How Often Can You Use Cape Cod Cloth on Polished Steel

[ldiggy]

Hello all,

I recently bought a GMT Master IIc, and have found that the polished center links are really a magnet for light scratches (as in, they're only visible under direct light or when out in the sun). I've noticed that the braclet clasp is pretty susceptible as well. I guess I'm a little puzzled because the polished steel on my datejust has so far yet to receive even one hairline scratch. Any idea what's going on here?

The main question I have though is, how often can you use cape cod cloth (the pink cloths with the embedded solution). I know it works great, but is it true that it removes some of the metal? If that's the case, then I'm guessing a weekly touch up would be far too much, correct?

Thanks in advance for all the thoughtful responses!

[boogiebot]

you can use it as often as you like on the PCL. just be careful on the brushed parts and you will be fine

[pacifichrono]

In my limited experience with a Cape Cod Cloth, it was ineffective on polished steel, intended more for soft metals like gold.

[dddrees]

Anything that polishes will in fact remove some bit of tiny metal anytime it is used. Hard to say how much it actually removes vs how much is actually there to begin with.

Rule of thumb though would be to only use when necessary to reduce the amount you are removing as time goes by.

I guess this all depends on what works best for you and what makes you the happiest. Some people are able to wait until the next service and some people simply can't wait.

[smallcandle]

Personally, I would suggest getting used to the scratches and perhaps even enjoying them as bits of character collected over the weeks and years. You can always have the case and bracelet polished to like-new when you send the watch in for service.

[rad87gn]

Why is everyone so worried about scratches? It's just gonna happen. The more you get the more it blends anyway. I bet I couldn't tell a difference if I looked at your watch on your wrist while you are wearing it. Polishing a watch over and over will do more damage than leaving it alone. Wait until service time and enjoy!

[sarey]

I agree with the "waiting till the service".
Cape Cod are good for a polish and yes it removes a lot of the surface dirt and very minor scratches but i suggest you let it get "The hallmarks of life" i.e scratches and dinks... and they do blens in eventually. Failing that a good NATO strap is a good alternative now and again.

Enjoy your watch... don't worry about your watch.

[Numismatist]

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=99142

It removes surface metal, so obviously there are limits. The worry areas are the sharp edges of the lugs that can be worn down by Cape Cod.

Also, of course, it's meant for polished not brushed areas.

Once in a while: fine.
To fix a spot: fine.
Weekly: not so fine.