Protective film on my Rolex

[amphr1]

Okay I did it. I did it on 3 of them. I bought it from WatchShells. The product is decent. But I'm convinced their data security is shit because someone tried to scam me right after. Anyway I got their standard kit for the Daytona, which means the clasp and the side and back of the case but not the bracelet. Then I only got the clasp for the Explorer and the GMT, because I already have a good amount of scratches in them and I tried to polish it out myself before applying. Anyway I'll post some photos next.

First impression is good. You do realize that you feel the plastic film rather than a smooth SS. It creates certain sharp edges. The film is tough. It was not easy to apply with my less than 20/20 vision and non-surgical-precision hands. Visually there is very little to diminish the aesthetics. Psychologically, it helps me a lot to enjoy the watch. I took the Daytona out with my daughter for a kids birthday party and to her dentist appointment without a single ounce of worry. I know the bracelet will still scratch, but it's just a bit too much work for me to cover everything, and I'm not sure I want to completely void myself of the feeling of touching the steel.

As far as putting it on the already scratched up GMT and Explorer, it's less than ideal and I would highly recommend applying the film for brand new or recently professionally polished watches only.

[amphr1]

First 2 photo is the Daytona. Last one is the GMT

Sent from my SM-G973U1 using Tapatalk

[fsprow]

Your watch. Your choice. Not for me.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by fsprow

Your watch. Your choice. Not for me.

Likewise.

[joli160]

Were you really afraid wearing your Daytona without the wrap ?

I don’t get it but as long it makes you feel good

[HiBoost]

Seems to me this is just like a clear bra for cars. Well, except that everybody applauds a clear bra on a new, expensive car and for some reason everybody gets offended about trying to protect your watch. In fact, your watch is about the same price as my new car that I put the clear bra on haha.

Personally, the only sticker I keep on my watches is the factory one on the case back. You mentioned not being able to feel the steel and in this situation I find that beneficial. Having that flat solid disk of stainless pressed into my arm all day sometimes almost causes a rash (maybe I have a slight nickel allergy?). But having the factory case back sticker (or obviously a different watch with a sapphire display back) seems to be much more comfortable to my skin.

[amphr1]

Originally Posted by HiBoost

Seems to me this is just like a clear bra for cars. Well, except that everybody applauds a clear bra on a new, expensive car and for some reason everybody gets offended about trying to protect your watch. In fact, your watch is about the same price as my new car that I put the clear bra on haha.

Personally, the only sticker I keep on my watches is the factory one on the case back. You mentioned not being able to feel the steel and in this situation I find that beneficial. Having that flat solid disk of stainless pressed into my arm all day sometimes almost causes a rash (maybe I have a slight nickel allergy?). But having the factory case back sticker (or obviously a different watch with a sapphire display back) seems to be much more comfortable to my skin.

So there is 1 big difference IMHO. I wrap all my cars, full front section, side mirror, door edges. But I know my guy who does a custom job. Years ago I went to a local shop that cut them like the watch does, meaning there's always a few mm exposed gap. What you need to do is cut half an inch over the edge and wrap it around the panels so you don't see any edges. Because if you have edges, it'll inevitably collect dirt. This problem I full expect to happen but since I applied the film myself I can undo and re-apply a new one every 2 years. But obviously I can't do that with a car. So I'm not saying to definitely do it, but it's a legit option.

Oh I forgot to mention why I gave in to this idea. It was after I watched a Q&A youtube video with JenniElle https://www.youtube.com/c/JenniElle in which she said she keeps her watch scratch free.

[Calatrava r]

This is actually good and useful information to have for those people who intend to sell their watches but first want to wear them just a short time to experience them.

[The Stifmeister]

Originally Posted by amphora001

So there is 1 big difference IMHO. I wrap all my cars, full front section, side mirror, door edges. But I know my guy who does a custom job. Years ago I went to a local shop that cut them like the watch does, meaning there's always a few mm exposed gap. What you need to do is cut half an inch over the edge and wrap it around the panels so you don't see any edges. Because if you have edges, it'll inevitably collect dirt. This problem I full expect to happen but since I applied the film myself I can undo and re-apply a new one every 2 years. But obviously I can't do that with a car. So I'm not saying to definitely do it, but it's a legit option.

Oh I forgot to mention why I gave in to this idea. It was after I watched a Q&A youtube video with JenniElle https://www.youtube.com/c/JenniElle in which she said she keeps her watch scratch free.

I always enjoy these threads because of the varying responses. You get both ends of the spectrum.

I also have a clear bra installed on all my cars. My installer cuts it all by hand using Suntek Ultra PPF and wrap the edges. He doesn't use the machine templates, but the car analogy isn't a direct apples to apples comparison.

With a watch, you cannot wrap the edges and this results in dirt collecting over time. I can see the edges clearly in your photos despite your post saying otherwise. That dirt will eventually act as an abrasive with time and damage the finish underneath. You will need to be diligent on cleaning. The second and most important reason I don't like these films for wristwatches is it changes the way how the natural finish looks. You'll see numerous posts stating the finish looks identical without and I can assure you it doesn't. The film will add gloss to brushed surfaces and add an orange peel effect to the polished sections. These imperfections are very noticeable on a watch given it is handled closely vs a car.

Personally, I think practicing wrist awareness is the best choice. Covering the clasp in film is okay imo since it is a high impact surface, but wrapping the whole watch is a bit too much. Everyone enjoys their watches differently so I won't try to discourage someone out of utilizing these products. Just wanted to state objectively.

Also, which video is Jenni talking about that film? Your link takes us to her YouTube homepage, not the specific video.

[amphr1]

Originally Posted by The Stifmeister

I always enjoy these threads because of the varying responses. You get both ends of the spectrum.

I also have a clear bra installed on all my cars. My installer cuts it all by hand using Suntek Ultra PPF and wrap the edges. He doesn't use the machine templates, but the car analogy isn't a direct apples to apples comparison.

With a watch, you cannot wrap the edges and this results in dirt collecting over time. I can see the edges clearly in your photos despite your post saying otherwise. That dirt will eventually act as an abrasive with time and damage the finish underneath. You will need to be diligent on cleaning. The second and most important reason I don't like these films for wristwatches is it changes the way how the natural finish looks. You'll see numerous posts stating the finish looks identical without and I can assure you it doesn't. The film will add gloss to brushed surfaces and add an orange peel effect to the polished sections. These imperfections are very noticeable on a watch given it is handled closely vs a car.

Personally, I think practicing wrist awareness is the best choice. Covering the clasp in film is okay imo since it is a high impact surface, but wrapping the whole watch is a bit too much. Everyone enjoys their watches differently so I won't try to discourage someone out of utilizing these products. Just wanted to state objectively.

Also, which video is Jenni talking about that film? Your link takes us to her YouTube homepage, not the specific video.

This is the specific video https://youtu.be/Iw4UaUFRKPA?t=131

She recommend this one, but I have no experience with it obviously https://protectyourwatch.shop/

[sleepydoc]

Originally Posted by amphora001

This is the specific video https://youtu.be/Iw4UaUFRKPA?t=131

She recommend this one, but I have no experience with it obviously https://protectyourwatch.shop/

This one she recommends is her husband Kai’s product. It looks decent on the videos. It sounds like you can reapply it if you mess it up the first time.

Not sure if he ships outside of Europe.

[HiBoost]

Originally Posted by The Stifmeister

I always enjoy these threads because of the varying responses. You get both ends of the spectrum.

I also have a clear bra installed on all my cars. My installer cuts it all by hand using Suntek Ultra PPF and wrap the edges. He doesn't use the machine templates, but the car analogy isn't a direct apples to apples comparison.

With a watch, you cannot wrap the edges and this results in dirt collecting over time. I can see the edges clearly in your photos despite your post saying otherwise. That dirt will eventually act as an abrasive with time and damage the finish underneath. You will need to be diligent on cleaning. The second and most important reason I don't like these films for wristwatches is it changes the way how the natural finish looks. You'll see numerous posts stating the finish looks identical without and I can assure you it doesn't. The film will add gloss to brushed surfaces and add an orange peel effect to the polished sections. These imperfections are very noticeable on a watch given it is handled closely vs a car.

Personally, I think practicing wrist awareness is the best choice. Covering the clasp in film is okay imo since it is a high impact surface, but wrapping the whole watch is a bit too much. Everyone enjoys their watches differently so I won't try to discourage someone out of utilizing these products. Just wanted to state objectively.

Also, which video is Jenni talking about that film? Your link takes us to her YouTube homepage, not the specific video.

Your points about the scale of the object are completely valid. The clear bra analogy was meant to be just that, not an exact parallel. That said, I've had multiple cars where the material was applied up to within 1/8" of the panel edges (i.e. not wrapped around them) and while this does provide a "lip" for dirt to collect, it still avoided 99% of the damage that a naked panel would have received. A black car that "chips white" shows this rather, uh, black and white. 5 years down the road the vast majority of the car's paint is still perfect (not to mention swirls from washing, etc).

Where I live, with harsh winters, driving on the highway is like hanging out in a sandblasting booth. It's not just a matter of avoiding an "accident", literally every mile driven is wearing away at your car. Does a watch need this level of protection? Well, honestly, when the damn thing costs more than a car, I have a hard time saying it's a bad idea.

I'm with the others who have said if this practice leads to more wearing/enjoying of the watch, then why are we, as watch enthusiasts, attempting to poo-poo it?

[The Stifmeister]

Originally Posted by HiBoost

I'm with the others who have said if this practice leads to more wearing/enjoying of the watch, then why are we, as watch enthusiasts, attempting to poo-poo it?

I agree, I am of the same mindset and if it's what makes someone enjoy their time wearing more, then by all means.

As mentioned previously, we may enjoy our pieces but not in the same form or fashion.

[Modiferous]

Originally Posted by The Stifmeister

With a watch, you cannot wrap the edges and this results in dirt collecting over time. I can see the edges clearly in your photos despite your post saying otherwise. That dirt will eventually act as an abrasive with time and damage the finish underneath.

I wore a brand new watch to the beach (not a Rolex, but a very high end timepiece) without removing the factory film. Beach sand got under the film and then when I removed the film I noticed the fine scratches. Would have been better off I think removing all the factory film before first use.

So, it doesn't even take time - just once might be enough to get the watch to a state where would have been better off with no film.

[Thuilln]

Originally Posted by HiBoost

Seems to me this is just like a clear bra for cars. Well, except that everybody applauds a clear bra on a new, expensive car and for some reason everybody gets offended about trying to protect your watch. In fact, your watch is about the same price as my new car that I put the clear bra on haha.

Personally, the only sticker I keep on my watches is the factory one on the case back. You mentioned not being able to feel the steel and in this situation I find that beneficial. Having that flat solid disk of stainless pressed into my arm all day sometimes almost causes a rash (maybe I have a slight nickel allergy?). But having the factory case back sticker (or obviously a different watch with a sapphire display back) seems to be much more comfortable to my skin.

Rocks can dent your new car and rust may appear afterwards; not likely with a watch.

[rmwill]

Do they make a Magnum version of these watch condoms for larger references?

[MrMercedes]

not my cup of tea!

[inc111]

I’m wearing my watches - not the other way round.

[kieselguhr]

Glad you like it op

I was disappointed by the protective film that I installed on my wife’s car. Rock chips still pierced the expel and that’s with minimal driving on weekends. I’m pretty sure this product would equally disappoint me had I been interested. Not to mention my watches frequently get wet rendering protective films useless.

[amphr1]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

Glad you like it op

I was disappointed by the protective film that I installed on my wife’s car. Rock chips still pierced the expel and that’s with minimal driving on weekends. I’m pretty sure this product would equally disappoint me had I been interested. Not to mention my watches frequently get wet rendering protective films useless.

It's not armor. It just prevent scratches, not collision with the earth hehe.

[brandrea]

Glad you like it OP.

Definitely not for me.

I prefer to enjoy the factory finish, it’s part of the joy of wearing any luxury watch. IMO, the smooth polished and satin brushed surfaces always look best without stickers

[101031-28]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Glad you like it OP.

Definitely not for me.

I prefer to enjoy the factory finish, it’s part of the joy of wearing any luxury watch. IMO, the smooth polished and satin brushed surfaces always look best without stickers

My thoughts as well.

But, if having the stickers on makes OP happy, that is all that matters

[mountainjogger]

Sign of the times. And you are obviously not alone on using this and similar products.

Your watches OP, and I applaud you for taking whatever steps you need to feel conforable wearing them. Better to have another watch lover enjoying their watches than not.

But I would rather go without a watch than wear one with a plastic cover on it.

[goldboy]

This is a huge no go for myself and 99.9% of watch enthusiasts. What is the point of dishing out big dollars to enjoy the highest levels of craftsmanship and design only to cover it with plastic?

Wear your watch to enjoy it in the steel, don't worry about regular use scratches and to be safe use a travel / storage case like Watchpod cases to limit scratches.

[gmtmister]

Makes me smile.

[Seamaster59]

Ad should take it away from you.

[Mystro]

I question if this product will migrate to the “no polish” crowd as some sort of acceptable compromise???

That said, this product might be good psychologically for first time owners that are apprehensive of wearing their watch. If it gets them to wear the watch more often then I say go for it and sticker up.

[Loevhagen]

Could someone please delete this thread before Padi sees it. He will for sure get a cardiac arrest within seconds.

[Masteryacht]

Originally Posted by Loevhagen

Could someone please delete this thread before Padi sees it. He will for sure get a cardiac arrest within seconds.

Lol!!

[Vince M.]

LOL.

Would you put this on your watch if it depreciated instantly from msrp ?