How long does it take to stretch an Oyster bracelet under normal wear?

[Atomant]

Yes, how long does it take to stretch an oyster bracelet under normal wear? I wear my SD everyday at work and at play for slightly more than a year.

Should I be expecting some kind of stretching already?

[DSJ]

Nah, minimal stretching - the bracelet should last the lifetime.

[Tools]

I have a 12 year old 93150 (Sub bracelet, hollow links), and a 2 year old 93150 (same), and they still both fit exactly the same...full link set-up, and second micro-hole out..

There is absolutely no noticeable stretch in either...

[mike]

Keep it clean and properly sized and you should have no problems for a long time. Dirt and grime can be a real killer over time.

[acce1999]

After 18 months of daily use you might end up with this:





No, I'm being silly. Found this picture on the German watch forum some time ago. Have no idea of how this bracelet has been used, nor how old it is.

Below you see my Explorer, that I've used daily in all types of situations during a period of ten years. Only when I compare it to a brand new bracelet I can notice signs of stretching, and we are talking micrometers...



Of course the bracelet stretches, but it will take a long time. It will be interesting to see how the new all solid oyster bracelets behave as the years go by.

Best,

A

[Art161]

I have read that the Jubilee bracelet is more likely to stretch than the Oyster bracelet.

[Solo118]

What are the best methods of servicing the oyster bracelet? For instance I shower with it daily, but should i take it off and scrub it etc.? Weekly? Monthly?

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by acce1999

After 18 months of daily use you might end up with this:







Of course the bracelet stretches, but it will take a long time. It will be interesting to see how the new all solid oyster bracelets behave as the years go by.

Best,

A

Oh my gosh - you had me! I was staring in disbelief!

[James T]

i dont think osyters stretch

[scottschoe]

Oysters will stretch, although not to the degree of the loosey goosey old jubilees. Unless you're *really* hard on your bracelet, have it sliding up and down the length of your arm, or keep the bracelet dirty with metal shavings, don't expect serious stretch for decades. Hollow links do have a tendency to wear over time, so hopefully you have a solid link bracelet.

[Dan Pierce]

If you look at that oyster bracelet the center links are worn down on one side. That would indicate it was worn way too loose for way too long. Add to that daily dirt and grime and you have yourself a bracelet killer.
dP

[Atomant]

Originally Posted by Solo118

What are the best methods of servicing the oyster bracelet? For instance I shower with it daily, but should i take it off and scrub it etc.? Weekly? Monthly?

Sol I shower with it daily and wear it for work and workin out in the gym. I enjoy havin it on my wrist much more than my Omega at this point in time!!!!

[padi56]

mldaytona while we as a forum are pretty liberal in what can be posted in certain forums.Afraid somethings will not be tolerated in the open Rolex forum your post was unapproved.Regarding the Oyster bracelet the secret is very simple, just keep them clean with plain old soap and water then will last many decades.

[mcoccia]

[QUOTE=acce1999;755270]After 18 months of daily use you might end up with this:



My EXPL2 was in great condition after 10 yrs use then I got into the habit of wearing it loose. Over 18 months it had similar notching but about 50% of the stretch of the bracelet shown.

I removed the bracelet and sold it to a used watch dealer for $100 before sending the watch to my RSC. I now regret not keeping the bracelet.

[Atomant]

Is there a way for Rolex to restore stretched bracelets or do they just replace it?

What happens when lug holes are worn out as well?

[sea-dweller]

My first Rolex (14060, purchased in Feb 1994) which was worn for 2 years daily before purchasing my second (GMT II, Dec 1996) and all of my newer Rolexes show about the same amount of stretch on the Oyster bracelets. I wash them frequently and wear them in rotation. My 14060 is now worn infrequently (perhaps 10-12 days out of the year). They seems to last and the stretch is minimal if they are properly cared for.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Atomant

Is there a way for Rolex to restore stretched bracelets or do they just replace it?

What happens when lug holes are worn out as well?

Restoring usually means replacing the pins and the worn center links. The labor and parts cost for this can easily climb higher than a new bracelet so Rolex usually only replaces.

As far as the lug holes, they can be drilled and sleeved, or filled and re-drilled....but again, repair costs may exceed replacement (re-case) costs.

[sdwtchlvr]

Just curious, does Rolex still produce 93150/501b bracelets? I have one on my T series sub and wanted to know what are the options for replacements....are there only NOS?

[acce1999]

Originally Posted by Lisa

Oh my gosh - you had me! I was staring in disbelief!

Sorry ;-)

[steelrolex]

I've recently bought a mint secondhand 2005 Rolex with an all steel Oyster band. If I hold two adjoining links I can definitely feel play if I pull/push them together. I was wondering if this is normal on a brand new one.

[RsqVet]

I think one must work at / actively abuse a stainless oyster for it to NOT last many decades.

Heck my first SD was a used one in the late 80's that had seen real use with a pro diver; scratches to heck deep gouges in the crystal, a beater if you will. And yet the bracelet was scratched up but not worn out.

BTW the SD was 585 bucks, but back then new was 2200 or 2800, and this for a 2000 foot / acrylic crystal. Wish I had never sold it.

[rolling stone]

Worn my 1986 GMT every day for 22 years with minimal stretch. Just keep it clean and tight to the wrist.

[vjb.knife]

I think 'stretch' is not really a proper term for what happens to the bracelet. The links and pins wear down creating a looser fit and as shown in the really scary picture in a previous post they can wear through. the best thing you can do to prevent that from happening and make your bracelet last as long as possible has already been mentioned and that is to keep it clean. Dirt, grime, oils and sweat will slowly grind away at the inside surfaces of your bracelet just like sandpaper.

So the answer is the bracelet will last as long as you take care of it. At least once a year I take mine apart and clean each link and pin thoroughly (sp?) I also refinish them while I have it apart. I have had a Rolex over 17 years that had little or no 'stretch'.

[Perdu]

Originally Posted by steelrolex

I've recently bought a mint secondhand 2005 Rolex with an all steel Oyster band. If I hold two adjoining links I can definitely feel play if I pull/push them together. I was wondering if this is normal on a brand new one.

Yes.

[Perdu]

13 years, no stretch I can see.

[Parachrom]

I have had my Sd for 18 years, and only now has the bracelt failed to the point Rolex says get a new one. I did not get a new one, but they restored my original to factory specs. So they take abuse (mine do) and they do wear and break.

[Atomant]

Originally Posted by Parachrom

I have had my Sd for 18 years, and only now has the bracelt failed to the point Rolex says get a new one. I did not get a new one, but they restored my original to factory specs. So they take abuse (mine do) and they do wear and break.

So I see Rolex can restore stretched and worn out bracelets.

[dnr21]

Anyone has a steel and gold oysterband to show the stretch?