Why is it very acceptable that Rolex watches get scratched easily?

[thenewrick]

Thread hijack.

I prefer brushed Rolex surfaces to polished and would like to see a brushed jubilee bracelet and call it the chain mail. Maybe allow it for professional series.

Milgauss full brushed case and brush jubilee would be awesome.

Overall watches are a lot like cars. You can spend 6 hours getting a paint correction perfect and baby it. Or you can drive it like a normal person, spend 20 minutes wiping it off once a month and it’ll look just as good as the babied car to virtually everyone.

Normal wear and common sense and periodic half ass cleaning and polishing is plenty for it to look great

[Mike I]

Originally Posted by Mystro

You are panicking over nothing. You will be fine with your new Sub41LV with its brushed bracelet and clasp. It’s the pcl bracelet and especially the polished center of the clasp that tends to show scratches easier.
My watches always look in excellent condition from years of knowing how to avoid scratches and I also am a expert in removing minor scratches. Major scratches I let my watchmaker remove at routine service. Don’t let scratches worry about wearing your watch. Go make memories with it on and you won’t think about scratches.

IF you want a almost scratch proof watch, you need to look at a Panerai Carbotech or ceramic model. I have a Panerai Pam661 Carbotech that is the toughest watch I have owned and still looks perfect even after hitting it on a bridge pier underwater on a dive. Carbotech is “next level” material.

Mystro, it would be helpful if you could explain how you go about avoiding scratches.

[brandrea]

There’s a bit of truth to every joke I guess

[-dustin]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

Overall watches are a lot like cars. You can spend 6 hours getting a paint correction perfect and baby it. Or you can drive it like a normal person, spend 20 minutes wiping it off once a month and it’ll look just as good as the babied car to virtually everyone.

I spent 4hrs clay bar-ing and coating my car this weekend. First black vehicle I've ever had. I find this analogy to be quite correct.

[Speedbird-1]

I've got a lovely new 24oz ball pein hammer. I have used it a couple of times and even when I have placed it down carefully, it seems to have acquired a few micro-scratches.
Not sure if I should get it polished, in case using it to hit things, will have affected it's re-sale value.

[Buckaroo Banzai]

Originally Posted by EQUITYft

You will sometimes encounter posters, although obviously exaggerating and being sarcastic, that Rolex watches get scratched even if you blow air on them.

The truth is not very far off though, at the mere touch the watch makes with anything, you will get another mark that adds "character" to the watch as most tell themselves.

I am still waiting for my LV Sub to arrive, so that did not change anything, but really can the watches be designed so my shirt doesn't dig a "character" on it

Just wear it and don't worry about the scratches. I wear my BLRO for all the time, and don't really worry about it getting scratches.

[dtwer]

An alternative to avoiding putting scratches on the bracelet is to replace the bracelet with rubber straps. I know a few friends who do that with their Rolex.

Having said that, I always find it a bit illogical to do that if the whole reason of putting on rubber straps is to preserve the bracelet from scratches. It's like in order to keep the bracelet pristine I would deprive myself of the enjoyment of a nice bracelet. So in the end I have a well worn watch but a pristine bracelet, what's the point of that?

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by mfserge

This is why you should only wear Rolex if it’s fully stickered. And if the AD removed the stickers they you should get an automotive clear bra and an exact-O knife to make your own new stickers in order to never get a blemish on the watch. Wearing a Rolex unprotected, exposed to the elements and potential scratches is just asinine.

[DubOhio]

invisishield lab

I’m a big fan of these. Takes time to put them on but really reduces any thought I have around protecting the watch specially the clasp.

[Vesper Lynd]

Steel is not scratchproof, nor is gold.
Things are as they are

[stockae92]

I don't know. Scratches happens when you wear a watch. I don't think twice about it. its different if its a dent from a drop, scratch on the crystal, or dragged around the floor.

[dommasters]

For me, in an ideal World, Rolex would puchase Damasko's IP so as to make ice hardened steel the way that they do. Their steel cases are quite incredible and can look new after many years of use without so much as a polishing cloth.

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by Andad

Just for clarity are you waiting for a real LV or the 6 digit?

Eddie just wants to stress the fact that he has THE REAL LV ..

[TswaneNguni]

Wear scratches is fine ,dings is what you dont want .Simple .

RSC ..like new !

[OYptL]

Originally Posted by Devildog

Rolexes haven't been tool watches for years

Disagree big time. Subs & GMT’s are absolute “tool” watches.

[ChipotleBanana]

What is happening to this forum? We are literally choosing a material that scratches, metal scratches. Most metals will scratch. So cringe that people keep acting as if all watches and metal shouldn't scratch.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

Eddie just wants to stress the fact that he has THE REAL LV ..

Yea, no one took the bait. This forum works on so many levels.

[Epanerai12]

904L steel (oystersteel) is softer than traditional 316L. Trade off is its prettier (more nickel & chromium).

I observe that my rolex watches always ding and scratch quicker, especially on the edges than any other watch I own made of 316L.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Devildog

I believe the posts in question originate from the point that many people are surprised at just how easily it is to scratch (or perhaps more correctly abrade highly polished metal surfaces) particularly when that metal is stainless steel.

You absolutely will create swirls and micro abrasions on polished steel (and much moreso on polished gold) just by wearing the watches with any kind of clothing. And those that say it doesn't happen most likely don't have the best eyesight.

Those marks are not that obvious generally, but harsh or bright light shows them up. As Peter has said above, they are easily polished out at service.

I would say, however, that the Rolex watches I've owned made of 904L steel appear more prone to marking up than those made of 316L (of any brand). This is perhaps not surprising given that 904 measures slightly less hard on the Rockwell scale and 25% less "hard" on the Brinell scale.

Numbers aside, I have a 316L Seiko that gets used and abused and its polished elements are still in exceptional condition and better than any Rolex I've ever owned under the same wearing conditions.

The introduction of 904L (or indeed "Oystersteel") possibly also coincided with more wearers considering their watches as jewellery due to changing market conditions and purchase demographic. As such those wearers may be more critical of their watches overall condition and hence we're seeing more comment

Your sub will be fine, but the polished case sides will pick up fine hairlines and marks unless you are exceptionally careful.

+1
This also feeds into the Rolex rationale where 904 L is able to take a polish.
That makes it easier to refinish at service time and bring it back up to a near showroom appearance.

Take the GS experience for example as residing at the other end of the spectrum.
If one wants a nice polish job, it can be handled in the US for a small outlay. If one wants the full blown Zaratsu(spa) treatment the watch must be sent back to Japan with a longer turn around and greater expense.

One can't have everything.
I can appreciate all the reasons why Rolex chooses to use 904 L Stainless.
Other watch manufacturers may choose to use 304 or 316 L Stainless Steel, ceramics, Tungsten, O-MEGASTEEL or Titanium or even variations of some of these types of materials which have their own advantages and disadvantages.
One can't have everything

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by OYptL

Disagree big time. Subs & GMT’s are absolute “tool” watches.

It all depends upon how they are treated and regarded by the owner.
If one chooses to use them as a daily and never get them polished at service time, thus accumulating dings and scratches throughout the lifetime of the watch, then they're effectively being used as a tool watch.
If an owner only uses the watch on occassion and babies them at all times whenever they are out of the safe. Then they're effectively treasured to the point of being regarded as jewellery

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by dtwer

Funny analogy and I like it; spot on lol.

Same rule applies for all material things in this world; people should buy things and enjoy the hell out of them. If we have to constantly be concerned about wear and tear, then a huge part of the enjoyment is lost.

In my motorcycle hobby, I find there is nothing sadder than seeing a pristine, all decked out, and low mileage pre-owned motorcycle up for sale for a fraction of what it cost to get the bike to that state. It just tells me the owner has barely gotten any enjoyment out of the bike.

It really all depends upon how people derive their enjoyment.
With my motorcycles two are pampered and ridden to the full without much regard to mileage, whilst another is even more pampered but still ridden the full.
I also have a few cars which most regard as rather special, where two are very pampered and one is my daily driver which hasn't even been washed for quite a while.

It's about priorities and preferences

[Mike I]

Mystro, I would appreciate hearing any tips/pointers you might have to avoid or minimize scratches.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Mike I

Mystro, I would appreciate hearing any tips/pointers you might have to avoid or minimize scratches.

We did a thread on this a few times. Most of these habits become automatic.
For example, when walking up or down narrow hallways or stairs, put your watch arm behind your lower back. This keeps your watch against your body which is the safest place.

Seat belt buckles in cars are another common danger. Be aware of where your watch is when pulling the seatbelt out. Too many watches get dinged up by this simple action of putting a seat belt on.

There are a lot of tricks working around the office. Your watch is safest on your wrist in most situation unless you’re trying to adjust or fix any kind of plumbing or areas that are tight. Wrapping your Rolex against a porcelain toilet or sink trap will always do damage.

Never hold your watch above the tile floor when washing it. Always put down a towel first on the counter. The forum is full of tile floors smashing crystals from just a two foot drop. Never try to clean a dirty watch with your dry shirt unless you like hairline scratches. Always better to wait until you can get the watch wet before wiping dirt off.
Best to wash with a diluted mix of Dawn dishwashing detergent and water using your fingertips to gently massage the soap in between the links. Dry with a clean soft terry cloth towel or microfiber towel. Wash your watch often as it will make your bracelet last forever as well as keeping all moving parts like your dive bezel and clasp free of body oils and dirt.

[Mike I]

Good advice, thanks Mystro.

[Tools]

Not sure that I'm following the thread here.

A Rolex doesn't scratch any easier, or harder, than any other watch.

The difference is that not many other products provide discussion and photo galleries where we can show our watch boo-boos off to the rest of the world.

[dommasters]

Originally Posted by Tools

Not sure that I'm following the thread here.

A Rolex doesn't scratch any easier, or harder, than any other watch.

The difference is that not many other products provide discussion and photo galleries where we can show our watch boo-boos off to the rest of the world.

Check out the hardness of Damasko's patented stainless steel. It is in a different league on this point. However Rolex steel has other advantages.

[CaliBear]

Originally Posted by EQUITYft

You will sometimes encounter posters, although obviously exaggerating and being sarcastic, that Rolex watches get scratched even if you blow air on them.

The truth is not very far off though, at the mere touch the watch makes with anything, you will get another mark that adds "character" to the watch as most tell themselves.

I am still waiting for my LV Sub to arrive, so that did not change anything, but really can the watches be designed so my shirt doesn't dig a "character" on it

I'm confused. What is the basis for your opinion as to how easy it is to scratch Rolex watches if you don't even have your LV yet? Also, you need to invest in a nicer shirt. If it is scratching metal, I shudder to think what it is doing to your skin.

[nickorette]

Teddy Baldassarre and Kevin O'Leary did a video recently looking at microbrands, there was a watch brand out there that treats their steel to be basically scratch proof, they took a tool to the link and couldn't scratch. They did the same with a rolex link and the thing was a disaster. It's a shame Rolex doesn't do this.

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by nickorette

Teddy Baldassarre and Kevin O'Leary did a video recently looking at microbrands, there was a watch brand out there that treats their steel to be basically scratch proof, they took a tool to the link and couldn't scratch. They did the same with a rolex link and the thing was a disaster. It's a shame Rolex doesn't do this.

But how would you want to buy a new shiny Rolex if your current watch is scratch free!?!

Honestly I have LOVED the YM line for a while, but i am honestly worried about the bezel getting destroyed, and a new pt bezel is not exactly cheap. I did end up with the RG/ceramic version that i am very happy with, but I keep looking at that rhodium dial

[Gab27]

Stainless scratches easily. Titanium scratches easily. Arguably they are the best two materials for watches despite their downsides. For that matter, gold, aluminum, and silver scratch easily as well. I suppose they could make the entire watch out of ceramic or zirconium, but there would be some very obvious downsides to that.