Protective film on my Rolex

[Roger Lococco]

Originally Posted by amphora001

Okay I did it. I did it on 3 of them. I bought it from WatchShells. The product is decent. But I'm convinced their data security is shit because someone tried to scam me right after. Anyway I got their standard kit for the Daytona, which means the clasp and the side and back of the case but not the bracelet. Then I only got the clasp for the Explorer and the GMT, because I already have a good amount of scratches in them and I tried to polish it out myself before applying. Anyway I'll post some photos next.

First impression is good. You do realize that you feel the plastic film rather than a smooth SS. It creates certain sharp edges. The film is tough. It was not easy to apply with my less than 20/20 vision and non-surgical-precision hands. Visually there is very little to diminish the aesthetics. Psychologically, it helps me a lot to enjoy the watch. I took the Daytona out with my daughter for a kids birthday party and to her dentist appointment without a single ounce of worry. I know the bracelet will still scratch, but it's just a bit too much work for me to cover everything, and I'm not sure I want to completely void myself of the feeling of touching the steel.

As far as putting it on the already scratched up GMT and Explorer, it's less than ideal and I would highly recommend applying the film for brand new or recently professionally polished watches only.

Looks fantastic and thanks for the review. If it makes you more comfortable wearing the watch day to day, that's a great outcome.

[Reikolexguy]

Originally Posted by amphora001

Okay I did it. I did it on 3 of them. I bought it from WatchShells. The product is decent. But I'm convinced their data security is shit because someone tried to scam me right after. Anyway I got their standard kit for the Daytona, which means the clasp and the side and back of the case but not the bracelet. Then I only got the clasp for the Explorer and the GMT, because I already have a good amount of scratches in them and I tried to polish it out myself before applying. Anyway I'll post some photos next.

First impression is good. You do realize that you feel the plastic film rather than a smooth SS. It creates certain sharp edges. The film is tough. It was not easy to apply with my less than 20/20 vision and non-surgical-precision hands. Visually there is very little to diminish the aesthetics. Psychologically, it helps me a lot to enjoy the watch. I took the Daytona out with my daughter for a kids birthday party and to her dentist appointment without a single ounce of worry. I know the bracelet will still scratch, but it's just a bit too much work for me to cover everything, and I'm not sure I want to completely void myself of the feeling of touching the steel.

As far as putting it on the already scratched up GMT and Explorer, it's less than ideal and I would highly recommend applying the film for brand new or recently professionally polished watches only.

Thanks for sharing, OP.

I also have watch shells installed on my sky-dweller.

It won’t protect against major damage (the base surface of my clasp, which is not fully covered & slightly exposed, still got scratched while I was moving some furniture) but I can at least wear my watch and go about doing my thing without worrying about accumulating more scratches.


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[Gab27]

If you are happy with it, that's what matters. However, with how I wear my watch, I'd have a lot of concerns with respect to hygiene, and I don't think they would last very long for me.

[HiBoost]

Originally Posted by The Stifmeister

I always enjoy these threads because of the varying responses. You get both ends of the spectrum.

I also have a clear bra installed on all my cars. My installer cuts it all by hand using Suntek Ultra PPF and wrap the edges. He doesn't use the machine templates, but the car analogy isn't a direct apples to apples comparison.

With a watch, you cannot wrap the edges and this results in dirt collecting over time. I can see the edges clearly in your photos despite your post saying otherwise. That dirt will eventually act as an abrasive with time and damage the finish underneath. You will need to be diligent on cleaning. The second and most important reason I don't like these films for wristwatches is it changes the way how the natural finish looks. You'll see numerous posts stating the finish looks identical without and I can assure you it doesn't. The film will add gloss to brushed surfaces and add an orange peel effect to the polished sections. These imperfections are very noticeable on a watch given it is handled closely vs a car.

Personally, I think practicing wrist awareness is the best choice. Covering the clasp in film is okay imo since it is a high impact surface, but wrapping the whole watch is a bit too much. Everyone enjoys their watches differently so I won't try to discourage someone out of utilizing these products. Just wanted to state objectively.

Also, which video is Jenni talking about that film? Your link takes us to her YouTube homepage, not the specific video.

Your points about the scale of the object are completely valid. The clear bra analogy was meant to be just that, not an exact parallel. That said, I've had multiple cars where the material was applied up to within 1/8" of the panel edges (i.e. not wrapped around them) and while this does provide a "lip" for dirt to collect, it still avoided 99% of the damage that a naked panel would have received. A black car that "chips white" shows this rather, uh, black and white. 5 years down the road the vast majority of the car's paint is still perfect (not to mention swirls from washing, etc).

Where I live, with harsh winters, driving on the highway is like hanging out in a sandblasting booth. It's not just a matter of avoiding an "accident", literally every mile driven is wearing away at your car. Does a watch need this level of protection? Well, honestly, when the damn thing costs more than a car, I have a hard time saying it's a bad idea.

I'm with the others who have said if this practice leads to more wearing/enjoying of the watch, then why are we, as watch enthusiasts, attempting to poo-poo it?

[sxdcfv911]

If any OP basher uses a protective case on their cell phone (which is a fraction the cost of Rolex) you are the definition of hypocrite.

Hypocracy definition; "The practice of professing standards, beliefs, etc, contrary to one's real character or actual behaviour, esp the pretence of virtue and piety"

[Tdorb32]

Nice, but definitely not for me.

[dawalsh]

I won’t be against doing it only on the clasp.

[sleepydoc]

Originally Posted by amphora001

This is the specific video https://youtu.be/Iw4UaUFRKPA?t=131

She recommend this one, but I have no experience with it obviously https://protectyourwatch.shop/

This one she recommends is her husband Kai’s product. It looks decent on the videos. It sounds like you can reapply it if you mess it up the first time.

Not sure if he ships outside of Europe.

[Lobster]

Whatever floats your boat..When are you selling it? Post pictures when you do. I wonder if it will have tan lines

[The Stifmeister]

Originally Posted by HiBoost

I'm with the others who have said if this practice leads to more wearing/enjoying of the watch, then why are we, as watch enthusiasts, attempting to poo-poo it?

I agree, I am of the same mindset and if it's what makes someone enjoy their time wearing more, then by all means.

As mentioned previously, we may enjoy our pieces but not in the same form or fashion.

[Masteryacht]

Originally Posted by Loevhagen

Could someone please delete this thread before Padi sees it. He will for sure get a cardiac arrest within seconds.

Lol!!

[amanbra]

Originally Posted by sxdcfv911

If any OP basher uses a protective case on their cell phone (which is a fraction the cost of Rolex) you are the definition of hypocrite.

Hypocracy definition; "The practice of professing standards, beliefs, etc, contrary to one's real character or actual behaviour, esp the pretence of virtue and piety"

I don’t think this is the same. I find the phone slippery so the case adds grip. Secondly my kid and I drop the phone all the time to the point the device would break without a case.


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[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by The Stifmeister

I agree, I am of the same mindset and if it's what makes someone enjoy their time wearing more, then by all means.

As mentioned previously, we may enjoy our pieces but not in the same form or fashion.

Exactly this. Enjoy your watch how you see fit and we should be supportive of it. Mods, straps, protection, whatever you like. It's a hobby; it's not like we are altering some priceless painting or something.

[NachoNeal]

Originally Posted by -dustin

lots of twisted undergarments in this thread. amusing.

Yes! On both sides!

[inadeje]

I ask the AD to leave the plastic film on the clasp. It’s surprisingly durable and is still on many of my watches. I don’t think I’d refit after it falls off though.

[bluestreak]

If this isn’t your thing, I totally get it. But I don’t see how some people can’t understand why someone wouldn’t want to scratch their 5 figure watch.
And it probably makes people more likely to wear their watches. Which is what everyone here claims people should be doing. Because you don’t need protective film if the watch is sitting in the safe.

Just another case of a bunch of folks that think everyone should enjoy the hobby exactly how they should enjoy the hobby. Too much of that here in my opinion.

[gwozhog]

Your watch is not even made of precious metal. Its stainless why would you even care about a scratch?

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by gwozhog

Your watch is not even made of precious metal. Its stainless why would you even care about a scratch?

Because he doesn’t want his watch scratched. Does he need any more reason than that?

[amphr1]

Originally Posted by gwozhog

Your watch is not even made of precious metal. Its stainless why would you even care about a scratch?

There's some PM somewhere in there in my Explorer

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[amphr1]

Photo

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[Soultime]

Originally Posted by amphora001

Okay I did it. I did it on 3 of them. I bought it from WatchShells. The product is decent. But I'm convinced their data security is shit because someone tried to scam me right after.

This would really concern me......

They know you have numerous Rolex watches.

They have your address to mail the goods.

And they seem to be able to facilitate (directly or indirectly) scammers through poor security.

It reminds me of the people selling cheap accessories for performance cars on ebay etc - just so they can obtain details of where the owners live.

[gwozhog]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

Because he doesn’t want his watch scratched. Does he need any more reason than that?

You will never hear someone say on their deathbed before they die "I wish I would have never scratched my Rolex". Its just a watch that is meant to be worn and enjoyed and will still tell the same time if it has a scratch on it. This is a weird thread sorry.

[amphr1]

Originally Posted by Soultime

This would really concern me......

They know you have numerous Rolex watches.

They have your address to mail the goods.

And they seem to be able to facilitate (directly or indirectly) scammers through poor security.

It reminds me of the people selling cheap accessories for performance cars on ebay etc - just so they can obtain details of where the owners live.

It's shipping from Korea. So unless they want to fly all the way to California, I'm probably okay. Besides my address is probably in a public record somewhere if you look hard enough.

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[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by gwozhog

You will never hear someone say on their deathbed before they die "I wish I would have never scratched my Rolex". Its just a watch that is meant to be worn and enjoyed and will still tell the same time if it has a scratch on it. This is a weird thread sorry.

That’s a weird comeback. Most people aren’t talking about watches on their deathbed at all. I certainly won’t be.

For this guy having the protection makes it more likely that he’ll wear it. I don’t see how anyone could have a problem with how a guy wants to wear his watch.

[yorkzilla]

To each his own. Whatever makes you happy.

I don’t wrap though. I have alternative straps instead. Mood. Season. Rubber. Canvas. Poly. Reptile. Avian. Mammal. Style. Color. Etc…

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by amphora001

This actually reminds me of this trend that might have die down where people pay extra for classic cars that hasn't been restored and has or the "history" even if it means a dent and dirt.

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The most expensive car I’ve ever seen drive up to an event was McLaren F1 #036 a few years ago. This $20M+ car’s front end was peppered with rock chips, the owner has driven it over 20K miles since he acquired it.
Jerry Seinfeld was on Jay Leno’s Garage a few years ago saying he had sold off most of his “pristine collector Porsches” and started replacing them with cars that have a bit of patina. They were driving around SoCal in a 356 with a few spots of rust.

[JacksonRain]

OP looks like you did a great job applying the film.

So those spots may go away, if they are simply wet spots, if you took off the film and reapplied it, then some of those bubbles are permanent. If there is any spec of dust or lint, that is going to stay as well. It's difficult to tell by your pictures.

You should buy 3M vivid tape from Amazon for like 15 bucks, now that you have those as a template. In many months when get some lifting on the corners and it's time to replace, you can use what you have on the watches by carefully peeling them off and putting it on the vivid 3M tape. Takes only a couple of minutes, and the quality is likely better.

Enjoy

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[Gazoak]

What a ridiculous idea. If you feel that way about it just lock it in the safe and check that it is still there once a year. Actually, you'll need the protective film on it anyway to stop you scratching it when you place it in the safe.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by fsprow

Your watch. Your choice. Not for me.

Likewise.

[joli160]

Were you really afraid wearing your Daytona without the wrap ?

I don’t get it but as long it makes you feel good