stretch-/wear on a new oysterbracelet?

[crazymcmichael]

How prone to wear/stretch are the new style oyster bracelets used in new Rolex watches? I see photos sometimes of watches with quite a bit of ''stretch'' How long does it take to get almost unwearable? How to prevent it besides strap a nato on it, clean it and wears it snug? Would it still happen the same as before with the new oyster bracelets? What if it happen, can you bring it into the AD and let it repair at an rsc?? Or it is per definition replacement than?

[Bigblu10]

They are certainly an improvement over the 5 digit hollow centre link SS Oyster bracelets. Most important 2 criteria...Wear it properly fitted (snug or tight, not loose/flopping), Keep it clean and free from dirt and grime. The older ones lasted for decades, these new style should last even longer provided you give it care. RSC does not repair "stretch" aka worn bracelet pins/elongated holes in links. Their M.O. is to replace with new, which of course is very expensive especially PM bracelets. I have yet to see any modern 6 digit Oyster bracelets that were severely worn and ready to break.

[crazymcmichael]

Hm pitty that you than need to directly replace the full bracelet... How do you advice to keep it clean good without a laser cleaner ? Just water and an cloth ?

[jabbawock545]

Toothbrush and the sink thats all i use


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by crazymcmichael

Hm pitty that you than need to directly replace the full bracelet... How do you advice to keep it clean good without a laser cleaner ? Just water and an cloth ?

I use some liquid dish soap, warm water and a small baby wash cloth. Blot dry with a soft bathroom towel.

[roosvelt]

Even the so called solid links are not solid they still have holes drilled through them. The only difference there is gold between the drilled holes, vs a gap in the older links. To me much to do about nothing, other than adding weight.

[crazymcmichael]

Originally Posted by roosvelt

Even the so called solid links are not solid they still have holes drilled through them. The only difference there is gold between the drilled holes, vs a gap in the older links. To me much to do about nothing, other than adding weight.

Hmmmm i hate nato straps so would not putt it on one lol

[siempreko]

Just wear it, care for it, and enjoy!

There are som third party vendors who repair stretched bracelets...

[SearChart]

I've seen some nasty worn out solid bracelets, like previously mentioned: wear it snug and clean it regularly.

[crazymcmichael]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I've seen some nasty worn out solid bracelets, like previously mentioned: wear it snug and clean it regularly.

You some extra cleaning advice? I know its your profession lol

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by crazymcmichael

You some extra cleaning advice? I know its your profession lol

Ultrasonic cleaner

[77T]

Of course remove the head before dunking it in the Ultrasonic tank.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by roosvelt

Even the so called solid links are not solid they still have holes drilled through them. The only difference there is gold between the drilled holes, vs a gap in the older links. To me much to do about nothing, other than adding weight.

They have to have holes for the bracelet pins! But a solid centre link is machined from solid metal, like the outer links. The old 5 digit centre links were hollow tubing pressed into the shape of a link. I prefer solid metal vs. hollow tubing.

[Colin10101]

My GMTs bracelet has stretched a bit over the last 3 years of daily 24/7 wear. It’s not bad yet, and it’s only just begun to happen, but I can definitely see it starting. I don’t wear it particularly tight and never ultrasonic clean it, so these things probably contribute. Also, I wear it 24/7 sleep included, so it’s seen a lot more wear than a watch in a rotation. I expect it to last me another decade or so at least before I have to consider repairing or replacing.

Edit: I do wash it with a soap and toothbrush every other week, and shower with it everyday

[crazymcmichael]

Originally Posted by Colin10101

My GMTs bracelet has stretched a bit over the last 3 years of daily 24/7 wear. It’s not bad yet, and it’s only just begun to happen, but I can definitely see it starting. I don’t wear it particularly tight and never ultrasonic clean it, so these things probably contribute. Also, I wear it 24/7 sleep included, so it’s seen a lot more wear than a watch in a rotation. I expect it to last me another decade or so at least before I have to consider repairing or replacing.

Edit: I do wash it with a soap and toothbrush every other week, and shower with it everyday

Did you bought it new??

[crazymcmichael]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Ultrasonic cleaner

Will look into one,, but have no clue how to remove the watch from the bracelet entirely safely too;p

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by crazymcmichael

Will look into one,, but have no clue how to remove the watch from the bracelet entirely safely too;p

They have tweezers for that. And if you use tape you won't even scratch anything. It's super easy.

[crazymcmichael]

Originally Posted by SearChart

They have tweezers for that. And if you use tape you won't even scratch anything. It's super easy.

Will look into that too)) It is quite important for me to maintain them as good as possible

[Beowulf]

Originally Posted by roosvelt

Even the so called solid links are not solid they still have holes drilled through them. The only difference there is gold between the drilled holes, vs a gap in the older links. To me much to do about nothing, other than adding weight.

Disagree. Of course they still have holes but are much sturdier and less likely to deform.
Plus another advantage of the new bracelets in ceramic models is that Glidelock makes it easier to have the bracelet just the perfect size at all times, which means zero wiggle but still not being too tight - ultimately, reducing friction/wear except for people who prefer to wear the bracelets a bit floppy.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Beowulf

Disagree. Of course they still have holes but are much sturdier and less likely to deform.
Plus another advantage of the new bracelets in ceramic models is that Glidelock makes it easier to have the bracelet just the perfect size at all times, which means zero wiggle but still not being too tight - ultimately, reducing friction/wear except for people who prefer to wear the bracelets a bit floppy.

Big improvement. There is no room for bracelet pin "wiggle" with the newer link. It is a tighter tolerance fit, which means less friction and a more solid feeling bracelet.

[crazymcmichael]

It is interessing that you can actually learn so much from just a forum about watches lol.. I quite like that though !!!

[R!$]

switch to oysterflex

[crazymcmichael]

Originally Posted by R!$

switch to oysterflex

Lol can break i guess

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

Big improvement. There is no room for bracelet pin "wiggle" with the newer link. It is a tighter tolerance fit, which means less friction and a more solid feeling bracelet.

Wear it loose, get some skin grease between the links and let the party start.