Stiff clasp on Jubilee bracelet

I recently got a 2023 BLRO (from a dealer). The main hinge on the jubilee clasp is incredibly stiff.

I’ve seen on some forums that stiff bracelets on new watches isn’t unheard and that soaking in soapy warm water usually fixes it. Curious if anyone here has experienced this?

Concerned the bracelet (or even the whole watch) isn’t genuine.