Storage Question

[15400ST]

Thought about this the other day as I was putting away a new (to me) watch for the first time and would like some input. Does storing a watch on the foam rolls that are common in watch boxes cause any damage over time? At my wrist size, the bracelet is in a constant state of tension when put around a roll in the box.

Would it be better to lay my watches flat instead?

[MTBer]

I've had exactly the same thought too. I saw a video awhile ago where some Rolex watchmaker advocated placing the watch on its side, crown down. The crown is considered a wear item and replaced periodically, so if you happen to scratch/abrade it, no big deal. Laying watches flat allows the case back to come into contact with the bracelet, which may cause scratches.

That being said, the majority of people here, even on a dedicated watch forum, would probably say such precautions are crazy, but you're not alone

[doctoryellow]

I worry about this all the time, too

[904VT]

Try not closing your clasp fully when in your storage box. I'm sure the bracelets are strong, but constant tension isn't ideal imo

[SkyJuice]

I Store in its original box

[Bigred92]

I use one of these, bought two on Catawiki, one for daily storage when I go to sleep, the other one I always keep in my messenger bag witch I take with me when I’m traveling.

This is a great option for me since the case back cant scratch the bracelet.

[ROLEXster]

Oakley Vault

[DP63]

I'm certain the foam will give in to the steel if there is any damage to be measured.

[HogwldFLTR]

No damage to steel by being closed over foam rubber. Damage to bracelets comes from abrasion of the link bolts against the links themselves causing the link holes to widen and the bolts to narrow. The increased spacing between them cause stretch. This doesn't happen in a static situation (consider sanding wood without moving the sand paper).

[ntoryes]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

No damage to steel by being closed over foam rubber. Damage to bracelets comes from abrasion of the link bolts against the links themselves causing the link holes to widen and the bolts to narrow. The increased spacing between them cause stretch. This doesn't happen in a static situation (consider sanding wood without moving the sand paper).

/thread

[padi56]

Originally Posted by DP63

I'm certain the foam will give in to the steel if there is any damage to be measured.

Exactly that.

[beshannon]

That must be some really strong foam

[15400ST]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

No damage to steel by being closed over foam rubber. Damage to bracelets comes from abrasion of the link bolts against the links themselves causing the link holes to widen and the bolts to narrow. The increased spacing between them cause stretch. This doesn't happen in a static situation (consider sanding wood without moving the sand paper).

Glad to hear this. Thanks!

[Tha Baron]

For my golf bag and travel I use the Case Budi... works great up to 44mm

[grymg]

Since I have a small wrist I ended up making my own rolls to fit inside the case. No tension on the bracelet whatsoever, in fact they are slightly loose to no potential damage to the bracelet pins at all over time.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

No damage to steel by being closed over foam rubber. Damage to bracelets comes from abrasion of the link bolts against the links themselves causing the link holes to widen and the bolts to narrow. The increased spacing between them cause stretch. This doesn't happen in a static situation (consider sanding wood without moving the sand paper).

Quoting this for emphasis.

A foam roll is not going to put enough stress on a steel bracelet to cause plastic deformation.

[iwenger]

This is something I've been wondering recently as well. I got a Wolf watch box a couple months ago, and while my bracelets/deployant straps do close over the pillows, it does seem to be a tight fit with the bracelet under tension - nothing crazy, but enough to make me wonder.

My concern was more for the spring bars. I know it's a static situation, so no constant rubbing, but there's definitely more tension on them when on the pillow than on the wrist. Any issue with that?

[feb29]

It's amazing how many people overthinking about they tool watches

[iwenger]

Originally Posted by feb29

It's amazing how many people overthinking about they tool watches

In part, yes. But were these tool watches ever really meant to sit on a pillow? I never worry about these watches' ability to stand up to the day-to-day, or even the non-day-to-day, as they are a good chunk of over-engineered metal. I just worry about those tiny pins!

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by feb29

It's amazing how many people overthinking about they tool watches

Agreed.

Originally Posted by iwenger

In part, yes. But were these tool watches ever really meant to sit on a pillow? I never worry about these watches' ability to stand up to the day-to-day, or even the non-day-to-day, as they are a good chunk of over-engineered metal. I just worry about those tiny pins!

Would you pay thousands if they couldn’t stand up to foam? Amazing how Rolex is touted as over engineered and robust tool watches but a pillow might accelerate their demise.
dP

[iwenger]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Would you pay thousands if they couldn’t stand up to foam? Amazing how Rolex is touted as over engineered and robust tool watches but a pillow might accelerate their demise.
dP

Touché. I yield to your common sense