Older NOS Rolex watches with stickers may have issues when removing the stickers

[hondacb1002]

I'm not a collector but I want to ask what do people think will happen over a long period of time to the stickers on rolex watches? in my experience when you leave an adhesive with plastic on it attached to a metal surface the sticker becomes incredibly hard to remove so much so that I don't think you could remove a dried out sticker without scratching metal. I think these collectors after a certain number of years will find that having a stickered rolex is a problem waiting to happen unless it just continues to sit in a safe etc. thoughts?

[khalifam]

Originally Posted by hondacb1002

I'm not a collector but I want to ask what do people think will happen over a long period of time to the stickers on rolex watches? in my experience when you leave an adhesive with plastic on it attached to a metal surface the sticker becomes incredibly hard to remove so much so that I don't think you could remove a dried out sticker without scratching metal. I think these collectors after a certain number of years will find that having a stickered rolex is a problem waiting to happen unless it just continues to sit in a safe etc. thoughts?

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[alphadweller]

Hot water and a bit of soap are your friends.

[Mystro]

It’s a non issue. I have seen very old green case back stickers come off just fine. I would bet these NOS ultra hot models will never have their stickers removed as so much of their value is tied up in its condition.

[LA_LEC]

Ok ok

[jlovda]

Put Goo-Gone on a soft rag and rub. The glue will melt and disappear. It won't hurt anything.

[WilsdorfNDavis]

Originally Posted by hondacb1002

...in my experience when you leave an adhesive with plastic on it attached to a metal surface the sticker becomes incredibly hard to remove so much so that I don't think you could remove a dried out sticker without scratching metal. thoughts?

Did you really suggest removing a sticker will scratch metal?

[GB-man]

This might be the most TRF thread of all time. It’s definitely an old school throwback and worthy of top 10 for 2022.

[zengineer]

Do they even have adhesive. I thought they were just clingy.

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[Polar Bear]

Wow, just... Wow

[Glidelock]

Personally I have found that when the old congealed glue just refuses to come off, that some really rough Sandpaper or even a good street curb can really help you scrape it off!

[Jojomojo]

My head hurts reading this..

[dpt.calvin]

Non issue.

[underpar]

I want this one minute of my life back.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by hondacb1002

I'm not a collector but I want to ask what do people think will happen over a long period of time to the stickers on rolex watches? in my experience when you leave an adhesive with plastic on it attached to a metal surface the sticker becomes incredibly hard to remove so much so that I don't think you could remove a dried out sticker without scratching metal. I think these collectors after a certain number of years will find that having a stickered rolex is a problem waiting to happen unless it just continues to sit in a safe etc. thoughts?

There’s a liquid with a high flash point called alcohol that degrades and dissolves glues and certain petroleum based plastics (most).

[Gab27]

You may have an adhesive residue left on it, which IPA would remove without issue.

I guess in the most extreme case, if it is an 18k YG Rolex, the areas not exposed by stickers might patina more than the areas covered by stickers, but we are getting pretty into the weeds here.

[sski]

this calls for the 3 C's: the best friend of any true watch fanatic (fixes up ANY cosmetic issue like magic; the true end all / be all!)

Cape Cod Cloth.

[Chadridv]

Not sure if this is a joke or not but…

They don’t really have adhesive. It’s more like a film, so definitely no issues.

[dpt.calvin]

Originally Posted by sski

this calls for the 3 C's: the best friend of any true watch fanatic (fixes up ANY cosmetic issue like magic; the true end all / be all!)

Cape Cod Cloth.

I would not use a polishing cloth on a brushed finish like the case back. Actually, I wouldn’t use a polishing cloth on any part of a watch.

[GGGMT]

Nothing a little steel wool and paint thinner can’t get off


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[Tzachi]

[amanbra]

This is next level OCD…

[jimcameron]

Hit it with a chisel.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by jimcameron

Hit it with a chisel.

[Glidelock]

Originally Posted by Glidelock

Personally I have found that when the old congealed glue just refuses to come off, that some really rough Sandpaper or even a good street curb can really help you scrape it off!

Originally Posted by GGGMT

Nothing a little steel wool and paint thinner can’t get off


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Originally Posted by jimcameron

Hit it with a chisel.

Now that’s the spirit guys. None of this “I would use a special spray like Veret, or the delicate tears of Unicorn, or the dung of a Botswanian Kerfluffer Beetle” crap. With a project this stubborn you’ve got to break out the Man Tools. Irregardless of what one previous member has stated, those little stickers that peel cleanly right off without a trace, do in fact contain adhesives on them, and I for one will stop at nothing to make sure none of the sticky stuff is left on my prized Safe Queen. That’s why I opt for a gas fed Blow Torch (to heat up the goo) and an industrial Belt Sander to strip it…it’s the only way to be sure!!!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

Hot water and a bit of soap are your friends.

Exactly sadly common sense is lacking today by many, next we will have posts on on how to remove stickers without harming the very delicate metal like 904L SS.

[Oxfordian]

If the usual sources that have been mentioned already cannot remove the sticker and residue then may I suggest an electric sander, these seems to cut through most things so a bit of sticker residue shouldn't cause it too many problems.

[Henrimontgomery]

Careful not to use soap! It could remove the precious Rolex manufacture dust true collectors value. Once you remove it, your Rolex isn’t sparkled with the rare Rolex factory aroma.

[JacksonRain]

Originally Posted by padi56

Exactly sadly common sense is lacking today by many, next we will have posts on on how to remove stickers without harming the very delicate metal like 904L SS.

Originally Posted by hondacb1002

I'm not a collector but I want to ask what do people think will happen over a long period of time to the stickers on rolex watches? in my experience when you leave an adhesive with plastic on it attached to a metal surface the sticker becomes incredibly hard to remove so much so that I don't think you could remove a dried out sticker without scratching metal. I think these collectors after a certain number of years will find that having a stickered rolex is a problem waiting to happen unless it just continues to sit in a safe etc. thoughts?

Good question with some interesting answers.

The metal can easily scratch - the high polished areas can easily scratch with a fingernail or if a slight rub of a dirty, dusty microfiber cloth.

In fact, if you or your AD are not careful on the day of purchase when removing the stickers, the watch may be scratched within a few minutes of ownership! I've seen this happen all too often, unfortunately.

With stickers that have been on for a long time, which have set in and accumulated dust dirt oils from sitting and or handling, the issue could be heightened.

So, when removing factory stickers you may opt to wear gloves or use a cloth to catch the edge and lift the stickers and remove them.

Stickers DO SOMETIMES ATTACH, and leave residue, especially 3M stickers, Vivid paint protection stickers. You also find the even removing PPE paint protection film, when sometimes the adhesive sticks when you pull the film back.

So you would want to put the watch in very warm was for 15 mins. Then, you may peal back and use dawn soap and hot water after this is complete if there is residue. You may then use boiling water on that section for a stubborn area and then put soap and try again.

Do NOT use a cloth on the watch when it's dry to wipe it off, and don't do that for any glue or residue or anything left, until AFTER YOU watch it very well with soap and hot water and gently rub.

That's your answer. You shouldn't have a problem.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by hondacb1002

I'm not a collector but I want to ask what do people think will happen over a long period of time to the stickers on rolex watches? in my experience when you leave an adhesive with plastic on it attached to a metal surface the sticker becomes incredibly hard to remove so much so that I don't think you could remove a dried out sticker without scratching metal. I think these collectors after a certain number of years will find that having a stickered rolex is a problem waiting to happen unless it just continues to sit in a safe etc. thoughts?

Not a problem. Still had my green case back sticker on my 20 year old YG Daytona which I dropped of to RSC Beverly Hills in early December for service. Fist thing I was told, that sticker would be removed. Easy peasey way to remove a sticker lol…