nickel allergy + Rolex - help

[noche619]

I've been obsessing for weeks about buying a Rolex (Air King or Date model). My big dilemma was what dial color, pricing, who to purchase from. Today I came across some talk online about Rolex SS and nickel. Basically, they are saying the type of SS Rolex uses contains more nickel than typically used. I've been wearing a Movado SS watch for a few years with no problems and before that another SS watch. But I do have problems with nickel. That was what lead me to buy my 14K Rolex years ago. I was wearing a costume jewelry "gold" bracelet watch and it irritated me. I can't wear costume earrings.
I'd hate to spend thousands on a watch and not be able to wear it.
Do I have to abandon the whole plan and not buy a new watch? or get an Omega or some other brand?
Any Rolex wearing dermatologists out there?
Help!

[Andad]

The information is correct. The latest Rolex ss bracelets have a much higher % of nickel.
I have never understood why Rolex moved to a stainless steel with a higher nickel content when the old 316 stainless was doing a good job in salt water IMO.

You might have to go for gold.

[noche619]

cannot spend $10K or more on a watch

[Tools]

Even though Rolex uses a steel with more nickel than typically used, it is still a fraction of the total......... 23% for 904 vs 13% for 316 , roughly; so you don't get away from it with other watches or other steels..

If you have issues, wear a clear sticker/fabric on the case-back and not too tightly.. Leather, rubber, or NATO from time to time fixes the bracelet problem (if you have ultra sensitivity to it)

Typically that argument comes up when fans of other watches are looking for ammo to bash Rolex.. using 904 and not 316 means that the integrity of the caseback sealing surfaces may last longer..

[SeamasterGMT]

Originally Posted by Tools

Even though Rolex uses a steel with more nickel than typically used, it is still a fraction of the total......... 23% for 904 vs 13% for 316 , roughly; so you don't get away from it with other watches or other steels..

If you have issues, wear a clear sticker/fabric on the case-back and not too tightly.. Leather, rubber, or NATO from time to time fixes the bracelet problem (if you have ultra sensitivity to it)

Typically that argument comes up when fans of other watches are looking for ammo to bash Rolex.. using 904 and not 316 means that the integrity of the caseback sealing surfaces may last longer..

Tools, I value your opinions a lot so please don't take this the wrong way but I thought 316 was surgical grade steel and hypoallergenic meaning less likely to cause allergic reaction.

[Andad]

The stainless/nickel bonding might be better on the newer 904L bracelets and this might reduce the allergy reaction.
Find a friend with a new ss Rolex and borrow it for a few weeks?
If you were in Adelaide I would lend you one of Martins.

[noche619]

thanks
I've seen other mention of NATO. Is this something you attach to the watch back or the inside of the bracelet to put between your skin and the metal?

I wish I had a friend to loan me a rolex for a week but I don't. And the stores won't take one back once it's been worn.

[Dr.Brian]

You could put clear nail polish on the case back and wear it one notch looser than usual. If you loved the watch and the bracelet proved to be a problem, you could always rock a NATO or a strap.
Worst case you sell it for a small loss. An Airking could probably be purchased for 10% off (maybe more) and sold on here as new for a 10% loss. You could also get one from one of our regular grey market dealers and sell it for what you paid.
A NATO is a type of nylon strap.

[snowbird]

Originally Posted by noche619

thanks
I've seen other mention of NATO. Is this something you attach to the watch back or the inside of the bracelet to put between your skin and the metal?

I wish I had a friend to loan me a rolex for a week but I don't. And the stores won't take one back once it's been worn.

NATO in this context means a fabric strap that you can use in place of the original metal bracelet.

[sheldonsmith]

Hirsch also makes these caseback pads.

More info on these at http://www.minus4plus6.com/casebackpad.htm

-Sheldon

[Mystro]

Buy a Omega. Their steel is easier for sensitive skin. I have a buddy that can't wear a Rolex's steel and did just that. He is a happy Planet ocean owner.

[Tools]

Put one of these on the back...........

[wach16]

I actually had an allergic reaction to my watch about a year ago. It is a datejust 16234 on a stainless steel oyster bracelet. I went to see a dermatologist and he prescribed me a topical cream (halobetasol propionate). After a few days it went away. It happened once since then and i put it on for a few days and it went away...Hope this helps!

[noche619]

Originally Posted by wach16

I actually had an allergic reaction to my watch about a year ago. It is a datejust 16234 on a stainless steel oyster bracelet. I went to see a dermatologist and he prescribed me a topical cream (halobetasol propionate). After a few days it went away. It happened once since then and i put it on for a few days and it went away...Hope this helps!

watch16 I think you're lucky. I would think you'd have to be using the cream a lot more often.
Thank you all for your suggestions.
I went to two ADs today. Both said they were unaware of rolex stainless containing more nickel. Both also said they had never had a customer complain about a skin reaction. That part is encouraging to me. Although I know they want to make a sale, they are local and I doubt they want an unhappy customer coming back. -- esp since I've been in there stores several times already - probably an indication that I could be a pain.

[WatchTimes]

Originally Posted by noche619

watch16 I think you're lucky. I would think you'd have to be using the cream a lot more often.
Thank you all for your suggestions.
I went to two ADs today. Both said they were unaware of rolex stainless containing more nickel. Both also said they had never had a customer complain about a skin reaction. That part is encouraging to me. Although I know they want to make a sale, they are local and I doubt they want an unhappy customer coming back. -- esp since I've been in there stores several times already - probably an indication that I could be a pain.

I would not put any weight in what an AD says about Nickle content.
You have seen here from posts from members who know what they are talking about Rolex uses 10% more nickle due to the SS they use. I HIGHLY doubt your AD has ANY clue about the break down of the metal. Sorry but trusting an AD that you do not have a long term relationship with is like trusting a used car salesman at a buy here pay here lot.

As for how your skin will react, no one can tell you till you try. That is reason enough to buy pre owned as if it doesn't work out you can sell it without loosing much if anything. Its a tough call as going into an AD and wearing one for a few minutes will not cause the reaction it will take a couple days to most likely show.

[Dr.Brian]

Just an idea. Why don't you buy one and remove any stickers from the inside of the bracelet and caseback. Than wear it to bed for a week. If you get a reaction just wipe it off and return it. My AD had a 30 or 60 day return if "unworn". You're not going to put any marks on it wearing it for 6-8 hours a night in bed.

[noche619]

Originally Posted by Dr.Brian

Just an idea. Why don't you buy one and remove any stickers from the inside of the bracelet and caseback. Than wear it to bed for a week. If you get a reaction just wipe it off and return it. My AD had a 30 or 60 day return if "unworn". You're not going to put any marks on it wearing it for 6-8 hours a night in bed.

Hmm....that's an idea. I could leave the tags on if any....something to consider
thanks

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Dr.Brian

Just an idea. Why don't you buy one and remove any stickers from the inside of the bracelet and caseback. Than wear it to bed for a week. If you get a reaction just wipe it off and return it. My AD had a 30 or 60 day return if "unworn". You're not going to put any marks on it wearing it for 6-8 hours a night in bed.

IMO probably one of the worst ideas ever posted.

[WatchTimes]

All I can say is I am sorry.
I would be bummed, I would strongly look at leather or a NATO.
If precious metals are not an option what else??? Could you wear
a IWC, VC.... How about a Titanium IWC watch.

What style watch do you seek? Diver, Sports, GMT, Pilot, Dress give us some direction

[noche619]

Originally Posted by JYogi

All I can say is I am sorry.
I would be bummed, I would strongly look at leather or a NATO.
If precious metals are not an option what else??? Could you wear
a IWC, VC.... How about a Titanium IWC watch.

What style watch do you seek? Diver, Sports, GMT, Pilot, Dress give us some direction

I've been looking at Air King or Date model. I'm a woman. As I said, I've been wearing stainless but my concern is that apparently Rolex stainless has more nickel. So I guess I could take a chance that if I've been wearing other stainless, I can wear Rolex? or I could go with something else...Omega? I shouldn't have to go to platinum or titanium if I've been wearing stainless for several years (not rolex).

[Lion]

Ultimately the decision is yours to make but I'd gamble and take a chance.....

[OLJR]

Originally Posted by Lion

Ultimately the decision is yours to make but I'd gamble and take a chance.....

I had a nickel allergy when I was a child. So I gambled when I bought my GMTIIc that now I am grown up I would not be affected. And so far I am fine!

However I do have a TT so the strap is not all nickel if that makes any difference.

Heres to hoping that my allergy does not come back.

[kenhiraihnl]

I developed a nickel rash from my GV, but solved the problem by using some of the suggestions from Tools, Sheldon, and others. I use clear packing tape on the back, and a piece on the clasp. They greatly reduce the amount of skin contact. I also rotate, and wear my Sub 5512 much more often than the GV. That reduces exposure to the 914L in the GV. The GV also looks very good with a brown leather strap, which further reduces exposure to nickel.

[noche619]

I just found this online: Nickel Solution Detect & Protect
http://www.dermadoctor.com/product_N...stem_1394.html

anyone heard of this? you put it on the jewelry and it forms a bond
it sounds helpful
thoughts?

[Dr. Robert]

I had been wearing older SS Rolexes & Tudors.......I have some allergies, mostly seasonal pollen/dog/cat dander.......I had heard about the 904 SS nickel thing/allergy thing, Took a chance,I bought 2 newer, used SS
Rolexes last year(I would re-sell them if I had an allergic reaction) luckily no problem, whew.

[East Bay Rider]

As was suggested a clear caseback and a leather strap would greatly reduce the amount of contact with your skin. I don't know how much exposure is 'too much' so you'll have to judge that yourself.
Good luck. I hope you'll be able to get a Rolex soon.

[Andad]

Have I got this right?
You would buy a new Rolex just to find out if it gives you a rash. You will wear it to bed for a week and then take it back to the AD as unworn if it doesn't work out.


1) You would need to have it sized so it is no longer 'New'.
2) It will be a used watch that you would be returning.

Only in America.

I wil repeat my post.

IMO probably one of the worst ideas ever posted.

[dhh]

I have owned a number of vintage rolex watches and had no issues but I did recently have to sell my GV milgauss because of a rash that developed after wearingit - and it appears that was due to the high nickel content. My V Daytonas do not cause the rash.

[Dr.Brian]

Yes, if I thought I would have an allergy to a product that I felt some need to acquire over a competitor, I might do what I suggested. And I wouldn't lose any sleep over it either. I must be morally bereft. Please don't ban me for inciting anarchy. The dealer would take it back as it would be indistinguishable from new. When I rent a luxury car that "requires" high octane gas I fill up with the bargain stuff in as well, just to save 25 cents a gallon. Don't tell Hertz.
BTW America has nothing to do with it, so save your slurs for someone else.

Originally Posted by directioneng

Have I got this right?
You would buy a new Rolex just to find out if it gives you a rash. You will wear it to bed for a week and then take it back to the AD as unworn if it doesn't work out.


1) You would need to have it sized so it is no longer 'New'.
2) It will be a used watch that you would be returning.

Only in America.

I wil repeat my post.

IMO probably one of the worst ideas ever posted.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Dr.Brian

Yes, if I thought I would have an allergy to a product that I felt some need to acquire over a competitor, I might do what I suggested. And I wouldn't lose any sleep over it either. I must be morally bereft. Please don't ban me for inciting anarchy. The dealer would take it back as it would be indistinguishable from new. When I rent a luxury car that "requires" high octane gas I fill up with the bargain stuff in as well, just to save 25 cents a gallon. Don't tell Hertz.
BTW America has nothing to do with it, so save your slurs for someone else.

You have answered your own post.