Questions about stretch in stainless steel link watch bracelets | FerrariChat
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Questions about stretch in stainless steel link watch bracelets

Discussion in 'Fine Watches, Jewelry, & Clothes' started by Jack-the-lad, Feb 27, 2024.

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  1. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    Jun 22, 2004
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    #1 Jack-the-lad, Feb 27, 2024
    I’m considering buying an early Tudor Oyster Prince Date+Day from the 1980s. It’s one of the references with Rolex crown and case back, but Tudor signed bracelet. It more closely resembles a jubilee than an oyster. Is it possible to tell from pictures the amount of stretch in the bracelet? Can these bracelets be adjusted to eliminate or at least reduce the stretch? The watch in question is in Germany on Chrono24 from a highly rated dealer.
    Many thanks for any suggestions.

    Jack.
     
  2. poljav

    poljav F1 Veteran
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    #2 poljav, Feb 28, 2024
    Hard to guesstimate based on pics alone, if possible, maybe get a video from the seller? The reason the older bracelets have the stretch is because of the pins inside the bracelet that connects them wear out over time, that's what causes the play/stretch not necessarily the bracelet itself is bad. This is the reason Rolex started using ceramic pins in the newer models to eliminate the "stretch". If you like the watch enough and the price is good, there's plenty of inexpensive period correct bracelets available.
     
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  3. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    Jun 22, 2004
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    #3 Jack-the-lad, Feb 28, 2024
  4. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #4 Jack-the-lad, Feb 28, 2024
    Yes, I could get a Rolex oyster bracelet from that period which earlier references of this watch came with.
     
  5. poljav

    poljav F1 Veteran
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    #5 poljav, Feb 28, 2024
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2024
    From the pics, it doesn't look too bad and doesn't look beat up. IMO, once on the wrist that should look okay, unless you like wearing it loose.

    Also, just to clarify, Rolex still uses steel pin screws, they just now have a ceramic housing so its not pin steel rubbing against steel/gold/platinum.
     
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  6. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jun 22, 2004
    76,563
    Danger Close at Moot Pointe, Gulf of America
    #6 Jack-the-lad, Feb 28, 2024
    Thanks. Yes, compared with others I’ve seen this bracelet still appears to be pretty tight. I prefer wearing my watches more tight than loose. I may take a flier on this. The seller has a very good rating on Chrono24, which has a pretty good buyer protection regimen and return policy. I’m just looking for an interesting daily wear that meets my needs, isn’t too precious or too flash and is relatively easy to have serviced.
     
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