Rattly Sub bracelet

[Nigel_O]

Question for the long-term Sub owners - how long would you normally expect a Sub bracelet to retain the wonderful, tight "as new" feeling?

I noticed a few days ago that my bracelet is starting to rattle after just 15 months. I don't wear the watch loose (or tight for that matter), but there are times of the day when my wrist is slightly slimmer and the watch moves around a little.

The bracelet was one of the most tactile pleasures of my first good watch - heavy and solid and with no play whatsoever - lovely to hold and have on the wrist. I guess I was expecting it to stay that way a little longer than the 15 months I've had it (it has hardly been off my wrist in all that time).

Any thoughts?

[Vanguard21]

I'd be very surprised if the bracelet was stretching at this stage. It's actually the tube's in the permanent links that become larger over time due to friction from the build of of crap between the pins and the tube. This normally takes years. Of course, weekly cleaning with a soft toothbrush and warm soapy water, greatly extends the period of wear. Ensure that all of the removable pins are screwed tightly. Other than that I can only assume that you are losing weight.

[Nigel_O]

Vanguard21 said:

Other than that I can only assume that you are losing weight.

My clothes would disagree...

[Vanguard21]

At least you're armed with the facts now, Porky.

[Nigel_O]

Thanks

Trip to the local AD required - see if they have any thoughts

[Vanguard21]

Are we talking about the newer solid linked bracelet here?

Just to warn you, AD's are mostly absolutely clueless, unless it sale's techniques. Post your concern on the rolexforums if you're really concerned.

[jonamv8]

I'd be pretty annoyed after 15 months and would be taking it to AD or speak to Rolex direct

[Nigel_O]

Vanguard21 said:

Are we talking about the newer solid linked bracelet here?

I assume so - it was brand new in January 2015

[jonamv8]

Nigel_O said:

Vanguard21 said:

Are we talking about the newer solid linked bracelet here?

I assume so - it was brand new in January 2015

Where did you buy it?

[hilly10]

Does it have the quick micro adjustment like the new Explorer 1 only I used to use that when my wrist expanded as it got warmer did away with stretching it.

[Nigel_O]

jonamv8 said:

Where did you buy it?

Dominic Hackett - Hackett Watches

Yes, it has the glidelock clasp

I had a much closer look yesterday - not all of the links have play - almost none of them have lengthways play - most of the play is in the final pin to the case - I can move the bracelet a couple of degrees side to side

If I hold the case still and pull the clasp away from the case, I can move the clasp about 10mm side to side

[Nigel_O]

I'm in Birmingham on Saturday - I think I'll nip up to Goldsmiths or Watches of Switzerland to see what they say - anyone got experience of either of them?

[hilly10]

If it were me I would go to WOS. Goldsmiths in the Bullring know jack st they have only just got the Rolex AD back

[Nigel_O]

hilly10 said:

If it were me I would go to WOS. Goldsmiths in the Bullring know jack st they have only just got the Rolex AD back

Dropped into WoS today - superb service, very helpful

Three people looked at my bracelet - the chap helping me showed me his 18-month old Daytona and his bracelet had roughly the same amount of play as mine. He spotted one of the screws in mine was coming loose, so took it out back to the workshop, had it tightened, with a little Loctite added - all for zero charge

They also advised I should "give it a rest" by taking it off at night, which may help to regulate it away from its current -3 seconds a day

[Vanguard21]

Regulation will be dependent on how you position the watch, of course. To gain time lay the watch flat with the dial uppermost.

[13m]

Nigel_O said:

Question for the long-term Sub owners - how long would you normally expect a Sub bracelet to retain the wonderful, tight "as new" feeling?

I noticed a few days ago that my bracelet is starting to rattle after just 15 months. I don't wear the watch loose (or tight for that matter), but there are times of the day when my wrist is slightly slimmer and the watch moves around a little.

The bracelet was one of the most tactile pleasures of my first good watch - heavy and solid and with no play whatsoever - lovely to hold and have on the wrist. I guess I was expecting it to stay that way a little longer than the 15 months I've had it (it has hardly been off my wrist in all that time).

Any thoughts?

Before you bought the Sub I suggested you buy a pre-ceramic model. They rattle from new, so there is no disappointment later.

[aeropilot]

Up until last autumn I had been wearing my pre-ceramic 16610 Sub everyday for 5 years (always taken off at night, and not worn while asleep) and the bracelet on that is still as good as new.....!

[p4u1]

According to the omega botique in London, In the summer months when it's hotter your wrist will expand ever so slightly making the watch tighter. Apparently they have a queue of people as soon as it starts to warm up!

[traffman]

Ive a Vintage 5513 Subariner circa 1984.
You should hear the rattle on that , i prefer the older 93150 bracelet , also named the tuna can bracelet due to the rattly nature.
I love the sound it makes.

[traffman]

My rattly Sub.