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WARVET · 12 July 2010, 10:08 AM

My name is Vince and I am new to this forum, I have decided I would like to buy a Rolex ceramic dial GMT. Does anyone know if the gold center link model will stretch more than the stainless or all gold model. I intend to wear the watch everyday and use it in the war when I go back. Thanks

Gagebuilder · 12 July 2010, 10:20 AM

Short answer, no, more than the other 2.

And the better answer is that none of them will stretch or wear very much, if at all.

The ceramic gmt's have solid gold (and SS) links, meaning there is a single, tight tolerance hole drilled into a solid piece of gold for the link screw. The older style gmt's used folded metal for their links, kind of like a flattened tube, and were more prone to stretch.

Oh, and welcome!!

slcbbrown · 12 July 2010, 10:22 AM

I think the general opinion is that the gold is going to "stretch" more over time. My understanding is that the stretch is actually wear inside the links. All that said-- it takes a long time to make a big difference in the bracelets. I wore my first Rolex (rootbeer GMT) for years with the 101st, and then in various jobs. I started with a nylon cargo strap that I made into a strap (couldn't afford the bracelet) then on a used jubilee.

My suggestion is that you pick the watch you want and not worry about the stretch. In 20 to 30 years you can buy another bracelet. I hope you enjoy your new watch. I bought my #2 son an Exp II-- he's with 3rd SF back in Afgan. for his third tour.

ersnyder · 12 July 2010, 10:39 AM

Welcome to TRF and thanks for your service! You won't, under normal conditions, experience any difference between the metals in the bracelet stretching differently.

ParisDakarBmw · 12 July 2010, 10:55 AM

Welcome to TRF!

My opinion is yes, it will stretch more.

18k gold is relatively soft compaired to SS.

The stretch can be slowed by regular cleanings in an ultrasonic cleaner (Bracelet only!)

The older presidents worn on a regular basis have considerably more wear than the steel counterpart.

If you take care of it, who cares if it needs a new bracelet in 40 years!

Good luck!

WARVET · 12 July 2010, 10:57 AM

Thanks all , I am also looking at an all gold 1990 Submariner for sale on this site,Since I am 47 I probably won't wear out to many Rolex watches in the rest of my life. I want to buy used because I know I will get some scratches on the watch.What are the chances of receiving an all gold bracelet that is stretched to the point of being scrap gold? I would like to hear your opinions.

Dr. Robert · 12 July 2010, 11:02 AM

It is gravity @ work...as we all get older, we will stretch a little.

Gagebuilder · 12 July 2010, 11:16 AM

I know the watch you're talking about and if that bracelet is origional, that watch was worn very little and looks to be in very good shape, in my humble, amateur opinion.

12 July 2010, 10:08 AM	#1
WARVET "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Vincent Location: Louisiana Watch: 16710 Coke Posts: 448	Watch stretch My name is Vince and I am new to this forum, I have decided I would like to buy a Rolex ceramic dial GMT. Does anyone know if the gold center link model will stretch more than the stainless or all gold model. I intend to wear the watch everyday and use it in the war when I go back. Thanks

12 July 2010, 10:20 AM	#2
Gagebuilder "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Doug Location: Detroit Area Watch: out for yelow snow Posts: 1,067	Short answer, no, more than the other 2. And the better answer is that none of them will stretch or wear very much, if at all. The ceramic gmt's have solid gold (and SS) links, meaning there is a single, tight tolerance hole drilled into a solid piece of gold for the link screw. The older style gmt's used folded metal for their links, kind of like a flattened tube, and were more prone to stretch. Oh, and welcome!!

12 July 2010, 10:22 AM	#3
slcbbrown "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: steve Location: dallas area Watch: 50's TT t-bird Posts: 3,689	I think the general opinion is that the gold is going to "stretch" more over time. My understanding is that the stretch is actually wear inside the links. All that said-- it takes a long time to make a big difference in the bracelets. I wore my first Rolex (rootbeer GMT) for years with the 101st, and then in various jobs. I started with a nylon cargo strap that I made into a strap (couldn't afford the bracelet) then on a used jubilee. My suggestion is that you pick the watch you want and not worry about the stretch. In 20 to 30 years you can buy another bracelet. I hope you enjoy your new watch. I bought my #2 son an Exp II-- he's with 3rd SF back in Afgan. for his third tour.

12 July 2010, 10:39 AM	#4
ersnyder 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Eric Location: Long Beach CA USA Watch: Rolex Explorer II Posts: 4,102	Welcome to TRF and thanks for your service! You won't, under normal conditions, experience any difference between the metals in the bracelet stretching differently.

12 July 2010, 10:55 AM	#5
ParisDakarBmw Banned Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Paul Location: New Haven, CT Watch: 116610 Sub-C Posts: 6,552	Welcome to TRF! My opinion is yes, it will stretch more. 18k gold is relatively soft compaired to SS. The stretch can be slowed by regular cleanings in an ultrasonic cleaner (Bracelet only!) The older presidents worn on a regular basis have considerably more wear than the steel counterpart. If you take care of it, who cares if it needs a new bracelet in 40 years! Good luck!

12 July 2010, 10:57 AM	#6
WARVET "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Vincent Location: Louisiana Watch: 16710 Coke Posts: 448	Thanks all , I am also looking at an all gold 1990 Submariner for sale on this site,Since I am 47 I probably won't wear out to many Rolex watches in the rest of my life. I want to buy used because I know I will get some scratches on the watch.What are the chances of receiving an all gold bracelet that is stretched to the point of being scrap gold? I would like to hear your opinions.

12 July 2010, 11:02 AM	#7
Dr. Robert 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 63,975	It is gravity @ work...as we all get older, we will stretch a little.

12 July 2010, 11:16 AM	#8
Gagebuilder "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Doug Location: Detroit Area Watch: out for yelow snow Posts: 1,067	I know the watch you're talking about and if that bracelet is origional, that watch was worn very little and looks to be in very good shape, in my humble, amateur opinion.

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