of the metal-to-metal parts, as well as grinding between those same contact points.. so, it would appear that too loose is more detrimental than comfortably snug..

[sea-dweller]

I wear it so that I can comfortably insert my index finder between the watch clasp and my skin. All of my Rolexes are sized in this manner.

[watchnut]

I've had to have additional links installed in all my watches. Even with an extra link my Sub is still a tad tight while in Florida. The DJ/Jubilee is a bit loose and also the Daytona. I actually prefer them a bit loose. I wash them with mild soap and water usually daily and don't worry about the wear. They're going to outlast me anyway!

[Jason71]

This is one of the funniest pictures I have seen. Sorry JJ

[joejeweler]

Originally Posted by Jason71

This is one of the funniest pictures I have seen. Sorry JJ

Old thread I know, and pretty funny pic.

BUT,....I just wanted to add that I think using your "Index" finger to take this guide measurement can be a bit much. (at least for me)

I've owed a 116203 Datejust for 11 years, had a heavy (over 8 ounce) Platinum Masterpiece and 18K Daytona before I sold them, and just a week ago picked up a brand new 114060 no date Sub (when I traded in the Plat. Masterpiece).

On ALL of them I fitted the band to be able to put my PINKY finger underneath for gauging fit. This works well for me and I suspect will for most of us. If your index and pinky fingers are close in thickness, it may not matter much.

I should add that due to an injury to my right index finger at age 16 where I lost the tip for about 1/2", (motorcycle chain encounter ) .......when I use my index finger as a guide the fatter index measure guide is just too much "flop" of the watch.

As my right index is noticeably fatter than my uninjured left index finger, I have no choice but to use my pinky for a sizing gauge. But I suspect for most folks the "Pinky" check will get you a great fit, and possibly impart less flop to your watch and less wear on your band links.

Personal fit of the no date 114060 SubC is so easy to make changes with, that for me at least, ....the "pinky" guage method stands out as providing sufficient play for comfortable everyday wear.

[Watchgeek5000]

Scott, does Rolex make an oyster half link?

[Bakasana]

I think the finger test (tee-heee) is not ideal for me... I don't like a loose watch, or one that dangles or slides. I like it tight (teee-heee) and fitted to the wrist. I take it off, after a long day on, and I'll see an outline of where it has been worn. It's secure, no dangling, no excessive movement to damage movement, to accidentally have it flop onto something etc.

It's not tight to the point where it is a nuisance, but very fitted. Just me.

[Tools]

Ancient thread