Braclets, steel & metal allergies

[NMS]

Hello Rolex Experts,

I have a problem with the steel bracelet of my Air King; it injures my wrist. I made some medical tests and now I know that I have allergy of nickel, chromium and cobalt, which are common elements of steel alloy.

Does anyone know any kind of liquid coat to avoid the direct contact between the steel and the skin? I suppose this kind of solution is used in industry to protect tools and instruments from abrasion but I have never heard its usage in domestic prupose.

I wouldn't like to see my watch with a rubber strap.

Thanks in advance.

[Rocket_Man]

The 904L steel has a higher nickel content than 316. People with nickel allergies are more affected by the 904L than 316. Does it only affect the clasp area? I don't have this same problem but here are some ideas...

- If you don't want to go rubber or Nato you could try to find an older 316L bracelet.
- If it were me I'd coat the back side of the bracelet with 'Hard as Nails' nail polish. It is a clear nail polish, but there is something about Hard as Nails that inhibits moisture and air. When I was in military school I used to coat my brass with HAN and it would keep it tarnish free for a long time. Other clear nail polish allowed the brass to tarnish. So it may sound goofy, but it could give a good barrier between the steel and your skin. It comes off with nail polish remover.
- You can buy those clear plastic stickers for the back of your watch. I've seen them for sale at on-line watch parts places.

[Boschy]

I get the same effect if I wear my Explorer II over successive days in a sweaty, humid climate. The irritation only appears where the bracelet rubs the wrist the most.

All I can suggest is wiping excess sweat from the skin and bracelet during the day.

[japenney]

Don't torture yourself. Wear watches with a different metal.

[the0thrdude]

There are products out there that put a barrier between the bracelet and the skin (usually for leather bands to prevent sweat damage), but I'm sure something like this can help you out.

Or go with leather, NATO straps or hey you never know, there might be a rubber strap that might surprise you.

[BillA]

My son had this problem when I gave him my TT sub for graduation, bottom line, sold the watch and he got a Cartier. The nickel or chrome in the watch is in all parts, clasp, links, head of watch, no getting around it. Sell it, get another non-Rolex watch.

[kilyung]

One word - gold (or platinum)

[The Libertine]

Unless you are open to another form of strap (Nato, maybe?), I am not sure what other options there are available.

I do agree with the others, wearing the Rolex as the expense of your health, is it worth it?

[bondtoys]

The problem is not the content of Nickel, Chromium and Kobalt in the alloy per se - it's the amount of those metals which is getting washed out under exposure of sweat.

Moving to precious metals can help but is expensive.

I'd ask a goldsmith if he can Rhodium-Plate the clasp parts, which have skin contact.
Alternatively try clear top coat for fingernails - but that would wear off pretty fast

Using a rubber strap may have the problem that you'd still have allergic reactions to the metal parts from the buckle.

[Robb]

Originally Posted by kilyung

One word - gold (or platinum)

YES.... gold

[Corsair66]

PM is the ideal solution.

[james1787]

I would find another metal that doesn't bother you. Why suffer?

As others suggested, perhaps gold or platinum! :)

If that is out of the budget.. Keep looking around / trying other metals out.

[DCheeta]

Try titanium also. A lot of companies have titanium options now, but some of my favorites are Tudor and Omega.

[RolexAviator]

904L and 316L stainless steel form a hypoallergenic barrier on the outside of the watch (ChromiumOxide). Just because 904L has a higher nickel content does not mean it will create more reactions. Unless you are hyper allergic to nickel or chromium i.e.. can't eat with stainless steel forks or cook with stainless steel pots and pans, the watch shouldn't be the root cause. I would check for other things that could be getting under your bracelet and causing an allergy.

Here is a link with a lot of helpful, scientific information on stainless steel, and why it is safe to wear for people with nickel and chromium allergies. A lot of what you here is not true in reality.

http://www.ttl.fi/en/publications/El...less_steel.pdf

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by corsair66

pm is the ideal solution.

x2

[bdex75]

This is your solution.



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[masyv6]

Can't go wrong with titanium.

[kilyung]

Keep in mind that the Pelagos bracelet has a steel clasp so would need to use the rubber strap

[Juantxo]

My wife has the same allergy, she still has scars on her wrist from fifteen years ago when I gave her a Rolex. Now she only wears Cartier and Patek Philippe watches. Somehow Cartier steel doesn't affect her. Of course, gold bracelets and leather straps are fine for her.