Anyone with bracelet "stretch" on their modern Rolex bracelet yet?

[kamek]

With all the talk about bracelet cleaning and maintenance on the forums, I'm wondering if anyone has bracelet "stretch" on their modern Rolex yet. I hadn't had my bracelet ultrasonic cleaned on my Sub-C for nearly two years of daily wear, but periodically cleaned it with soap and water (and sometimes a toothbrush to get in between the links). After this time period, I seem to have a little more play in the bracelet, but still not something I'd consider "stretch."

Please post some pics of your own bracelets with wear!

[tkerrmd]

WG sub five years old washed a lot, zero stretch

[padi56]

A few watches like SD worn and used and abused as tool watches in both fresh and salt water,now over 20 years old with very little wear just normal wearing scratches.

[Keith1]

I believe if you wash it weekly with a soft soap instead of "periodically", you will not see much if any stretch on the modern bracelets.

[ec51]

Originally Posted by Keith1

I believe if you wash it weekly with a soft soap instead of "periodically", you will not see much if any stretch on the modern bracelets.

Im not sure what difference the "modern" bracelet would make.

My picture of the dirty US water, clearly shows that "periodically" cleaning your watch does little to get the gunk out of the bracelet.

Stretch is really not "stretch" - as fully and better explained by Larry:

It really is not "stretch" of the metal. It is wear of the parts where they connect and rub. This constant wearing of the inside of the links and the link pins increases tolerance and the entire bracelet can be "stretched" to a longer length than when new..

Here is what a non-worn link looks like. You can see the area where the pin rubs, grinds, and wears away metal inside the link..

Even better pictures from Alcan:

[c41006]

Originally Posted by ec51

Im not sure what difference the "modern" bracelet would make.

My picture of the dirty US water, clearly shows that "periodically" cleaning your watch does little to get the gunk out of the bracelet.

Stretch is really not "stretch" - as fully and better explained by Larry:

yeah I think that the solid link bracelets will still stretch but to a lesser extent especially if cleaned regularly. So many claim that all you need to do is clean the bracelet with a toothbrush but I cant figure out how that is effective at all at cleaning between the links and pins. Not sure if an US really cleans in there either

[ec51]

Originally Posted by c41006

yeah I think that the solid link bracelets will still stretch but to a lesser extent especially if cleaned regularly. So many claim that all you need to do is clean the bracelet with a toothbrush but I cant figure out how that is effective at all at cleaning between the links and pins. Not sure if an US really cleans in there either

I would assume the US would clean inside the links a lot better than any toothbrush.

My US water post cleaning (with the watch being regularly cleaned with a brush):

[c41006]

Originally Posted by ec51

I would assume the US would clean inside the links a lot better than any toothbrush.

My US water post cleaning (with the watch being regularly cleaned with a brush):

Attachment 613099

No doubt an US would do better than a brush

[Ragna]

Originally Posted by ec51

.. My US water ..

What do you mean by that.

[bde]

"Stretch" as we know it related to bracelets was an issue with the old folded links that would eventually open up. Larry's explanation above is spot in for hollow center link bracelets. Very modern bracelets with solid center links have even less wear issues because there is a lot more material surrounding the pins.

[ec51]

Originally Posted by bde

"Stretch" as we know it related to bracelets was an issue with the old folded links that would eventually open up. Larry's explanation above is spot in for hollow center link bracelets. Very modern bracelets with solid center links have even less wear issues because there is a lot more material surrounding the pins.

Though the difference with modern bracelets would not change the potential wear/tear to bracelet screws.

[Tseg]

Originally Posted by ec51

Though the difference with modern bracelets would not change the potential wear/tear to bracelet screws.

Perhaps... But if reduced by 10X or 50X the watches may be in a meuseum for our descendants to see before it would be a real issue.

[ec51]

Originally Posted by Tseg

Perhaps... But if reduced by 10X or 50X the watches may be in a meuseum for our descendants to see before it would be a real issue.

Based on the photo the screw with the old bracelet clearly had pinch points... It seems to me with the new design wear is even across the length of the screw.

How would that change the potential wear/tear?

Bottom line, it will take a long time to notice any stretch...(decades perhaps) with any bracelet. Though it seems a dirty bracelet, worn loose -- will expedite this process.

After cleaning many bracelets, even something that looks clean...isn't. A few minutes in an ultrasonic tank and you can see lots of dirt and debris coming from the "clean" bracelet.

[brandrea]

None here

[NYCREBROKER]

Mine is a month old and still squeaks. lol

[Sublover2166]

Solid center links are the big difference. Rolex should have been making bracelets this way since day one. Definitely more metal surrounding the bracelet pins and a much more solid feel. Now they have more heft and feel like a several thousand dollar watch should. JMO.

[MFG1990]

Originally Posted by Sublover2166

Solid center links are the big difference. Rolex should have been making bracelets this way since day one. Definitely more metal surrounding the bracelet pins and a much more solid feel. Now they have more heft and feel like a several thousand dollar watch should. JMO.

I agree. I never considered an older Rolex and never would've with the hollow links.


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[Sublover2166]

Originally Posted by MFG1990

I agree. I never considered an older Rolex and never would've with the hollow links.


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Well, I've owned my TT Bluesy for 18 years and she has been with me everywhere. She is a keeper. But the bracelet on my year old Hulk is very nice.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by MFG1990

I agree. I never considered an older Rolex and never would've with the hollow links.


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Cannot understand why being heavier is not always better, and myself have never heard of any of the older oyster type bracelet failing, except for the weakest link like spring-bars that could fail in all watch bracelets. And would expect I have worn and tested the oyster bracelets a lot more than today's very pampered Rolex watches.Today this Internet term "hollow link" is a complete and utter misnomer all it means in the real world, is simply this. All the links are made from heavy solid gold or solid S.steel tubing and then formed into shape in a press. This leaves a void in the center, just like any other piece of tube,however, the tubes are still made from solid 18Ct gold or solid SS.

While the newer so called solid link bracelet might feel more substantial the newer type or so called solid links are still machined but they are machined with holes drilled right through the metal and can still wear just like any-other moving part will wear with every day friction on the wrist. So in the real world they are as well technically hollow but not to the same extent as the older type.And in every day wearing would doubt if any real difference in strength or longevity of life as long as you keep them clean.Now that's the simple answer in the life of any Rolex oyster bracelet keep it clean and they will last 20-30 years plus no matter the oyster type bracelet.

Even the older type Oyster bracelets have been stress tested and will take 525 lbs pressure before breaking and that's enough to seriously damage your wrist.

[MFG1990]

Originally Posted by padi56

Cannot understand why being heavier is not always better, and myself have never heard of any of the older oyster type bracelet failing, except for the weakest link like spring-bars that could fail in all watch bracelets. And would expect I have worn and tested the oyster bracelets a lot more than today's very pampered Rolex watches.Today this Internet term "hollow link" is a complete and utter misnomer all it means in the real world, is simply this. All the links are made from heavy solid gold or solid S.steel tubing and then formed into shape in a press. This leaves a void in the center, just like any other piece of tube,however, the tubes are still made from solid 18Ct gold or solid SS.

While the newer so called solid link bracelet might feel more substantial the newer type or so called solid links are still machined but they are machined with holes drilled right through the metal and can still wear just like any-other moving part will wear with every day friction on the wrist. So in the real world they are as well technically hollow but not to the same extent as the older type.And in every day wearing would doubt if any real difference in strength or longevity of life as long as you keep them clean.Now that's the simple answer in the life of any Rolex oyster bracelet keep it clean and they will last 20-30 years plus no matter the oyster type bracelet.

Even the older type Oyster bracelets have been stress tested and will take 525 lbs pressure before breaking and that's enough to seriously damage your wrist.

The excessive stretch/stretching on older rolexes just isn't attractive in my opinion. In fact when they get stretched to a certain point RSC recommends replacing the bracelet. I know for a fact that my mothers solid gold Rolex took about 15k to replace the bracelet. Again I still feel that the newer more solid than the older style will hold up better. Most of the hollow links on her watch went from being originally round to more oblong in shape. Hence why the bracelet appears to have "stretch ". I still stand by that term. Plus, I would like to know why you think Rolex watches are pampered. I know for a fact that most people I know who have Rolexes use them. I wouldn't say that they baby or "pamper" them as you say.


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[second time]

Originally Posted by Sublover2166

Solid center links are the big difference. Rolex should have been making bracelets this way since day one. Definitely more metal surrounding the bracelet pins and a much more solid feel. Now they have more heft and feel like a several thousand dollar watch should. JMO.

Agree

[mambo]

30 year daily wear and daily showered.

[MFG1990]

With the exception of one watch the two tone yacht master all modern Rolexes use solid center links. Stretch is not a problem for today's Rolex. That's why I prefer them over vintage watches.


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[ec51]

Originally Posted by Sublover2166

Solid center links are the big difference. Rolex should have been making bracelets this way since day one. Definitely more metal surrounding the bracelet pins and a much more solid feel. Now they have more heft and feel like a several thousand dollar watch should. JMO.

Originally Posted by MFG1990

With the exception of one watch the two tone yacht master all modern Rolexes use solid center links. Stretch is not a problem for today's Rolex. That's why I prefer them over vintage watches.


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How is stretch not a problem for the solid center links...?

[sub-eddie]

Has anyone noticed that on brand new watches the first link (the one that attaches to the lugs) and the second link seem to have some play compared to the rest of the other links on the bracelet. Has anyone seen this on their new watches?

[dysondiver]

Originally Posted by sub-eddie

Has anyone noticed that on brand new watches the first link (the one that attaches to the lugs) and the second link seem to have some play compared to the rest of the other links on the bracelet. Has anyone seen this on their new watches?

yep , ive noticed that too

[MFG1990]

Rounded hollow links are what caused stretch. Instead of being rounded like they were when new they are now more oblong on your watch. In my opinion vintage Rolexes while cool are inferior to modern ones.


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[MFG1990]

The stretch is worse on gold watches because of the softer metal.


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[MFG1990]

I do tend to think we get emotionally attached to things. I know I have a watch tha I've thought about selling many times because I have a new purchase that is similar. However I have a hard time parting with it. I do think bluesy is gorgeous though.


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[SeaDweller50]

The newer, solid link bracelets, are much heavier, and as a result, likely to be more prone to excessive wear and tear than the older, lighter hollow link.