nickel allergy + Rolex - help

[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.

[noche619]

I called rolex NY today. They basically said yes the SS has more nickel and if you're sensitive you should not buy. I'm sure they are playing it safe as if they tell you to buy one and then you have a problem....
she also said they tell people who have a problem to apply clear nail polish....but she could (or would) not say if it works
I'm sad

[TARDIS]

I think Rolex may have heard about the nickel content affecting some skin types.

Could it be that is why they have put a titanium lid on their DSSD?

[noche619]

It was pretty clear talking to Rolex CS that they are aware.
She actually cautioned that some people can wear the SS at first and then the nickel causes them problems after six months of wearing the watch.

[kenhiraihnl]

Originally Posted by noche619

...apply clear nail polish....but she could (or would) not say if it works
I'm sad

That's a great idea from the folks at Rolex - seriously.
I'm sure it can be removed with acetone or Cape Cod cloth (which apparently removes damaged anti-reflective coating on other watch brands.) Clear packing tape works for me, but I'm always a little embarrassed to have someone see a piece of Scotch tape on a $7k watch...
Btw, I'm sure you've seen this Rolex vid about 904L steel...
http://www.rolex.com/en#/world-of-ro...lex/904l-steel

[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.

[GeeRam]

Originally Posted by noche619

It was pretty clear talking to Rolex CS that they are aware.
She actually cautioned that some people can wear the SS at first and then the nickel causes them problems after six months of wearing the watch.

Dragging this thread back up, as after happily wearing my 16610 as a daily for 5 years now without a problem until a few months ago, and it now seems I've developed this nickel allergy problem from the strap on my 16610 (it's a last of the line random serial 2010 so presume 904 grade bracelet?)

Good quality NATO with PVD fittings is the logical step *IF* and when the skins heals. Can't wear any watch at the moment

Should have kept the titanium Omega Seamaster Pro I sold 18 months ago

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by GeeRam

Dragging this thread back up, as after happily wearing my 16610 as a daily for 5 years now without a problem until a few months ago, and it now seems I've developed this nickel allergy problem from the strap on my 16610 (it's a last of the line random serial 2010 so presume 904 grade bracelet?)

Good quality NATO with PVD fittings is the logical step *IF* and when the skins heals. Can't wear any watch at the moment

Should have kept the titanium Omega Seamaster Pro I sold 18 months ago

Bummer. Maybe spring for the new Pelagos?

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by GeeRam

Dragging this thread back up, as after happily wearing my 16610 as a daily for 5 years now without a problem until a few months ago, and it now seems I've developed this nickel allergy problem from the strap on my 16610 (it's a last of the line random serial 2010 so presume 904 grade bracelet?)

Good quality NATO with PVD fittings is the logical step *IF* and when the skins heals. Can't wear any watch at the moment

Should have kept the titanium Omega Seamaster Pro I sold 18 months ago

new YM with oyster flex bracelet sounds like it was made for you!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by 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!

The main difference between 316L over 904L it has slightly more Molybdenum(Mo)approx 2% more, approx 1-2% more Crome(Cr), 1% copper(Cu) and approx 10% more nickel and that's it.I would doubt if you would have any problem its how the nickel would leech out of the metal that's the main concern, and not the slightly higher nickel content over say 316L.And seeing this thread is from 2011 its time to close it back for good