This Hurt

[sfbatman007]

It was bound to happen!
Just got this watch yesterday and tried to do a strap change myself and that damn spring bar slipped and took a piece of polished layer off!

Oh well, one of many.. Hopefully not too many lol but I will always remember this little guy





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[henrylee]

Ouch but it’s okay, battle wounds

[SS Oyster]

That’s not a layer ... Rolex white gold is pure. Unlike some other white golds, which are coated, Rolex white gold is pure through and through, so it’s just dented/scratched, which if it bothers you can be either polished out if not too deep or welded and refinished back to original.

Those lugs are very susceptible to this type of damage due to the way Rolex decided to construct the OF bracelet, which is a shame.

I think all OF bracelets should come with Glidelock clasp, so only very large size variances would required a OF change, which is what they did in the WG Yachtmaster 42mm.


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[sfbatman007]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

That’s not a layer ... Rolex white gold is pure. Unlike some other white golds, which are coated, Rolex white gold is pure through and through, so it’s just dented/scratched, which if it bothers you can be either polished out if not too deep or welded and refinished back to original.

Those lugs are very susceptible to this type of damage due to the way Rolex decided to construct the OF bracelet, which is a shame.

I think all OF bracelets should come with Glidelock clasp, so only very large size variances would required a OF change, which is what they did in the WG Yachtmaster 42mm.


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That's what I thought as well that Rolex cases don't have any rhodium plating like most white gold jewelry. It is probably a dent then and will just leave it as is for now.

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[JodyHighroller]

Unfortunately this is common because the OF bracelet doesn’t have those cutouts in the back for where the spring bar meets the case. I wouldn’t dare to try and change it myself.

I had a brand new 126655 purchased earlier this year with this same exact damage caused by an official RSC. They tried to polish it out, but it took away from the sharp lug lines. They ultimately replaced the entire case with serials matching.

There’s a used YM42 for sale on here and the seller advertises it as excellent condition. It has these marks on all four lugs.

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

That’s not a layer ... Rolex white gold is pure. Unlike some other white golds, which are coated, Rolex white gold is pure through and through, so it’s just dented/scratched, which if it bothers you can be either polished out if not too deep or welded and refinished back to original.

Those lugs are very susceptible to this type of damage due to the way Rolex decided to construct the OF bracelet, which is a shame.

I think all OF bracelets should come with Glidelock clasp, so only very large size variances would required a OF change, which is what they did in the WG Yachtmaster 42mm.


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The Daytona OF is now the only model without GlideLock. Hopefully they roll it out next year, which is the only thing that is holding me back from purchasing.

[peterpl]

Yep that is painful.

[EEpro]

The smallest that mark will ever be is today. If you try to buff it you'll distort the reflection and ruin the look of the lug. It's tiny and should be left alone until a time when you're ready to correctly laser weld and polish at service.

It's quite hard to see so just ignore and enjoy.

[sfbatman007]

Originally Posted by EEpro

The smallest that mark will ever be is today. If you try to buff it you'll distort the reflection and ruin the look of the lug. It's tiny and should be left alone until a time when you're ready to correctly laser weld and polish at service.

It's quite hard to see so just ignore and enjoy.

Yup, completely agree. Wouldn't want to polish this out and ruin the lug profile. Though I am surprised how easily and something so small like a spring bar was able to do this damage to the lug!

I know white gold is soft but didn't think it was this soft..

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[EEpro]

Originally Posted by sfbatman007

Yup, completely agree. Wouldn't want to polish this out and ruin the lug profile. Though I am surprised how easily and something so small like a spring bar was able to do this damage to the lug!

I know white gold is soft but didn't think it was this soft..

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It's not the gold honestly, steel would have had the same thing done to it. I've seen that a dozen times on both sides of the lugs. I did it once myself on a previous steel sub.

People think it's tool marks but it's the spring bar sliding past the hole and blasting out the corner of the lug.

[Singslinger]

I feel your pain sir, but luckily it isn't that noticeable.

Fantastic watch, by the way. Wear it in good health!

[scombs263]

Ouch. I feel for you.

[hpintime1]

That is very hurtful, and I know exactly it feels.

[pug208]

I always put tape to cover areas which are prone to scratches while changing straps.

[Gerardus]

Originally Posted by pug208

I always put tape to cover areas which are prone to scratches while changing straps.

x2

[daysky1]

I have wondered about using tape myself, is their a preferred type? Also since I have unstickered a few watches I've wondered if applying a peeled sticker would do as well. What do you think? I'm trying, like we all are, to keep them as unscratched and good looking as possible. ie I take it off while digging through my tool box or drawer diving, however I did keep my Rolex GMT on while shoveling the snow. It was covered by my coat and gloves....

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by daysky1

I have wondered about using tape myself, is their a preferred type? Also since I have unstickered a few watches I've wondered if applying a peeled sticker would do as well. What do you think? I'm trying, like we all are, to keep them as unscratched and good looking as possible. ie I take it off while digging through my tool box or drawer diving, however I did keep my Rolex GMT on while shoveling the snow. It was covered by my coat and gloves....

Blue painters tape works well.

I messed around with my OF when I first got it. It can be tricky to work with. I don't remember exactly what I used but I believe it was this attachment:

[Wigwag]

Originally Posted by daysky1

I have wondered about using tape myself, is their a preferred type? Also since I have unstickered a few watches I've wondered if applying a peeled sticker would do as well. What do you think? I'm trying, like we all are, to keep them as unscratched and good looking as possible. ie I take it off while digging through my tool box or drawer diving, however I did keep my Rolex GMT on while shoveling the snow. It was covered by my coat and gloves....

Regular masking tape is fine if you are being cautious.

[sambb]

resale affected by 5, but ok if you keep it lomg term

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by sambb

resale affected by 5, but ok if you keep it lomg term

I agree here that is a deep dent which cannot be simply polished out so it will affect resale, but as its barely visible where it is, if you keep the watch just wear and forget it. No point to fix it with laser welding in my view.

[sfbatman007]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

I agree here that is a deep dent which cannot be simply polished out so it will affect resale, but as its barely visible where it is, if you keep the watch just wear and forget it. No point to fix it with laser welding in my view.

Disagree there, with laser welding technology it can be brought back to its original glory.

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[AG23]

Huge congrats on the watch- far and away my favourite Daytona.

And great attitude regarding the scratch- plenty more to come, as you say. Although I’d be a bit mad at myself doing in on day 2...

[alphadweller]

The springbar did that? Are you sure it wasn't the tool you used to remove the bracelet? Wow, if caused by the springbar, it really proves gold is much softer than steel. I've had springbars jumping out and it never left a scratch or dent on a steel lug.

In any case it will be taken care of by the RSC if need be.

[pbubsy]

Did this to one of my lugs. You'll forget about it after a while. Hardly noticeable.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

The springbar did that? Are you sure it wasn't the tool you used to remove the bracelet? Wow, if caused by the springbar, it really proves gold is much softer than steel. I've had springbars jumping out and it never left a scratch or dent on a steel lug.

In any case it will be taken care of by the RSC if need be.

Springbar should be solid gold so I think you are correct it was most likely the steel tool.

[sfbatman007]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Springbar should be solid gold so I think you are correct it was most likely the steel tool.

Nope it wasn't. I access the spring bar from the back and the spring bar was released from the front and did this. I am using a Rolex spring bar tool.

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[EEpro]

Originally Posted by sfbatman007

Nope it wasn't. I access the spring bar from the back and the spring bar was released from the front and did this. I am using a Rolex spring bar tool.

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So many people are failing to read this point!

Especially with tight/interference fitting rubber the user puts pressure on the tweezer tool to attempt to align the bar with the holes and the tweezer loses grip.

The bar is now compressed in between the lugs but in no holes and slides and pops out leaving an exit wound in the lug.

[sfbatman007]

Originally Posted by EEpro

So many people are failing to read this point!

Especially with tight/interference fitting rubber the user puts pressure on the tweezer tool to attempt to align the bar with the holes and the tweezer loses grip.

The bar is now compressed in between the lugs but in no holes and slides and pops out leaving an exit wound in the lug.

Yup!

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[envuks]

Originally Posted by EEpro

So many people are failing to read this point!

Especially with tight/interference fitting rubber the user puts pressure on the tweezer tool to attempt to align the bar with the holes and the tweezer loses grip.

The bar is now compressed in between the lugs but in no holes and slides and pops out leaving an exit wound in the lug.

When putting a strap on, I find it far easier to put one side of the springbar into its hole and simply compress the other side.

What you’re describing is necessary when putting a bracelet on, but not for getting a strap on


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[TswaneNguni]

Have done so many strap changes on Panerai,I dont even care to remember .
On Rolex,never .

[pickettt]

That sucks, but it could’ve been worse. It’s still a terrific watch.