New GMT BLNR Bracelet Question

[johnk]

I suspect I won't be very popular but not sure I really care for the PCLs and clasp on the BLNR. Would the bracelet from a 16600 Sea Dweller fit? Seems the PCLs would be super prone to showing all wear and scratches, and I tend to like the older style clasp. Thanks

[swils8610]

Some people here have brushed the PCL's and clasp on the BLNR. I personally like the PCL's. Good luck!


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[tfduff723]

I understand your dilemma! Believe me... many others feel the same way about the PCLs.

You could try to fit an older oyster bracelet, have the PCLs brushed or take this approach. I swapped the original bracelet on my GMT IIC with a Sub C glidelock bracelet. Still have the original PCL bracelet in case I want to swap back. IMO this should be a factory option on the GMTs. The link below explains it all.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=305518

Congrats on a nice watch.

[versatile1]

Brush them

[johnk]

Thanks guys. I don't have the watch yet, it would likely be my next one. If the Sea Dweller bracelet would fit I think I would just put the original NIB bracelet away and buy the SD bracelet for wear. My fear is that I would need to pay a lot to have the PCLs brushed, then even. Even more to restore them to original if I ever wanted to sell.

[tfduff723]

Originally Posted by johnk

Thanks guys. I don't have the watch yet, it would likely be my next one. If the Sea Dweller bracelet would fit I think I would just put the original NIB bracelet away and buy the SD bracelet for wear. My fear is that I would need to pay a lot to have the PCLs brushed, then even. Even more to restore them to original if I ever wanted to sell.

I agree with your concern about restoring the PCLs once you brush them. I considered going that route, found many threads about how easy it is to brush them out but zero ones about polishing them back. It may well have been done by some but I don't think it is that simple.

Also, I asked my watchmaker for his opinion. His response was that it can be done but it is a lot of work. Having a second brushed bracelet is the smartest option in my opinion.

Good luck.

[samsmart]

The bracelet will fit, but make sure its a bracelet from a no holes case SD, and it has the Spring Bar holes on the bottom of the SELs. Otherwise, you would never be able to get the bracelet off of the BLNR once you get it on!

[tfduff723]

Originally Posted by samsmart

The bracelet will fit, but make sure its a bracelet from a no holes case SD, and it has the Spring Bar holes on the bottom of the SELs. Otherwise, you would never be able to get the bracelet off of the BLNR once you get it on!

Some very sound advise there.

Let's just say "I have a friend" who once learned this lesson the hard way! Took some real surgical drilling skills by a very experienced watchmaker to undo a stupid move.

[versatile1]

Originally Posted by tfduff723

I agree with your concern about restoring the PCLs once you brush them. I considered going that route, found many threads about how easy it is to brush them out but zero ones about polishing them back. It may well have been done by some but I don't think it is that simple.

Also, I asked my watchmaker for his opinion. His response was that it can be done but it is a lot of work. Having a second brushed bracelet is the smartest option in my opinion.

Good luck.

Not a big deal to polish the center links.
I had an old style GMT and when the ceramic came out I couldn't afford it so a local watch maker polished mine for 80 bucks
Looked great

[mr.president1]

The new clasps are of much better quality than that of the older models. So, I would just have them brushed. It actually looks great brushed. I could go either way on that one. But definitely a NO for me as far as putting the older clasp and bracelet of an older model on that watch.

[cokecoke]

Hey, here is a photo of my brushed BLNR,I got the AD to do it when I bought it and he said it would be easy to put it back to polished if I didn't like it and would do it for free...

p.s I wear my super jubilee all the time,

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by cokecoke

Hey, here is a photo of my brushed BLNR,I got the AD to do it when I bought it and he said it would be easy to put it back to polished if I didn't like it and would do it for free...

p.s I wear my super jubilee all the time,

[johnk]

Looks great, cokecoke can you please post a rear shot of the brushed clasp? Thanks everyone.... No bad choices here, just different.

[Cc1966]

Lot's of good options. My favorite is to source another bracelet and store your original if you have the $$$.

[cokecoke]

i don't have anymore photos and it's put away in the safe

QUOTE=johnk;4653933]Looks great, cokecoke can you please post a rear shot of the brushed clasp? Thanks everyone.... No bad choices here, just different. [/QUOTE]