Bracelet stretch on vintage Constellations

vishsam · May 9, 2025

Hi guys. I recently acquired a vintage constellation Manhattan from the 90s. The watch is in excellent condition. This is the first watch I own with a bracelet. I would like to know whether the integrated bracelet is susceptible to stretching over time. Right now the bracelet is really tight without any sagging. I have read online that with regular cleaning and not wearing it loose will prevent it from stretching. I would like to know how likely it is for the bracelet to stretch and anything I could do to prevent it from happening.

M'Bob · May 10, 2025

Yes: cleaning regularly, if you wear it frequently, will help prolong the life of the bracelet parts. The oil from you skin, plus skin debris, dirt, etc., form a grit that can eventually wear the moving parts. Wearing loose probably less damaging, but avoid if you want to keep it as close to perfect as possible.

vishsam · May 10, 2025

M'Bob
Yes: cleaning regularly, if you wear it frequently, will help prolong the life of the bracelet parts. The oil from you skin, plus skin debris, dirt, etc., form a grit that can eventually wear the moving parts. Wearing loose probably less damaging, but avoid if you want to keep it as close to perfect as possible.

Thanks for the reply. How do I clean it? Since it's a vintage piece I cant run it under water.

M'Bob · May 10, 2025

Can you post a picture?

Dan S · May 10, 2025

The best way to clean the bracelet is to remove it from the watch and use an ultrasonic cleaner with an appropriate cleaning solution. If you can't do it yourself, perhaps there is a local watchmaker or jeweler who will do it for a fee. Like anything that needs to be maintained, some people do more and some do less. It's your choice.

vishsam · May 11, 2025

M'Bob
Can you post a picture?

M'Bob · May 11, 2025

Looks nice and tight at the moment.

As said above, the correct way to clean this would be to remove the watch from the bracelet via a watchmaker visit. That said, if you are a do-it-yourselfer, I would myself probably cover the watch head in plastic, and carefully, letting the bracelet sides dangle down, wash it with dish soap and water, and carefully rinse. But, if you feel there’s a good chance to wet the movement, forget this idea.

Bracelet stretch on vintage Constellations

vishsam

M'Bob

vishsam

M'Bob

Dan S

vishsam

M'Bob

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