scratches?

[robbyrolex]

Help me feel normal

Please show me some scratched watch photos and explain how you got them.

It seems that most of the watches posted here are brilliantly kept out of harms way.

My sub is only 6 weeks old and I have a few (2) I think very very slight scratches on the clasp that may not be picked up on a photo. (aside from the AD scratches when sizing)

I have to believe that in the course of normal wear that scratches on the watches are occuring to us forum members but I sure have a hard time seeing them in the great photos that are posted here frequently.

Is it that the photos don't show the hairline scratches?


I even wear a nike wrist sweatband over mine when I am at home so I can play with my kids without being selfconscious about my watch getting hit during play time etc. I don't want to take it off all the time and don't want to be distracted of valuable time with my kids by being concerned about getting the watch damaged.

For example when I get the mail I have to be careful becuase the mail box is like fort knox and I think I chipped the crystal on my old DJ by shoving my hand in to get the mail. Okay I'll use my left hand in the future when I can remember to.

Or when using my BarBQ I throw the wrist band on over the watch to protect it from the sharp edges on these new stainless steel grills.

Anyway what are your secrets to keeping your watches looking like new, I don't mean bubble wrapping or leaving the bezel protector or tape on either I am on to Rolex people now that I have been one for 5 years. LOL

I'd love to see some photos of watches that have seen regular use and normal wear and tear.

[CPCC]

Watches and hardwood floors are very similar, scratches and dings simply add character to them.

[Bama]

I don't have any pictures of my scratches because that would force me to admit that my watch has scratches, which I am unable to do I try to avoid them at all costs, but sooner or later you'll pick up a few.

[Alcan]

Have you seen this one? If scratches add character, this one must be Robin Williams!

[maz]

You know...I was equally into racing bicycles. I planned and planned and finally ordered my dream bike from Belgium, had it built in Boston by a pro shop and I went to pick it up. Man, was I proud of that bike... but I was also paralyzed by it. I mean it was sooo nice, I didn't want to even ride it. Nevertheless, one day I had the thing in the back of my truck and by some act of god, my pump was brushing against it. By the time I got to the place I was heading, I pulled the bike out and saw that my beautiful belgian paint job was scratched to all holy hell! Little did I know at the time that this scratch would actually liberate me from the worries of a brand new machine....I was now free to beat the livin' tar out of that thing just like it was meant to be. So be strong....scratch that freakin' watch and then stop worrying about it. In 5 years, send it in and they'll shine it up. It was meant to be abused...don't let it down!
- Nik

[BTSinAustin]

Originally Posted by Alcan

Have you seen this one? If scratches add character, this one must be Robin Williams!

Holy moley, I assume that to be a bike crash, road rash incident?

[Tools]

Here is what happens when you mix your hobbies...

Hot Rods & Harleys, and fine watches:

[Sean84]

That Sea Dweller is totally amazing!

[diversified]

I'm glad my that watch wasn't on my arm when that happened.

[robbyrolex]

denial huh? I understand not wanting to admit to having scratches. LOL

[robbyrolex]

I agree there is some freedom to be enjoyed once the first scratch appears.

Besides we can always get the RSC to make it like new again.

I will try to be careful of course but not die wen the inevitable happens. I hope the scratches etc. have a good story to go along with the marks.

[jmjm]

Ouch !

[Gurmot]

I turned 40 last year and to mark the occasion I decided to buy a 40 year old Submariner. After looking for about 6 months I found an all original 1967 no-date Sub (ref 5513) which I bought and sent off for a service to be ready in time for my birthday. The watchmaker asked me if I wanted to have the case and bracelet polished as it had obviously picked up a quite a few scratches over its 40 year life. I decide not to have the scratches removed as I thought they just added character to the watch. I could have had the watch fully restored, including dial refinishing and made look like new but I chose not to.

My reasoning, at 40, I am not perfect. I have had a few scrapes in my life and I have a few lines on my face too. Some gained from laughter and some from sadder times but all of this makes me what I am. If I had the watch restored it would have been the same as me having plastic surgery, botox, etc and I would never think of doing this just to look younger.

So my respectful advice is this, your watch is an appreciating classic. Wear it with pride and care but also relax and let it experience life with you. If you or the watch pick up some little scrapes don't worry, it proves that you are both alive.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I have these scratches on the bracelet of my SS Cos.

When you never engage (fold out) the Easy Link, the underside of the clasp scratches the polished centre link that leans against it:

[f16570]

The first scratch is always the worst, but hell who cares. It only adds to the watches character.
Imagine what you would feel like in 20 years time when you removed your unworn, like new Rollie from the safe and thought what was the point I never enjoyed this watch. What a watse of money this has been.
Wear it and enjoy it.