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dazzpowder · 1 March 2015, 05:12 AM

is there anyway to get that new shiny steel look back without an abrasive polish? A chemical perhaps that can lift the dullness off of steel without damaging the sapphire or bezel?

77T · 1 March 2015, 05:59 AM

The slight oxidation that occurs would return very soon, but there are some solutions used to brighten SS marine hardware. I'm sure a bit of it in an ultrasonic cleaner would do the bracelet no harm. But the "dullness" returns soon anyway.

Because stainless steel contains at least 10.5% chromium, the oxidation of the iron is changed to produce a complex oxide that resists further oxidation and forms a passive layer on the surface. The passive layer is only a few microns in thickness and will reform if it is removed. So, in a very slight sense, even if you avoid using a compound you are taking away something ever so slightly.

Myself, I leave it alone until it's time to service and have everything done then. Just use mild soap and water regularly to keep grime/oil/salts at bay...

The moose · 1 March 2015, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77T

The slight oxidation that occurs would return very soon, but there are some solutions used to brighten SS marine hardware. I'm sure a bit of it in an ultrasonic cleaner would do the bracelet no harm. But the "dullness" returns soon anyway.

Because stainless steel contains at least 10.5% chromium, the oxidation of the iron is changed to produce a complex oxide that resists further oxidation and forms a passive layer on the surface. The passive layer is only a few microns in thickness and will reform if it is removed. So, in a very slight sense, even if you avoid using a compound you are taking away something ever so slightly.

Myself, I leave it alone until it's time to service and have everything done then. Just use mild soap and water regularly to keep grime/oil/salts at bay...

Post like this, with this kind of Rolex knowledge makes me go to this forum every day!!
Thanks for your wisdom!

danyvw · 1 March 2015, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the moose

post like this, with this kind of rolex knowledge makes me go to this forum every day!!
Thanks for your wisdom!

^^^^ +1

CDNWatchNut · 1 March 2015, 07:03 AM

I'm generally in the no or minimal polish camp, but depending on the watch sometimes a very light once over with a cape cod cloth on polished surfaces can level out light swirls and marks while removing negligible metal and not dulling any edges(if done carefully and sparingly with light pressure).

dazzpowder · 1 March 2015, 07:09 AM

Thanks chaps

watchwatcher · 1 March 2015, 09:14 AM

Just keeping it clean is all it takes...have you tried the Veraet watch spray? Good stuff.

1 March 2015, 05:12 AM	#1
dazzpowder "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: London Posts: 298	904l steel is there anyway to get that new shiny steel look back without an abrasive polish? A chemical perhaps that can lift the dullness off of steel without damaging the sapphire or bezel?

1 March 2015, 05:59 AM	#2
77T 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 42,017	904l steel The slight oxidation that occurs would return very soon, but there are some solutions used to brighten SS marine hardware. I'm sure a bit of it in an ultrasonic cleaner would do the bracelet no harm. But the "dullness" returns soon anyway. Because stainless steel contains at least 10.5% chromium, the oxidation of the iron is changed to produce a complex oxide that resists further oxidation and forms a passive layer on the surface. The passive layer is only a few microns in thickness and will reform if it is removed. So, in a very slight sense, even if you avoid using a compound you are taking away something ever so slightly. Myself, I leave it alone until it's time to service and have everything done then. Just use mild soap and water regularly to keep grime/oil/salts at bay... __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

1 March 2015, 07:03 AM	#5
CDNWatchNut "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Juan Location: Sherwood Park, Ab Watch: 114060 Posts: 1,509	I'm generally in the no or minimal polish camp, but depending on the watch sometimes a very light once over with a cape cod cloth on polished surfaces can level out light swirls and marks while removing negligible metal and not dulling any edges(if done carefully and sparingly with light pressure).

1 March 2015, 07:09 AM	#6
dazzpowder "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: London Posts: 298	Thanks chaps

1 March 2015, 09:14 AM	#7
watchwatcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Larry Location: Kentucky Watch: Yes Posts: 35,047	Just keeping it clean is all it takes...have you tried the Veraet watch spray? Good stuff.

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