Hey guys,

What is 'stretch' in a metal bracelet? I've got one that's pretty rattly and lose.

Can it be unstretched?

Thanks!

J

 

Basically wear in the links, if it bothers you perhaps time to search for another.

 

There is a guy that does Rolex bracelets (he may do other brands as well), and apparently does a great job, but I hear he is very busy. Can't recall his name at the moment....Michael something...maybe?

 

Michael young in Hong Kong,

http://www.wristtimes.com/blog-1/2014/6/6/michael-young-bracelet-magician

 

Thanks Stu for remembering for me.

 

Wow, cool! Not sure if it's worth it for an old 1098 though.

Does anyone know *how they do it? Trade secret?

 

I've used MY on Rolex bracelets. He has done a couple of SS folded-link jubilees for me. Amazing work, and not expensive IMO, given the results.

Generally very very very slow service.

 

FWIW, Michael did a great job on my Omega 1159 bracelet so he definitely is not limited to Rolex bracelets. The bracelet was just loose and disgusting prior to his work and although not new, no stretch and in perfect working order when it came back.

Before (hard to see from these shots how worn it was):





After:





He took care of the rest of the watch as well. Cost of the bracelet rebuild was $150.

 

Does anyone have an opinion on whether it's worth spending $150 on repairing a 1098 I swiped off ebay for about $60? It's not in the greatest of shape, but I don't know if it's worth repairing or if I should just look for one in better shape...

 

The real question is what it costs to find a replacement in good shape and is it in demand. I'm happy on the 1159 since from my understanding they aren't too common nor available.

 

Yes, that's what I'm asking. Not many 1098 immediately available, but not sure how rare or desirable they are. I got it to complete the 168.023 I have, but not sure how often I'd wear that one on steel bracelet..

 

Well, a quick check on the model indicates these go around $1K +/- $200. For my Mark 2, they tend to be about $2K and it didn't have another option that I wanted to pursue so since the restoration including bracelet kept the total expense to about $1.5K to $1.6K it seemed reasonable. If you don't have a lot into your 168.023 then I'd consider it. If it will bring the cost up to more than you could buy a complete one for than it depends how important completeness is. Personally I find bracelets more useful than straps.