Scratches on 41mm Datejust Oyster Bracelet

[Chachabah]

Hello all,

I am considering a 41mm steel Datejust with blue Arabic numerals. As you know, the watch isn't offered on a jubilee bracelet as of yet.

While I typically like a jubilee bracelet with a fluted bezel, I think the fluted/oyster combo on the DJII is beautiful. The simplicity of the oyster bracelet really makes that spectacular bezel the star of the show.

My only concern for the oyster is the propensity for showing scratches on the large polished surfaces.

In your experiences, to these hairline scratches bother you? Are they typically the type of scratches only you (the wearer) can see?

How are your oyster bracelets holding up over time? Do you polish them?

Any advise/WIS wisdom greatly appreciated!

[George Ab]

Yes, it shows; however, only at close examination.

It gets worse before it gets better. When the polished center links starts to get hairline scratches well it looks like scratches. After a while as it gets more scratches.... I know this is hard to swallow, but for me.. it looks OK. They all start to blend together.

Folks.... particularly those that think about their timepiece way more then they should have a tendency to get a tad anal and want to remove every scratch as it comes along. For me, I wait about every eight to ten years and then get the watch polished when serviced. Back to a fresh start and fretting over the first few hairlines and the "circle of life" continues. Else, reward yourself and get it done for your birthday or when the itch for a new watch comes along. Definitely cheaper then a new watch.

Yes, only you can see them. Most folks only see a really nice watch.

Both the oyster and jubilee bracelets will last a lifetime if properly cared for. Keep them clean and the dirt that migrates into the pins wearing them down by acting like polishing compound is a non issue. If it is a hot humid environment and you sweat more then clean a tad more often. However, once or twice a year throwing the bracelet in an ultrasonic cleaner for an hour or so will take care of it.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by George Ab

Yes, it shows; however, only at close examination.

It gets worse before it gets better. When the polished center links starts to get hairline scratches well it looks like scratches. After a while as it gets more scratches.... I know this is hard to swallow, but for me.. it looks OK. They all start to blend together.

Folks.... particularly those that think about their timepiece way more then they should have a tendency to get a tad anal and want to remove every scratch as it comes along. For me, I wait about every eight to ten years and then get the watch polished when serviced. Back to a fresh start and fretting over the first few hairlines and the "circle of life" continues. Else, reward yourself and get it done for your birthday or when the itch for a new watch comes along. Definitely cheaper then a new watch.

Yes, only you can see them. Most folks only see a really nice watch.

Both the oyster and jubilee bracelets will last a lifetime if properly cared for. Keep them clean and the dirt that migrates into the pins wearing them down by acting like polishing compound is a non issue. If it is a hot humid environment and you sweat more then clean a tad more often. However, once or twice a year throwing the bracelet in an ultrasonic cleaner for an hour or so will take care of it.

X2

Well said George.

Life happens, things will show wear if used. Things you buy are made to be used. However at least with a Rolex you can get it polished every now and then when serviced and start a new.

[HL65]

X3...Well said George!

[Lion]

George, you nailed the subject with your excellent reply and I agree...the watches are meant to be worn and enjoyed!!!

[DDG]

It's not the hairlines & the cuff haze that eats mine up, it's the everyday hard work I insist on doing myself, that just plain wears out my oyster bracelets. I just never got in the habit of taking my watches off when I'm doing physical stuff outdoors. I just plain wore out my first Explorer ll, bracelet and all, and sold what was left of it. Got another one new in 2004, and it's doing better, but I try to take a little better care of it. So far, the head is in pretty good shape, but the crystal has a lot of rough edges. The bracelet is geting loose around the pin holes, and has pleanty of scrapes & gouges all over it. My watches get a work out, but I doubt anything else would hold up any better. Here is my own personal observation. Sure these watches are made out of Stainless Steel, but it's not very hard. It will wear, nick, scratch, dent and, .... refinish, much easier than I think it should. I suppose that "quality" makes it easier to machine & manufacture, and it looks nice when it's new and/or polished, but for rough, tough evey day wear & tear, it is possible to wear one out. I'm a busy guy, I like to do things myself, I don't sit around all day in a suit. My hands get scabs, calouses, & mashed finger nails, and I always want to know what time it is.

[gwozhog]

cape codd cloth solves all woes.

[DDG]

Originally Posted by gwozhog

cape codd cloth solves all woes.

CC & Scotchbrite... Sounds like some kinda drink.

[jonnyz1245]

What George said! Good advice...

IMO, these watches are meant to be worn. The center links on my Daytona and GMTII-c got pretty well trashed by the end of a couple years. I ended up selling both, not because of the scratches but because for me, they were too blingy. I like brushed surfaces and not shiny. I will say that I thought they looked better the more scratches they got.

Buy it, wear it, and enjoy it. Life is short.

[jets]

Originally Posted by Chachabah

My only concern for the oyster is the propensity for showing scratches on the large polished surfaces.

In your experiences, to these hairline scratches bother you? Are they typically the type of scratches only you (the wearer) can see?

I bought a DJ with jubilee bracelet for that reason; I thought jubilee would stand up to scratches better. In the end I regretted it and eventually got a DJII and loved the oyster bracelet. In the end the minor scratches are only going to bug you as much as you let them bug you. Buy whichever bracelet you prefer and don't worry about it too much.

You can always take it to an AD and have it cleaned and polished anytime. It'll look good as new and that's the beauty of buying quality timepieces.