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Old 4 December 2015, 06:45 AM   #1
silverbullet818
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Bracelet stretch example(s)?

As I get to know more about the intricacies of the Rolex brand, I am intrugued by the 'bracelet stretch' phenomenon that is spoken somewhat frewquently on this board.

As an owner of a datejust with a jubilee bracelet, I was wondering if those who have experienced or have photos can speak about the 'stretch'

I don't daily wear by DJ as I have a few pieces in rotation. Just curious as to what causes this. Is it because the watch is on too tight at the wrist and the bending motion of the wrists stretches the band?

How does Rolex fix this?
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Old 4 December 2015, 06:49 AM   #2
sickened1
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Quote:
Originally Posted by silverbullet818 View Post
As an owner of a datejust with a jubilee bracelet, I was wondering if those who have experienced or have photos can speak about the 'stretch'
Not mine.



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How does Rolex fix this?
I called RSC and was told they don't fix stretched bracelet, they replace it.

I have a 14270 with some small stretch on the bracelet that Michael Young is currently working on.
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Old 4 December 2015, 06:52 AM   #3
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That's a pretty severe case above ^^^

Search Michael Young here, as he is one of, if not THE best repair people for this type,of work. He may or may not be able to repair something as "stretched" as the above example.
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Old 4 December 2015, 06:53 AM   #4
Lordofrolex
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Michael young fixes bracelet stretch. He's very reputable and many purple on this forums use him.
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Old 4 December 2015, 06:54 AM   #5
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This happens to all bracelets over time, they hold pretty straight and first but eventually they will loosen up like the example posted above.

I wear all my bracelets pretty loose and this is something that has happened to my watches, so I don't think it has to do with the watch being too tight and getting stretched, it's just a simple reality of having so many moving links and the fact that metal weakens over time
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Old 4 December 2015, 08:02 AM   #6
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Not mine.





I called RSC and was told they don't fix stretched bracelet, they replace it.

I have a 14270 with some small stretch on the bracelet that Michael Young is currently working on.
If you sent in one for service that had a stretched old-style hollow end link oyster bracelet, would RSC replace it with the newer version or the older style?
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Old 4 December 2015, 08:12 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by silverbullet818 View Post
As I get to know more about the intricacies of the Rolex brand, I am intrugued by the 'bracelet stretch' phenomenon that is spoken somewhat frewquently on this board.

As an owner of a datejust with a jubilee bracelet, I was wondering if those who have experienced or have photos can speak about the 'stretch'

I don't daily wear by DJ as I have a few pieces in rotation. Just curious as to what causes this. Is it because the watch is on too tight at the wrist and the bending motion of the wrists stretches the band?
The "stretch" isn't metal bending or weakening, it's due to friction when the bracelet link pins rotate inside and wear the holes. The more the links move, the more they wear and looser they become. The result is an apparent "stretch".

Wearing your bracelet tight will reduce the movement of the links and reduce the rate of wear compared with if you wear your bracelet loose. Loose-wearing = accelerated wear/stretch.
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Old 4 December 2015, 08:26 AM   #8
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Also has to do with dirt, grime and such being abrasive and wearing the bracelet pins and links where they make contact. Wear the bracelet snug enough so that it doesn't move around and keep it clean with a toothbrush, soap and warm water. These 2 things are imperative to make sure a bracelet stays tight for many years.
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Old 4 December 2015, 08:48 AM   #9
Dubarzy
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Pic of my coworker's 30 yr old GMT. He has worn it every day, working outside, it's seen plenty of dirt.
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Old 4 December 2015, 09:38 AM   #10
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My 18038 before Michael Young
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Old 4 December 2015, 09:41 AM   #11
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After Michael Young exactly 8 weeks later ... Upside down but ....
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Old 4 December 2015, 09:49 AM   #12
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Wow! The repairs are impressive
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Old 4 December 2015, 09:54 AM   #13
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Ultrasonic is the way to clean your bracelets. Many think special 'foo-foo sprays' are enough. While they do make the watch shine real nice...they aren't getting into the pins.

Example...Ultrasonic bath water AFTER regular foo-foo spray cleanings:
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Old 4 December 2015, 11:34 AM   #14
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Here are mine. A jubilee and an oyster before/after Michael Young waved his magic wand over them


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Old 4 December 2015, 12:00 PM   #15
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he does exemplary work!
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Old 4 December 2015, 12:47 PM   #16
silverbullet818
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Wow I didn't think the oyster bracelet gets affected by stretch too! Thought it was only the jubilee!

Do modern bracelets still have these stretch issues??
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Old 4 December 2015, 12:54 PM   #17
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Wow the results Michael Young does is impressive and comforting to know that option is available if needed.
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Old 8 September 2018, 12:34 AM   #18
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Is there anyone in the states that does similar work?
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Old 8 September 2018, 01:09 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony64 View Post
If you sent in one for service that had a stretched old-style hollow end link oyster bracelet, would RSC replace it with the newer version or the older style?
To my understanding they replace with the newer version. I wanted to keep my watch original and opted to scour and find a good hollow link orginal
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Old 8 September 2018, 01:20 AM   #20
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Is there anyone in the states that does similar work?
Yes. Results seem pretty good. https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=601876
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Old 8 September 2018, 01:59 AM   #21
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Have heard of cleaning and drying watch strap, then spraying alloy wheel sealer into joints and allow to dry. This I am told takes up a great deal of play, and is often used to disguise worn bracelets.
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Old 8 September 2018, 01:53 PM   #22
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As was said already, if you wear the bracelet loose it will stretch much sooner than if you wear it fairly tight
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Old 8 September 2018, 10:23 PM   #23
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Is there anyone in the states that does similar work?
Yes, check this thread, Rolliworks in California repairs them and some people in the forum is reporting good results:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...16#post8915016
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Old 5 October 2020, 03:19 AM   #24
Nordon
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Wow! The repairs are impressive
I actually did the top link on mine already (2002 GMT Master II SS Oyster bracelet). it broke sometime back, and I was able to get a new spring bar in without removing the link, did it the way you compress piston rings with a really thin sheet of aluminum and was able to slide the link over it and it popped into place, I did it to the same spot on the other side too. I actually filed the Spring bar down a bit to remove the taper so as the diameter Of the bar was The exact thickness in the bracelet loop. I wish someone rented the machines, as I think I can do the remaining 3 links on each side myself, I would hate to shell out $700 (for remover and pusher) to do once. Needs to be serviced so bad, polished and I have a scratch in my bezel that annoys me, but do not want to pay $700 for a new “Coke” bezel.
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