No I was not afraid to swim with my all gold rolex in salt water but...

[A.Sharp]

I wasn't nervous to swim with my all gold rolex this morning... And am not going to be when I wake up in the am either, however...

I've taken two squeaky clean showers and shampooed up my watch and have still found some salt crystals on the surface edge of the links - when you hold the links together. It's not a little either, or like I was looking for it there. It just was surprisingly a decent amount of salt still on my watch.

Thus,

1. What the heck?
2. Makes me think if dirt and grime can get in the links and cause stretch, than you would think such a corrosive substance like salt that eats away paved city streets would do some serious mortar and pestle work inside my links..., especially before I can get to a shower after salt water submersion.

I've read previous posts on how someone's dad or whatnot dives everyday with their gold watch and there was never any issue etc, but my experience so far is darn, it's not rinsing off as mindlessly and easily as I had assumed.

Thoughts?

[newu5er]

congrats

[A.Sharp]

Originally Posted by newu5er

congrats

Congrats to you for answering the last dozen things you've responded to with congrats, and seemingly not even reading the earnest posts.

IMHO # of posts means nothing. Something to be said for quality over simply quantity.

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by A.Sharp

I wasn't nervous to swim with my all gold rolex this morning... And am not going to be when I wake up in the am either, however...

I've taken two squeaky clean showers and shampooed up my watch and have still found some salt crystals on the surface edge of the links - when you hold the links together. It's not a little either, or like I was looking for it there. It just was surprisingly a decent amount of salt still on my watch.

Thus,

1. What the heck?
2. Makes me think if dirt and grime can get in the links and cause stretch, than you would think such a corrosive substance like salt that eats away paved city streets would do some serious mortar and pestle work inside my links..., especially before I can get to a shower after salt water submersion.

I've read previous posts on how someone's dad or whatnot dives everyday with their gold watch and there was never any issue etc, but my experience so far is darn, it's not rinsing off as mindlessly and easily as I had assumed.

Thoughts?

I'm sure someone will have advice for you.

[newu5er]

Congrats on your observation. I'm not sure what else to say about your post. You say you're not afraid to swim with your watch, but then seem to be concerned with what the salt might do to the bracelet? Rinse it off, call it good. If you need service, then send it to RSC. If it needs replacement, then replace it if you liked it that much. Simple really...

[Wesley Crusher]

Have you tried cleaning your watch with a toothbrush? I clean my watches with an ultra soft toothbrush (meant for babies) and the results are excellent.

The best solution is to use an ultrasonic cleaner, though if you swim a lot, it wouldn't be very practical.

[HogwldFLTR]

Soak it in DI water through a couple of passes; that should dilute the salt enough so it won't percipitate on the watch. It could also be percipitates from the shower if the water is hard.

[BNA/LION]

I use the spray on the kitchen faucet and some Dawn dishwashing liquid soap. I wear my DD in the pool, ocean and a lot of places where it gets dirty. Warm water, Dawn, kitchen spray faucet and soft brush (when necessary) works every time for me.

[crowncollection]

Tooth brush and soap hand wash I use warm water it melts salt.

[Jake B]

After salt water dives I usually leave my watch to sit in some lukewarm fresh water for an hour or so while I'm resting up & having a beer..Then when I go to grab it, I give it a once over with a toothbrush, warm water & soap.

[Clutch Cargo]

Badger hair toothbrush and warm soapy water.

[Jake B]

Originally Posted by newu5er

congrats

Bravo! Good answer.

[A.Sharp]

Originally Posted by newu5er

Congrats on your observation. I'm not sure what else to say about your post. You say you're not afraid to swim with your watch, but then seem to be concerned with what the salt might do to the bracelet? Rinse it off, call it good. If you need service, then send it to RSC. If it needs replacement, then replace it if you liked it that much. Simple really...

Why even take the time to press your fingers to the keys? smug arrogant and totally disregarded the intended question.

[kerytch]

Originally Posted by A.Sharp

Why even take the time to press your fingers to the keys? smug arrogant and totally disregarded the intended question.

[HongNinja]

Try Veraet!

[A.Sharp]

Originally Posted by Jake B

After salt water dives I usually leave my watch to sit in some lukewarm fresh water for an hour or so while I'm resting up & having a beer..Then when I go to grab it, I give it a once over with a toothbrush, warm water & soap.

thanks.. I guess leaving it soaking for an hour gives it enough time to sufficiently dissolve and depart.

Watch is soaking as we speak now

[BNA/LION]

Originally Posted by A.Sharp

Why even take the time to press your fingers to the keys? smug arrogant and totally disregarded the intended question.

Interesting... I noticed newu5er seems to post "congrats" to everything here on TRF. http://www.rolexforums.com/search.php?searchid=10315661

[connorperson]

congratulations!

[A.Sharp]

Originally Posted by BNALION

I use the spray on the kitchen faucet and some Dawn dishwashing liquid soap. I wear my DD in the pool, ocean and a lot of places where it gets dirty. Warm water, Dawn, kitchen spray faucet and soft brush (when necessary) works every time for me.

Yeah I've never had a problem with pools before. It was just surprising that after shampooing it up and all the salt residue reappeared. Wouldn't mind it that much if not for my mortar and pestle theory.

I wish I had a kitchen spray faucet, somewhere now with crappy water pressure and hard water.

[Dr DRW]

I think an ultrasonic cleaner is your best bet. But rolexes are made to take a beating . My suggestion is never take it off. Unless your switching for another watch

[Jake B]

Originally Posted by A.Sharp

thanks.. I guess leaving it soaking for an hour gives it enough time to sufficiently dissolve and depart.

Watch is soaking as we speak now

Just don't leave it too long or it gets all pruny looking

[A.Sharp]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Soak it in DI water through a couple of passes; that should dilute the salt enough so it won't percipitate on the watch. It could also be percipitates from the shower if the water is hard.

The water is definitely hard here... Right now soaking it in smart water lol bc it's all I have around at the moment. Will get some di water for after tomorrow's salt water encounters

[A.Sharp]

Originally Posted by Jake B

Just don't leave it too long or it gets all pruny looking

I made it warm enough so it didn't have to be embarrassed about shrinkage...




Pics to come btw of a bit of the fun my watch has been having in a different thread soon

[A.Sharp]

Originally Posted by BNALION

Interesting... I noticed newu5er seems to post "congrats" to everything here on TRF. http://www.rolexforums.com/search.php?searchid=10315661

Yeah that's what I was pointing out. I'm guessing he just wants to have higher post numbers rather than actually participate in any meaningful way. But I could be wrong who knows.

[A.Sharp]

Originally Posted by Dr DRW

I think an ultrasonic cleaner is your best bet. But rolexes are made to take a beating . My suggestion is never take it off. Unless your switching for another watch

Always how I've worn mine... Never had an UC before tho. Usually I think my daily showers take care of everything.

[Jake B]

Originally Posted by A.Sharp

I made it warm enough so it didn't have to be embarrassed about shrinkage...




Pics to come btw of a bit of the fun my watch has been having in a different thread soon

[Presa canary]

I guess don't dive with your all gold rolex? Or leave it in warm tap afterwards.

[jphj012]

Ultrasonic cleaner (only on the bracelet) and then rinsing it off with a steam cleaner is the best solution on getting rid of dirt, grime, sand, grease on your watch.

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by Jake B

Bravo! Good answer.

[busytimmy]

Everyone knows you shouldn't get your Rolex wet.

And yes, I have a high-ish post count :)