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Old 29 July 2011, 03:39 AM   #1
isampark
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How bad is my bracelet stretch?

I today learned another new term while surfing TRF, a symptom called 'the stretch'.

My P-Serial 16610 seems to me a bit stretched. I have taken some pictures.











Please assess the severity of my Stretch!
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Old 29 July 2011, 03:57 AM   #2
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Yup there is a bit of "stretch" there but I for one dont think it looks bad at all. Looks pretty comfy the best way to avoid this is to keep the bracelet clean, perhaps wash it in warm soapy water once a week or so and use a soft toothbrush to insure you get all the dirt out, this will eliminate any future "stretching"
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Old 29 July 2011, 04:14 AM   #3
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Thanks Adam,

I am waiting for my Veraet cleaning kit I bought last week, but it looks like it will take some time, so I will clean my watch using soap water this weekend.

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Old 29 July 2011, 04:17 AM   #4
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Doesn't look too bad.
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Old 29 July 2011, 04:22 AM   #5
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Quote:
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Yup there is a bit of "stretch" there but I for one dont think it looks bad at all. Looks pretty comfy the best way to avoid this is to keep the bracelet clean, perhaps wash it in warm soapy water once a week or so and use a soft toothbrush to insure you get all the dirt out, this will eliminate any future "stretching"
My Sub is pretty mint as it's a weekend watch, but I normally keep it away from water (washing included).

Would washing it/keeping it cleaner help against stretch? I would have thought metal stretching was more due to how much it's worn, and not so much how dirty it is?
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Old 29 July 2011, 04:24 AM   #6
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If you get a loupe and look at where the link-bars are, you can get a good idea of it's wear. They don't actually stretch, but the bars wear away grooves in the links.. Yours really isn't too bad at all. There is movement there and always some wiggle..

Here is one of my links from an older (by just a couple of years) T serial.

You can see that there is some wear, but minimal. This is what you are looking for..

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Old 29 July 2011, 04:25 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by s14roller View Post
My Sub is pretty mint as it's a weekend watch, but I normally keep it away from water (washing included).

Would washing it/keeping it cleaner help against stretch? I would have thought metal stretching was more due to how much it's worn, and not so much how dirty it is?
Its the dirt that gets trapped that causes the problem, it works like a grinding paste.
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Old 29 July 2011, 04:45 AM   #8
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My DJ is 21 years old and has no stretch. If you wash it and clean out the band it wont stretch.
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Old 29 July 2011, 04:59 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by s14roller View Post
My Sub is pretty mint as it's a weekend watch, but I normally keep it away from water (washing included).

Would washing it/keeping it cleaner help against stretch? I would have thought metal stretching was more due to how much it's worn, and not so much how dirty it is?
You keep your sub away from water? Are you joking? Do you place a plastic bag over your dogs head so it doesn't breathe in dirty air too? As long your Sub is pressure tested now and then there is NO reason to keep it away from water- it won't melt. It may even be good for it in keeping it clean!
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Old 29 July 2011, 05:08 AM   #10
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Yup there is a bit of "stretch" there but I for one dont think it looks bad at all. Looks pretty comfy the best way to avoid this is to keep the bracelet clean, perhaps wash it in warm soapy water once a week or so and use a soft toothbrush to insure you get all the dirt out, this will eliminate any future "stretching"
X2

Well said.
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Old 29 July 2011, 05:16 AM   #11
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oh i thought the the bars bend, and that's why the bracelet stretches. i didn't know the bars actually dig grooves into the links.
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Old 29 July 2011, 05:17 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by s14roller View Post
My Sub is pretty mint as it's a weekend watch, but I normally keep it away from water (washing included).

Would washing it/keeping it cleaner help against stretch? I would have thought metal stretching was more due to how much it's worn, and not so much how dirty it is?


It's a SUBMARINER. The water will not hurt it....and as long as you properly clean it, it will delay any stretch from setting in.

Quote:
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You keep your sub away from water? Are you joking? Do you place a plastic bag over your dogs head so it doesn't breathe in dirty air too? As long your Sub is pressure tested now and then there is NO reason to keep it away from water- it won't melt. It may even be good for it in keeping it clean!
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Old 29 July 2011, 05:26 AM   #13
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I will duly clean my watch from now on!

By the way, how bad the stretch has to be before RSC gives you the ultimatum and recommend exchange of bracelet? <- and how much does a new 93250 oyster bracelet cost?
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Old 29 July 2011, 05:28 AM   #14
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Haven't washed mine in a while... going to wash now! Be right back...
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Old 29 July 2011, 05:32 AM   #15
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i use washing up liquid.
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Old 29 July 2011, 05:48 AM   #16
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Ultrasonic!
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Old 29 July 2011, 06:15 AM   #17
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Ultrasonic!
Only on the bracelet though...
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Old 29 July 2011, 06:21 AM   #18
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Your bracelet has a bit of stretch but not excessive. When have you checked or replaced your spring bars???

I have heard that ultrasonic cleaning is the best and most thorough. I do not have an ultrasonic cleaner and I use dish soap as it is designed to cut grease and oil better than bar or other kinds of soap and rinse as cleanly as possible with no residue.
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Old 29 July 2011, 06:37 AM   #19
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Only on the bracelet though...
Yes, thank you...forgot to mention that.
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Old 29 July 2011, 06:39 AM   #20
isampark
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Your bracelet has a bit of stretch but not excessive. When have you checked or replaced your spring bars???

I have heard that ultrasonic cleaning is the best and most thorough. I do not have an ultrasonic cleaner and I use dish soap as it is designed to cut grease and oil better than bar or other kinds of soap and rinse as cleanly as possible with no residue.
I recently bought it pre-owned.
The dealer I bought it from polished and cleaned the watch for me at the time of purchase.

But, it's a P-Series model so made in 2000~2001. And I have no idea when this watch had parts replacement service.

I am planning to drop by RSC in Toronto tomorrow to get it assessed.

I hope they don't call off the bracelets
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Old 29 July 2011, 06:40 AM   #21
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Yes, thank you...forgot to mention that.
I am curious, what would happen if you put the whole thing into Ultrasonic cleaner?
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Old 29 July 2011, 06:47 AM   #22
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I bought a rather cheap Ultrasonic on Amazon. I'll use if after camping or a day at the beach usually. My wife actually uses it more for her jewelry now.

Otherwise, I will just use my Varaet kit or just some regular soap and warm water.

A toothbrush is also really handy...!
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Old 29 July 2011, 07:02 AM   #23
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I have got some stretch on my 93150 bracelet, however it is so comfortable I just cannot see buying a new one.
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Old 29 July 2011, 10:05 AM   #24
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Thanks Adam,

I am waiting for my Veraet cleaning kit I bought last week, but it looks like it will take some time, so I will clean my watch using soap water this weekend.

I just ordered some as well and WTF?!? They emailed and said it would be WEEKS before receiving it!
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Old 29 July 2011, 10:12 AM   #25
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Originally Posted by s14roller View Post
My Sub is pretty mint as it's a weekend watch, but I normally keep it away from water (washing included).

Would washing it/keeping it cleaner help against stretch? I would have thought metal stretching was more due to how much it's worn, and not so much how dirty it is?
Ewwwwww
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Old 29 July 2011, 10:15 AM   #26
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I am curious, what would happen if you put the whole thing into Ultrasonic cleaner?
I don't think you want to seethe service bill afterwards if you do that!

Btw the bracelet likely isn't nearly bad enough that rolex will suggest changing it IMO.
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Old 29 July 2011, 10:24 AM   #27
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A Sub not allowed near water, thats not right. Hell my DJ is a weakling compared to the Sub and that thing is in water all the time, either washing the car, swimming, showering, and of course when she gets a nice bubble bath once a week. Here is a pic from last weeks bubble bath:
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Old 29 July 2011, 10:46 AM   #28
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If you get a loupe and look at where the link-bars are, you can get a good idea of it's wear. They don't actually stretch, but the bars wear away grooves in the links.. Yours really isn't too bad at all. There is movement there and always some wiggle..

Here is one of my links from an older (by just a couple of years) T serial.

You can see that there is some wear, but minimal. This is what you are looking for..

This is why I read ever word Larry writes.... this is good
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Old 29 July 2011, 10:52 AM   #29
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How old is it and do you wear it everyday?
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Old 29 July 2011, 11:22 AM   #30
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Thanks Adam,

I am waiting for my Veraet cleaning kit I bought last week, but it looks like it will take some time, so I will clean my watch using soap water this weekend.



Yeah you do not need anything fancy, I find that liquid hand soap and a soft toothbrush work the best.



Quote:
Originally Posted by s14roller View Post
My Sub is pretty mint as it's a weekend watch, but I normally keep it away from water (washing included).

Would washing it/keeping it cleaner help against stretch? I would have thought metal stretching was more due to how much it's worn, and not so much how dirty it is?


Absolutely. First of all your sub is made for being in the water as a dive watch, don't worry a bit about it. I would have it pressure checked at an AD every year or two if you regularly wear in the water and of course make sure the crown is tight

Washing it and keeping it clean will most definitely keep the bracelet like new for years/decades to come
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