De-blinging the BLNR

[MrMercedes]

Not original and so a no go for me!!

[Highlatitude]

I think the PCL should only be on precious metal models. All the stainless professional models look far better on a brushed Oyster bracelet. I think the worst look is Jubilee.

However, it seems some people do like both PCLs and Jubilees so the answer is clearly that Rolex need to stop being so awkward and let buyers choose for themselves like they do with Datejusts. That way there would be more variety to the range and less ubiquity.

Currently Rolex make nothing I want to buy. I like watches with the GMT function and the GMT2 now only comes on a Jubilee and has multi coloured bezels (which don’t look good in ceramic and are too casual for business wear). The Exp2 is too large and has cartoon like hands. The Sub has no GMT function ...Sigh

[macrowatch]

High recommend just buying a glidelock sub bracelet. Gives you maximum optionality and more adjustment rather than losing the polished option.

[Highlatitude]

Originally Posted by macrowatch

High recommend just buying a glidelock sub bracelet. Gives you maximum optionality and more adjustment rather than losing the polished option.

Luckily they are really cheap to buy...

[learningtofly]

Originally Posted by Highlatitude

Luckily they are really cheap to buy...

Yeah, exactly. Loose change

[GMT Aviator]

I have PCL’s on my DJ’s and have no problem with them, I think the look suits the watch.

On my LN GMT however, to my eye, it just looked all wrong, so I took the plunge and bought a sub bracelet for it.

It’s the perfect combo I think for the GMT. I’ll do same for my BLRO if it ever turns up! As for the CHNR, I’m seriously considering brushing the gold PCL’s on that as well. If you look at the Tudor S&G with it’s brushed gold links, it looks fabulous.

But Ive got to have a good talking to myself before I go and brush that CHNR.

[dejj]

These look so good fully brushed

[scooba]

Originally Posted by learningtofly

Yeah, exactly. Loose change

Hi Tony ,

Who does your work ? Seth ?

Thx

Paul

[HACKNSACK44]

I'm a brushed guy!

[airchitect]

I really wish I could just pop a sub bracelet on mine

[learningtofly]

Originally Posted by scooba

Hi Tony ,

Who does your work ? Seth ?

Thx

Paul

No, it’s not Seth. He doesn’t generally do this any more and I haven’t asked him if I can share his details, so I’ll drop you a PM rather than respond with his name here.

[D.P.G.]

My opinion would be you should have left it alone it looks better and is much more comfortable on a Jubilee bracelet. Now it looks like a Submariner that has 1/2 a bezel with the wrong color.

[socalwatchcollector]

I'm surprised I'm saying this because I do not like altered watches but it looks really, really good. I may have to follow suit. Thanks for sharing.

[Onikage]

The Daytona and Yacht-Master are understandable with the polished cases but this watch should never have had a polished centre link. Unless it's the gold one. On which its function is to remind the wearer to be careful.

[socialpro]

I like both depending on watch / circumstance. But my preference is brushed.

[Heimdall]

I bought a SubC bracelet from an AD and swapped that. PCLs safe in box and enjoying glidelock and brushed bracelet. Best combination in my view.

[APPRF]

Nice look. Does anyone know if the Air King bracelet fits the Batman? I have my Air King on Rubber B, and want to use it's bracelet for the BLNR Batman.

[sgwatchguy]

Originally Posted by D.P.G.

My opinion would be you should have left it alone it looks better and is much more comfortable on a Jubilee bracelet. Now it looks like a Submariner that has 1/2 a bezel with the wrong color.

My thoughts exactly.

[nikesupremedunk]

Strangely I actually prefer the PCL's on the BLNR over the brushed. I feel that the PCL's actually make the watch IMHO. The PCL's create a two-tone effect on the bracelet which matches the effect of the bi-colored bezel, giving it more character vs a Sub for example. This isn't very obvious in photos but on the wrist it made a huge difference.

One of the first things I did when I got my Sub (when I still had my BLNR) was swap the bracelets. I thought I would love the BLNR with the Sub bracelet but I actually ended up swapping back after trying it on once because right away it didn't look and feel right. The weird thing is, I think brushed actually works really well on the GMT LN probably due to the uni colored bezel. But there are a lot of people out there that like BLNR with brushed bracelet so I might be the minority. Good luck with your project!

[learningtofly]

Originally Posted by D.P.G.

My opinion would be you should have left it alone it looks better and is much more comfortable on a Jubilee bracelet. Now it looks like a Submariner that has 1/2 a bezel with the wrong color.

Not sure who that's directed to but my watch didn't come on a Jubilee (which I love, as it happens, and would never have changed had it done so). Anyway, not liking the brushed bracelet is absolutely fine, although it's hardly what I'd call a mod

[Matt_01]

There’s this weird obsession that it’s a tool watch and shouldn’t have jubilee polished CLs etc.

It is a tool watch but can we get into perspective what it is a tool for? It’s a pilots/travellers watch. Not a divers, explorers etc. It is entirely appropriate for that watch to have the aforementioned bracelets as in my view that fits with the intended profile of the watch wearer.

That said OP I like your brushed bracelet on it! I just think some need to quit the hammering of the bracelet options on the basis it’s a ‘tool’.

[learningtofly]

Originally Posted by Matt_01

There’s this weird obsession that it’s a tool watch and shouldn’t have jubilee polished CLs etc.

It is a tool watch but can we get into perspective what it is a tool for? It’s a pilots/travellers watch. Not a divers, explorers etc. It is entirely appropriate for that watch to have the aforementioned bracelets as in my view that fits with the intended profile of the watch wearer.

That said OP I like your brushed bracelet on it! I just think some need to quit the hammering of the bracelet options on the basis it’s a ‘tool’.

Matt, I agree with you save that this really isn't a tool watch. I'm doing this because I prefer the brushed centre links, and because the micro-scratches on the currently polished areas bother me. If we're going to be anal about it then - when used for it's intended purpose - it would hardly be exposed to the rigours of... well, anything really. It's as much a dress watch as a tool watch

[Highlatitude]

Originally Posted by Matt_01

There’s this weird obsession that it’s a tool watch and shouldn’t have jubilee polished CLs etc.

It is a tool watch but can we get into perspective what it is a tool for? It’s a pilots/travellers watch. Not a divers, explorers etc. It is entirely appropriate for that watch to have the aforementioned bracelets as in my view that fits with the intended profile of the watch wearer.

That said OP I like your brushed bracelet on it! I just think some need to quit the hammering of the bracelet options on the basis it’s a ‘tool’.

As a professional pilot I don’t agree entirely. None of these watches are tool watches anymore. They are too expensive to fall into that category so they are now functional male jewellery. The finish on the bracelets is down to personal preference.

However, I can tell you, a cockpit and the job are very hard on watches. There are a million ways to scratch and bash your watch and anyone who travels the World will know that there are a lot of places where you should keep the bling to the minimum. All previous models of GMT had an all brushed Oyster bracelet and it was better suited for the original intended role of this watch.

[learningtofly]

Originally Posted by Highlatitude

As a professional pilot I don’t agree entirely. None of these watches are tool watches anymore. They are too expensive to fall into that category so they are now functional male jewellery. The finish on the bracelets is down to personal preference.

However, I can tell you, a cockpit and the job are very hard on watches. There are a million ways to scratch and bash your watch and anyone who travels the World will know that there are a lot of places where you should keep the bling to the minimum. All previous models of GMT had an all brushed Oyster bracelet and it was better suited for the original intended role of this watch.

[Psmith]

I think the PCLs look great with a GMT, and with a LN or BLNR it's just polished steel. My experience is that the PCLs soon develop a fine 'scratch patina' with regular use, which mellows the overall effect.
Even models with brushed bracelets as standard (Sub, Exp II, etc) have polished sides. I seem to recall someone here 100% brushing a GMT or Sub in the past.
Of course go with whatever works for you - it's easy enough to reverse in the future if need be.

[learningtofly]

Originally Posted by Psmith

I think the PCLs look great with a GMT, and with an LN or BLNR it's just polished steel. My experience is that the PCLs soon develop a fine 'scratch patina' with regular use, which mellows the overall effect.
Even models with brushed bracelets as standard (Sub, Exp II, etc) have polished sides. I seem to recall someone here 100% brushing a GMT or Sub in the past.
Ultimately go with whatever works for you - it's easy enough to reverse in the future if need be.

Quite possibly me - I put a link to my previous "project" in the OP.

[brandrea]

I think it looks great. The pcl’s are one of the reasons I parted ways with the BLNR.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by learningtofly

Quite possibly me - I put a link to my previous "project" in the OP.

Thanks Tony - boy, that thread took me back to less complicated times
IIRC someone did a 100% brush i.e. case and bracelet sides, etc... might have to do some searching around...

[scooba]

Originally Posted by learningtofly

No, it’s not Seth. He doesn’t generally do this any more and I haven’t asked him if I can share his details, so I’ll drop you a PM rather than respond with his name here.

Thank you !

[samson66]

Totally changes the look of the watch. Love it in either configuration

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