Removing watch during shower?

[jimbo1mcm]

My current watch is good to a 1000 feet, but old habits die slowly. I take my watch off when I shower each day. Someone told me that the soaps attack the seals. True or false? So do the rest of you remove your watches also? One of my reasons for getting ready to purchase the new GMT is that if I do continue to remove the watch each day, that is 360 clasping operations each year. The new GMT indicates that it has a better clasp. By the way, I found this excellent review on the differences between the new GMT and the previous model. http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/newgmt/newgmti.html

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

1) I for my part do not shower with my Rolex on. I wash it on a weekly basis, though, using lukewarm water and a MILD handwashing soap. Many other kinds of soap are either too aggressive or have balsam in it to smoothen skin. The balsam is hard to get rid of while rinsing your watch. And once you THINK that NOW it is free of soap you'd see that while polishing/drying your Rolex there is an annoying layer of balsam rests on the crystal and case sides

So I suggest you buy one of those "non-allergy mild soaps WITHOUT balsam" from a farmacy.

2) Don't mind about opening and closing your REGULAR Rolex clasp even 1,000 times a day. It is built to last and the new clasp is admittedly heavier in its construction, but its MAIN advantage is the hidden "Easy Extension" link inside the clasp that makes it possible to quickly adjust the bracelet out when your wrist swells in a hot environment (and of course vice versa in a cold environment you just flip the link back). One of the main reasons why Rolex updated the clasp was due to LOOKS and EXCLUSIVITY IMHO. There has been much criticism about the "conventional" Rolex clasp (words like "feels and looks cheap"). But in fact, it is a very sturdy clasp and bracelet and has proven its reliabity over DECADES.

3) Thanks for the link to the review (knew that one, but still it is a very good site with lots of other good infos).

[Earl]

Jimbo, I think the more important thing to watch out for is, dropping your watch while taking it off while in the shower and it falling the distance of 3.5 ft and hitting the hard floor.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Earl

Jimbo, I think the more important thing to watch out for is, dropping your watch while taking it off while in the shower and it falling the distance of 3.5 ft and hitting the hard floor.

Correct!!!

Soaps cannot attack the seals because the watch has been hermetically sealed against ALL external elements.

So, in reality, the watch is 100% waterproof and impermeable to any outside source.

There's no way on earth soap or any liquid can enter a Rolex that has been perfectly sealed from the factory.

JJ

[f16570]

Time for f to jump in. Its made to wear. How many times are we going to have this conversation.

f

[abigsecret]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

So, in reality, the watch is 100% waterproof and impermeable to any outside source.

JJ

Not forever though! The watch needs to be maintained in order for the gaskets to do their work! And if you wait more than 7 years (in mild using conditions) you can be sure that your watch is not water resistant like it was when it came out of the factory!

[Earl]

Originally Posted by abigsecret

Not forever though! The watch needs to be maintained in order for the gaskets to do their work! And if you wait more than 7 years (in mild using conditions) you can be sure that your watch is not water resistant like it was when it came out of the factory!

hmmmmm ok I may be going out on a limb here by asking this but, is there anyone here who owns a Rolex, service is past 7 yrs had a problem with water or other liquid getting into your watch. Now if Timex, Casio and a multitude of other brands are never checked and they are worn daily and no water damage has occurred.

You are correct in stating that "not water resistant like it was when it came out of the factory," no watch will be.

[walds11]

Only time I take my watch off is when I shower. I don't want to get soap and shampoo grind on it.

[blueface]

As I said in a similar post, I don't shower with my cloths on, why would I wear my watch???... niether your watch, clothes or body would be cleaned properly.

[Destroy]

you make a valid point blueface - I certainly don't wear my wedding ring in the shower - collects too much soap!

[txrob779]

IMO if a Rolex damn handle the ocean, the crap and salt that are in that it can surely handle the shower. Personally I rarley take mine off.

[mcubed]

If I shower in the morning I don't wear because I don't sleep with it on, but if I shower in the middle of the day for any reason, or I am showering at the gym, I leave it on.

I figure the soap is not a big deal if you rinse it off (i get a lot worse things on it than soap) and my showers are not all that hot......


Funny. But I NEVER take my wedding ring off, no matter what I am doing. I don't even realize it's there most of the time.

[Wisher]

I take off everything when I shower
And I do mean everything (watches, rings, chains, etc.)

I baby my watches and never wear them while at home, so that means never in the shower, in my bed, in the computer room or in, well, anywhere.

[roadcarver]

I take my watch off when I shower, but not when washing dishes

[Rodentman]

Originally Posted by roadcarver

I take my watch off when I shower, but not when washing dishes

If I can get my wife to wear a watch will she do the dishes?

[Paulie]

I took my watch in the shower a couple of times a week. There was a thread here where Nick Hacko mentioned that showering with your watch isn't a good idea as it's not designed to handle the rapid temperature changes you get with a hot shower. I would think a cold shower it could handle.

So when it's back from the shop, I'm only going to hand wash it on occasion.

[leopardprey]

Shower everyday while wearing my Rolex. No big deals. Hardly ever take the watch off. It is meant to be worn. Besides the watch gets cleaned when I shower. Besides, since I have to use a Community Shower, feel better knowing the watch is safe on my wrist, rather than back at the B Hut, or in shower bag.

Been showering and wearing watches while showering for over 20 years, and never had any issues. Other than use to get soap residue build up on the rubber strap of the old Sieko Automatic Dive Watch.

[cyclone3565]

I have been reading and doing some posting on this GREAT forum for a while now, but I continue to be amazed on how everyone babies their watch. Aren't they made to take it. I do everything with my watch and if I get mud or pond scum or sand on it, so what. I would loose countless hours of sleep if I worried like everyone here. Do I shower with it....only if the occasion presents itself, I have been digging a hole for a pond or pulling the trany out of my Jeep. Two days after I go mine I took a chunk out of the stainless working on my four wheel drive unit, so what, it's a battlemark. These are the best watches and this is the best forum, but it is still only a watch!

[leopardprey]

WELL SAID CYCLONE!!!!

Are we Rolex Wearing Men, or just Pretty Boys with Jewelery to just show off on our wrist?

[Paulie]

Originally Posted by leopardprey

WELL SAID CYCLONE!!!!

Are we Rolex Wearing Men, or just Pretty Boys with Jewelery to just show off on our wrist?

Both?

It really depends on the watch and your plans for it. Would you treat a mint double red Seadweller as a wheel chock while you change a tire? With all the flippers, keeping it as nice as possible is not a negative.

I really beat up my 16710. Now it's being polished up, and is no longer made, it's time to baby it a bit and get a new model to beat the snot out of.

[KJacques]

I have showered with my 1680 "red" submariner on my wrist every day for 34 years. If I wasn't wearing it, I was wearing a TT DJ or my other Z series Sub. There has been no wear, no worn seals, no collected soap scum and no after effects other than my watch is clean all the time.

In fact, the concern of taking a submariner into the bath or anywhere else that I go is a non-issue. This weekend I wore my 1680 while washing the car and then I took it to pump iron and go for a long run, just as I have for 34 years. On my last service (over 12 years between services) I paid $7 in replacing worn parts.

I got a Rolex because it was an adventurer's watch and could go or do anything with its wearer. My own watches have proved themselves. But I wouldn't expect any less. After all, there are people who actually take their Porsche on a race track or drive their Range Rover off road.

[Downing]

Originally Posted by leopardprey

WELL SAID CYCLONE!!!!

Are we Rolex Wearing Men, or just Pretty Boys with Jewelery to just show off on our wrist?

.................................................. ................Girlie.....
It would appear that some of us are Rolex Wearing ^ Men!

[yachtsales]

I agree with blue face, one must cleanse ones wrist!! :)

[yachtsales]

KJ, I think you need to wash your wrist!! :)) JK!!

[leopardprey]

Well said KJ!!!!!!

[Tools]

I think it always depends on who you're showering with..

Wouldn't want to get any unnecessary scratches...

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by jimbo1mcm

My current watch is good to a 1000 feet, but old habits die slowly. I take my watch off when I shower each day. Someone told me that the soaps attack the seals. True or false? So do the rest of you remove your watches also? One of my reasons for getting ready to purchase the new GMT is that if I do continue to remove the watch each day, that is 360 clasping operations each year. The new GMT indicates that it has a better clasp. By the way, I found this excellent review on the differences between the new GMT and the previous model. http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/newgmt/newgmti.html

JJ have to do it also.

At least when he shave his arms or the ferret.



Jocke

[D2JP]

Yesterday, I repaired 15 bikes, swam 3000 meters, showered, cut the grass and ran the weedeater, showered later that night...all while wearing my watch. I've been doing this (and more sometimes) for years with no ill effects.

BTW - baby shampoo is an excellent watch cleaner.

I really don't like to see a Rolex 'sports' watch w/o any scratches or in NIB condition, hanging off someone's wrist.

Like someone said, it's like a Porsche that's never been to the track ,or a Rover that's never been off-road.

When I see a customer in my store, sporting a bright, sparkly Rolex (or other fine watch) I hardly ever comment on it. It's usually accompanied by a nice, shiney SUV that's never been off of the pavement. But, show me a scratched and scarred Rolex and I'll GUARANTEE you the owner has some interesting stories to tell, and pulled up in a beat-to-hell truck or SUV complete with bike racks, canoe carriers and mud

Only until you wear a Rolex through the rigors of everyday life will you be able to fully appreciate it's beauty and worth. When it's beat beyond recognition, or needs a little love or TLC, send it back to RSC and it'll be new all over again!

Just my opinions, FWIW

-Jack

[EvEr34]

Originally Posted by D2JP

Only until you wear a Rolex through the rigors of everyday life will you be able to fully appreciate it's beauty and worth.
Just my opinions, FWIW

-Jack

Huh?

I guess I must not be worthy 'cause I like mine to be new looking. Ah well guess I better go buy an SUV.

[D2JP]

Originally Posted by EvEr34

Huh?

I guess I must not be worthy 'cause I like mine to be new looking.

Why?

I'm not suggesting constantly abusing a watch - just wearing it during your daily activities. I have worn my mountain biking, but only if I've mistakenly worn it to the trails, and don't want to lock it in the car. The constant jarring and shaking of mountain biking can't be good for it - much less a crash. But, I have done it many times. Same for golf, skiing, running, fishing, yard work, etc. IF I can remember, and IF there is a place to safely removed it and store it, I will. Otherwise it goes with me whatever I'm doing.

And I'm not talking about Daytona's or 18KDD's or collectible/vintage, I'm talking about the 'core' of the sports watches: Subs, SD, AK, Exp and ExpII, GMT's.

Many people think my watch is new, and it's been 8 years since it's last service...which I need to get done again.

My point is, a Rolex sports watch is one of, if not THE most durable and reliable watches ever made. Unless you actually use it in these environs, you'll may never fully appreciate it. When I traveled 4-5 days a week in sales, I used the 2 time zone feature frequently. If I were buying a watch today, I'd probably skip that, as I don't need it any longer. On the other hand, I'll never dive to 4000 feet, but that doesn't keep me from wanting a SD