Microfiber Cloth and Brushed Finishing

[Sir Larry Wildman]

So there is a thread going on the main Rolex forum (http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=463440) about whether using a microfiber cloth can scratch the gold PCLs on the OPs GMT2 TT. I weighed in, saying that I attributed the "swirlies" he noticed to normal wear, and not a microfiber cloth, but I wanted to get all of your thoughts about the proper care of an AP.

I have been told numerous times by the fine people at the AP boutiques that a microfiber cloth was "totally" fine, and actually encouraged as the method of just wiping the watch down. They told me this was better than running it under water (although I do that too). In fact, I have done both - sometimes a quick dry wipe down with a microfiber cloth... sometimes a rinse off under luke warm tap water. Generally if I wipe down the watch with a microfiber cloth (that I keep in the drawer with the watch) I shake it out to get any dust off it it.

I'm actually less concerned about the polished parts of the case; those will pick up swirlies from time to time with normal wear from shirt cuffs, sleeves, etc. I am more curious if using a microfiber cloth on the brushed parts of the case will "dull" the brushed finishing over time. I am sure you are all familiar with the almost metallic look of the brushed finishing in the light. That's actually my favorite part of the watch! I really, *really* doubt that a microfiber cloth could do anything that a ribbed jacket sleeve wouldn't do, but I am still in the honeymoon phase with my 15202!