Interesting pics of the "S" word in a solid link bracelet... YES, I said Stretch

[MortgageGuy]

Alright I thought this was interesting and was finally able to get a few pics. My AD's son has had his 116710 for almost 2 years and it is a V serial. Now let me warn you he HAS worn the watch, this is by all means not a safe queen In fact the PCL's are barely visible due to all the scratches.

I wanted to post these as many here on TRF have said the new bracelets will not wear or stretch if you will like the older hollow link bracelets did and IMO that is not quite true (see pics below).

What I find the most interesting is the wear from the clasp on the inside of the bracelet (see picture #1) and then of course how much spacing is between the links (see picture #3).

Also, keep in mind this is just the bracelet, once the watch is attached it is much more visible and looks dramatically worse IMO. So thats it just thought I would share these with you folks and see what you thought







Adam

[Gharddog03]

That's how you wear a Rolex.

[mjclark32]

Does he bring it by the ad and have it cleaned ever?

[azguy]

Well worn, but I would expect it to hold up better after just two years.....

[Akira]

First thing, is a 316 steel used for GMT II bracelet, softer than 904L

Second thing, wear your watch very loosely and it will happens to ANY watch in the world. A correctly adjusted bracelet will last for a while

[chris333]

Yep. Old SEL sea dwellers show plenty of 'stretch' at the end link.

[FremStar]

Very interesting Adam! Same issue with the SEL bracelet on my D serial 116231!

[z32turbo]

Thanks for sharing Adam. Good to know some people do actually wear their watches.

[rodrob59]

OK I'll quit bitching about my little scratches. I have 20 year old bracelets that look pristine compared to this.

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by Akira

First thing, is a 316 steel used for GMT II bracelet, softer than 904L

Actually, the GMT II bracelet is made of 904L, not 316. Also, 904L is softer than 316.

[GradyPhilpott]

I wear my bracelets loose, for comforts sake and in that regard, I don't worry too much about "stretch."

I am concerned enough about the phenomenon to keep my watches clean and I did take in my Explorer and DJ a couple of weeks ago for a ultrasonic cleaning. When I took in my Sub for one, the watchmaker said that the watch was quite clean and didn't need an ultrasonic treatment now, but he did steam clean it, a process he did not explain, although the owner assured me that it was an effective method.

I'm wondering if this amount of "stretch" after two years is the result of having neglected to keep the watch clean or a result of a loose fit or a combination of both.

I would also wonder if there is perhaps more erosion of the links at the beginning as the bracelet breaks-in, which slows down as pressure on the links is relieved.

Any answers would be appreciated.

[kilyung]

Just need to regularly ultrasonic clean it to reduce chance of wear.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by handsfull

Actually, the GMT II bracelet is made of 904L, not 316. Also, 904L is softer than 316.

316. 95 Rockwell.
904. 90 Rockwell.

Yes, I suppose that is 'softer'.

[Z-Sub]

Bracelet stretch certainly occurs in solid linked bracelets as well. Dirt and grime increases the wear and the pins inside can bend under pressure as well. The older hollow linked bracelets certainly has more "stretch" tendencies.

[TSts]

Originally Posted by directioneng

316. 95 Rockwell.
904. 90 Rockwell.

Yes, I suppose that is 'softer'.

After heat treatment - the material used by Rolex is in Annealed form - not heat treated, thus it's relatively easy to scratch. Ever tried scratching material that has a Rc of 90? Not easy.

[JUSTROLEXES]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Just need to regularly ultrasonic clean it to reduce chance of wear.

That does help a lot Mike
and it's good to wear and enjoy your watch but Still being gentle doesn't hurt
Nice post Adam

[Colnago]

I have to chip in....I tried to resist but I cannot...

If the new bracelets are not kept clean microscopic grime can get in between the links and the pins....there has to be a clearance on the holes in the links for the pins or the bracelet would not "hinge"....

Those microscopic pieces of grime will begin to cause wear, simple as that.....then once wear has occurred then larger pieces of grime can get in....if not cleaned then the problem just escalates....not hard to grasp really

But please....bottom line...it isn't stretch....it is wear...plain and simple.....anything mechanical no matter how big or small and what material is prone to wear....no exception....that's why we service mechanical things....if we don't then wear accelerates.....

Keep your bracelets clean......let them get all banged up and scratched...but keep them clean and they will last a lifetime not a lunchtime

[acce1999]

Originally Posted by Colnago

I have to chip in....I tried to resist but I cannot...

If the new bracelets are not kept clean microscopic grime can get in between the links and the pins....there has to be a clearance on the holes in the links for the pins or the bracelet would not "hinge"....

Those microscopic pieces of grime will begin to cause wear, simple as that.....then once wear has occurred then larger pieces of grime can get in....if not cleaned then the problem just escalates....not hard to grasp really

But please....bottom line...it isn't stretch....it is wear...plain and simple.....anything mechanical no matter how big or small and what material is prone to wear....no exception....that's why we service mechanical things....if we don't then wear accelerates.....

Keep your bracelets clean......let them get all banged up and scratched...but keep them clean and they will last a lifetime not a lunchtime

I agree. Cleaning should not be underestimated. I am currently wearing a well used 20 year old Oyster bracelet that is in similar or better shape. I had it cleaned last week, and secured all screws with Loctite. There is no wear at all to the fixed pins in the clasp, and just minor (fraction of a mm) to some of the screw pins. I am looking forward to twenty more years!

Best,

A

[Sean.c]

Originally Posted by Colnago

I have to chip in....I tried to resist but I cannot...

If the new bracelets are not kept clean microscopic grime can get in between the links and the pins....there has to be a clearance on the holes in the links for the pins or the bracelet would not "hinge"....

Those microscopic pieces of grime will begin to cause wear, simple as that.....then once wear has occurred then larger pieces of grime can get in....if not cleaned then the problem just escalates....not hard to grasp really

But please....bottom line...it isn't stretch....it is wear...plain and simple.....anything mechanical no matter how big or small and what material is prone to wear....no exception....that's why we service mechanical things....if we don't then wear accelerates.....

Keep your bracelets clean......let them get all banged up and scratched...but keep them clean and they will last a lifetime not a lunchtime

Would it be a bad idea to use a small amount of lubricant on your bracelet now and then?

[MoBe]

The amount of physical activity of the wearer must be a significant factor of any wear calculation,in other words,sitting at a desk job is not the same as a more physically demanding job,age alone can not be the most important factor.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by Sean.c

Would it be a bad idea to use a small amount of lubricant on your bracelet now and then?

It will just attract and collect dirt. Better to just keep it clean.

[watcher54]

I've seen a lot guys wear their Rolex like it was a charm bracelet sliding all over their arm/wrist/hand. Add a little dirt and perspiration with all that movement and you get significant and noticeable wear and stretch. No matter how much it stressed on this forum about cleaning a band and clasp, some people just don't get it.

[Dr. Robert]

Still no big deal, we all stretch a little as we age.

[STEELINOX]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

Still no big deal, we all stretch a little as we age.

You got that right Bob,

Its not rocket science, wear occurs when two objects are next to one another; these newer bracelets are umm,'okay,' but it really just ends there at 'okay.'

They got more material makin them 'feel substantial' [over hollow links].

Hmm, heavier must be more comfortable - not !...

The machined clasp section and the couple handfulls of parts that make it fn are a trainwreck of thought when the basic function is focused on...

I mean, common, how hard is it to own a tuna can that faithfully operates day in and day out.

Stretch, what the heck is that, "oh you hava ROLEX," those bracelets stretch, righty-o; and it doesn't matter if they're cut from solid stainless steel neither !

[nch209]

More pics of the entire watch!!!!!

[Megalobyte]

I don't know. I've worn my Sub C nearly the entire year or so I've had it. I wear it loose, apparently a bad thing, only because in Florida the watch quickly gets sticky and clings to my wrist unless it's loose. It's not loose enough to be turned to the underside of my wrist though.

I also rarely clean the bracelet. Perhaps once every other month I'll soak it in warm water for a bit then rinse, or bring it in the pool for an hour or 2, then rinse. I also have a semi-unconscious habit of moving the watch head back and fourth on my wrist by gently shaking my wrist, and that can't be good either, for potential wear/stretch.

But the thing is, the bracelet shows no wear/stretch, not even a slight hint. It's perfectly parallel to the ground when you hold the watch head sideways. And I'd be surprised if it changed much in another year of similar wear.

So who knows?

[STEELINOX]

Originally Posted by Megalobyte

I don't know. I've worn my Sub C nearly the entire year or so I've had it. I wear it loose, apparently a bad thing, only because in Florida the watch quickly gets sticky and clings to my wrist unless it's loose. It's not loose enough to be turned to the underside of my wrist though.

I also rarely clean the bracelet. Perhaps once every other month I'll soak it in warm water for a bit then rinse, or bring it in the pool for an hour or 2, then rinse. I also have a semi-unconscious habit of moving the watch head back and fourth on my wrist by gently shaking my wrist, and that can't be good either, for potential wear/stretch.

But the thing is, the bracelet shows no wear/stretch, not even a slight hint. It's perfectly parallel to the ground when you hold the watch head sideways. And I'd be surprised if it changed much in another year of similar wear.

So who knows?

Gravity is a bit less powerful in your locale

[Xenophon]

Interesting, thanks for posting. That just goes to show that we should all keep our Rolexes locked in the safe and never wear them.

[Megalobyte]

Originally Posted by STEELINOX

Gravity is a bit less powerful in your locale

Our elderly female population might disagree. :)

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Just need to regularly ultrasonic clean it to reduce chance of wear.

X2