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

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[fsprow]

Your watch. Your choice. Not for me.

[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.

[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 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.

[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

[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.

[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.

[Vince M.]

LOL.

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

[harvey]

…someone said to me…’it was like sucking on a sweet with the wrapper still on’.

make of that what you will…haha

[amphr1]

as HiBoost said, what's the difference between buying a Ferrari and doing a clear wrap on it vs this? Do you have pride in scratches in your sports cars? I mean I think there's no reason to put down someone who just wants to keep it pristine.

[amphr1]

This actually reminds me of this trend that might have die down where people pay extra for classic cars that hasn't been restored and has or the "history" even if it means a dent and dirt.

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[-dustin]

lots of twisted undergarments in this thread. amusing.

[Watchsama]

As a guy who likes to buy used watches in good condition. Thank you!

[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.

[dmash]

for such a basic machine finished watch as Rolex, it really boggles my mind you guys do this. There is absolutely no exquisite dealing on these whatsoever and arguably look better with wear and scratches.

If we're discussing something like a Lange Datograph Flyback in rose gold, I kind of get it. There's hand finished attention to detail. but a Rolex? It puzzles me to no end.

I was checking out my crystal today on my 126610LN and saw a couple scratches. Thought it matches my extensive wear on the clasp and case charmingly.

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

[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/

[noshake]

Its like leaving the stickers on a cell phone. To each their own.

[amanbra]

I don’t wrap my cars but I understand people that do in that cars are generally never permanent purchases.

As for watches I see plastic wrapping as the equivalent of people leaving tv remotes wrapped, sofa wrapped etc. I don’t think you are fully enjoying and owning the piece and you’re wearing it with an underlying fear of it. Like are you actually 100% comfortable in owning and affording the watch if you feel the need to do this?

I love seeing the photos of the plat Daytona all beat up. We have an owner here that wore it as a beater for like five years. For me that’s a true owner of that watch. Not someone that’s temporarily keeping it for someone else.


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[WilsdorfNDavis]

Originally Posted by -dustin

lots of twisted undergarments in this thread. amusing.

Good thing I'm not wearing any!


Wait, what?