Modern Gold Piece Stretch

[MRBolton]

There are still some recent gold pieces that don't have ceramic sleeves in the bracelet. Is it likely they will stretch if worn too tightly?

I've been trying to wear my 116508 generally a little more loose for this reason.

[Scottyboy]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

There are still some recent gold pieces that don't have ceramic sleeves in the bracelet. Is it likely they will stretch if worn too tightly?

I've been trying to wear my 116508 generally a little more loose for this reason.

I think stretch is more of a symptom of wearing the watch too loose, not too tight.

[Ravager135]

Originally Posted by Scottyboy

I think stretch is more of a symptom of wearing the watch too loose, not too tight.

Correct. While I am no Michael Young, stretch more readily occurs on bracelets with hollow links (older Rolex bracelets) and bracelets that are worn too loose. It's the excess movement of wearing a bracelet loose that causes the wear.

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by Scottyboy

I think stretch is more of a symptom of wearing the watch too loose, not too tight.

You know what? I thought I read that, too! I think it may be a symptom of either wearing too loosely or too tightly.

I think vintage watches are more prone to it vs the modern ones that are more solidly built.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Scottyboy

I think stretch is more of a symptom of wearing the watch too loose, not too tight.

[rossi46]

From what I understand it's not about wearing the bracelet too loose or too tight - it's about dirt particles getting into the bracelet (where the links connect) and wearing through the metal. IMO that could happen regardless of how loose/tight the bracelet is on the wrist.

Maybe the bigger issue is how clean the bracelet is kept? Or how often some process is done to try and clear out grit that can wear away the tightness of the connection points?

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by rossi46

From what I understand it's not about wearing the bracelet too loose or too tight - it's about dirt particles getting into the bracelet (where the links connect) and wearing through the metal. IMO that could happen regardless of how loose/tight the bracelet is on the wrist.

Maybe the bigger issue is how clean the bracelet is kept? Or how often some process is done to try and clear out grit that can wear away the tightness of the connection points?

A Rolex trained watchmaker once told me that it was a good idea to run the bracelet through an ultrasonic cleaner occasionally, but I'm not sure if he was mainly referring to vintage pieces.

He said that you can't get all the grime out by just washing it with Dawn dish soap as I have been.

[MitchSF]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

A Rolex trained watchmaker once told me that it was a good idea to run the bracelet through an ultrasonic cleaner occasionally, but I'm not sure if he was mainly referring to vintage pieces.

He said that you can't get all the grime out by just washing it with Dawn dish soap as I have been.

Agreed. Ultrasonic cleaners are cheap and effective at getting grit out, especially from hollow link bracelets.

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by MitchSF

Agreed. Ultrasonic cleaners are cheap and effective at getting grit out, especially from hollow link bracelets.

What technique do you use to avoid scratching in the ultrasonic cleaner?

[MitchSF]

I just put it in on its edge, and fill up with water and concentrated jewelry cleaner. It doesn't really move around, so no issues with scratching.

[Vince_76]

Originally Posted by rossi46

From what I understand it's not about wearing the bracelet too loose or too tight - it's about dirt particles getting into the bracelet (where the links connect) and wearing through the metal. IMO that could happen regardless of how loose/tight the bracelet is on the wrist.

Maybe the bigger issue is how clean the bracelet is kept? Or how often some process is done to try and clear out grit that can wear away the tightness of the connection points?

Yes, but Dirt + movement is the culprit. Dirt is the abrasive element and stretch is exacerbated when the bracelet is worn loose since as the bracelet moves around of the dirt, hence additional stretch

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by Vince_76

Yes, but Dirt + movement is the culprit. Dirt is the abrasive element and stretch is exacerbated when the bracelet is worn loose since as the bracelet moves around of the dirt, hence additional stretch

Exactly.

BTW, fixing a loose bracelet isn't too expensive OP. Rolliworks can do it.

[jb335]

Originally Posted by MitchSF

Agreed. Ultrasonic cleaners are cheap and effective at getting grit out, especially from hollow link bracelets.

Anyone have a recommendation for an Ultrasonic cleaner for watches?


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Vince_76

Yes, but Dirt + movement is the culprit. Dirt is the abrasive element and stretch is exacerbated when the bracelet is worn loose since as the bracelet moves around of the dirt, hence additional stretch

Exactly, both contribute

[BriansRolex]

I've owned several different modern PM Rolex and never had an issue with any of the bracelets stretching granted I don't wear them often

[Steve Stifler]

Originally Posted by BriansRolex

I've owned several different modern PM Rolex and never had an issue with any of the bracelets stretching granted I don't wear them often

It takes years to develop and both the references you posted have the ceramic sleeves.

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by jb335

Anyone have a recommendation for an Ultrasonic cleaner for watches?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Seconded. I saw someone on here talking about how well one that's 800 watts would do vs the low wattage ones, which I'm assuming most of the ones around $30 on Amazon are.

[BriansRolex]

Originally Posted by Steve Stifler

It takes years to develop and both the references you posted have the ceramic sleeves.

Including 2008 Yachtmaster?

[joli160]

I use boiling water with a drop of dawn in the ultrasoon cleaner and let it run for 5 minutes. Amazing to see how much gunk comes out a visually totally clean bracelet.

The watch heads I clean with warm water with dawn, toothbrush treatment and rinse with clean water.

Works for me

[Steve Stifler]

Originally Posted by BriansRolex

Including 2008 Yachtmaster?

No, that doesn't have it, but your sub and DD40 do.

[DC116710LN]

Originally Posted by joli160

I use boiling water with a drop of dawn in the ultrasoon cleaner and let it run for 5 minutes. Amazing to see how much gunk comes out a visually totally clean bracelet.

The watch heads I clean with warm water with dawn, toothbrush treatment and rinse with clean water.

Works for me

The ultrasonic cleaner makes that much of a difference? I clean with a toothbrush and dish soap each week but perhaps I should switch to ultrasonic for the bracelets