Scotch Brite on Polished Center Links

[Kap007]

Anyone on here use the Scotch Brite pad to make polished center links brushed? Looks simple on YouTube. Wondering if anyone has had luck with that technique? Thanx

[Hardtimes]

Please no

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by Hardtimes

Please no

This

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Kap007

Anyone on here use the Scotch Brite pad to make polished center links brushed? Looks simple on YouTube. Wondering if anyone has had luck with that technique? Thanx

there have been a couple success stories here on TRF of people doing it brushed areas, but even that usually ends horribly. I'd never attempt either but putting scotch brite to polished surfaces to try to get a brushed look is not a good idea.

[Kap007]

Thank you. I won't custom ruin then.

[brandrea]

I wouldn’t but it’s your watch.

I’d wait for regular service and polish at that time if you feel it is necessary.

[Mystro]

I can put a factory brushed finish on a Rolex but I have been doing this for decades and also do a few other finishing tricks besides a green scotchbrite pad. Its not hard to do but you have to be experienced enough to know what a "factory satin finish" is to look like before venturing down this road. I highly recommend developing your skill on less expensive watches and know your ability before diving into the 904l Rolex finish. See if you can at least restore a scratched up Rolex brushed finish clasp back to its glory before even thinking on reorienting the finish on a pcl.

[sleepydoc]

Originally Posted by Mystro

I can put a factory brushed finish on a Rolex but I have been doing this for decades and also do a few other finishing tricks besides a green scotchbrite pad. Its not hard to do but you have to be experienced enough to know what a "factory satin finish" is to look like before venturing down this road. I highly recommend developing your skill on less expensive watches and know your ability before diving into the 904l Rolex finish. See if you can at least restore a scratched up Rolex brushed finish clasp back to its glory before even thinking on reorienting the finish on a pcl.

Probably should practice on a brushed surface first before attempting to convert polished to brushed. I have the grey Scotch Brite pad (think it is the finest grain, maybe Mystro can weigh in on why he uses green). It can be tricky to get the grain straight, even when applying firm and even pressure.
Tbh, if you are in the US it is probably less of a headache to just send to Rolliworks as others have suggested.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by sleepydoc

Probably should practice on a brushed surface first before attempting to convert polished to brushed. I have the grey Scotch Brite pad (think it is the finest grain, maybe Mystro can weigh in on why he uses green). It can be tricky to get the grain straight, even when applying firm and even pressure.
Tbh, if you are in the US it is probably less of a headache to just send to Rolliworks as others have suggested.

I use many as well as in different conditions. The green is my favorite but there is a difference in if the green pad is used or new. That is one of the many fundamental secrets to getting a good job with scotchbrite pads. There are times when you need to use a well used green pad verses a brand new one.

[sleepydoc]

Originally Posted by Mystro

I use many as well as in different conditions. The green is my favorite but there is a difference in if the green pad is used or new. That is one of the many fundamental secrets to getting a good job with scotchbrite pads. There are times when you need to use a well used green pad verses a brand new one.

Thanks for this

[amphr1]

I tried it on my Omega clasp. I ended up paying for a replacement.

[wsfarrell]

A better idea than Scotch-Brite is to get some Bergeon satin wheels and Kapton tape. Mask off the parts you don't want to refinish using the tape, then apply the satin finish using the appropriate grade of wheel. It goes without saying that you should practice on a cheap bracelet first, but this method will produce a finish that is very close to the factory's.

[JoeJoeBobo]

Originally Posted by wsfarrell

A better idea than Scotch-Brite is to get some Bergeon satin wheels and Kapton tape. Mask off the parts you don't want to refinish using the tape, then apply the satin finish using the appropriate grade of wheel. It goes without saying that you should practice on a cheap bracelet first, but this method will produce a finish that is very close to the factory's.

This is preferred over the bergeon brush?

[JTL31]

Out of curiosity what watch are you talking about?

I was told by my AD that I couldn’t polish the center links of my brushed OP as Rolex doesn’t configure that model as such. Previously, that AD performed a polishing per the customer’s request and RSC wouldn’t service the watch. AD ultimately told me to be prepared to purchase an additional bracelet.

[Kap007]

Inside clasp has CL 72 200 stamped. Was able to source half a bracelet (I don't need) and a clasp. The clasp is what I want. Used but good shape. Polished Center. My AK clasp (116900) has no safety. Also, all brushed. I don't really mind that the finishes dont match. I figured if easy cure I would do something. From what I gather, I'm not messing with it.

[Annan]

I had the PCLs on a GMTII brushed at an AD in Baton Rogue. Of note, the first AD I visited refused.

[Bxtek]

There have been multiple discussions and results from people who have done this. I have to say that people who have posted pics, the finished product looked great! Yes, I would imagine that you have to have the right technique for it, but it definitely can be done.

However, with that said.....I've seen photos of the ones that turn out great which are basically all. I don't think people will usually discuss/admit and post photos of failed attempts, which could be many?

[DJ2020]

They make professional brush tools for that. Don't use scotch pads. You will also need to know HOW to use them. Otherwise don't touch it.

[Kap007]

The best people on this forum. Once again thanx everyone!!

[MrGoat]

Wear the watch long enough and the PCL’s will take on their own brushed finish without needing any extra effort from you. They will also be completely reversible when it comes time to service.


Sent from my Apple privacy invasion product

[omar-rye]

Another option is to send it to Rollieworks

[Incroyable12]

The Bergeon brush is very useful for touching up lug marks when people are careless about removing springbars.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Kap007

Anyone on here use the Scotch Brite pad to make polished center links brushed? Looks simple on YouTube. Wondering if anyone has had luck with that technique? Thanx

Sure, it isn't rocket science.

Many here won't put a band-aid on a cut without a medic on stand-by.

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by Tools

Sure, it isn't rocket science.

Many here won't put a band-aid on a cut without a medic on stand-by.

Attachment 1341458

But that doesn’t look good…

[Tools]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

But that doesn’t look good…

Maybe to you. I think that PCL's are the worst disaster Rolex has come up with.

[NIHO]

I agree. I wore my 116710 for like a decade and hated the PCLs (mine was a 2007 so it was the first steel sports oyster GMT with PCL). Finally scotch brighted it and loved it. Eventually had jeweler brush the whole bracelet more professionally (honestly it wasn't such a difference). I've had that watch now 16 years and let me tell you, I wish I had brushed the bracelet from day one.

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by Tools

Maybe to you. I think that PCL's are the worst disaster Rolex has come up with.

2nd. that

[Macnavara]

Originally Posted by Tools

Maybe to you. I think that PCL's are the worst disaster Rolex has come up with.

I couldnt agree more…..id love to have all my pcls brushed out

[Heraklion]

Originally Posted by Tools

Maybe to you. I think that PCL's are the worst disaster Rolex has come up with.

The PCLs look very nice in advertising copy and instagram posts but their inclusion on watches that are otherwise for daily use makes no sense. Brush away I think.

[Gab27]

FWIW, I would just have it professionally brushed, and you'll never have to deal with the PCLs again.