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britinmn · 20 August 2010, 12:04 AM

Hi everybody!
I have been a lurker on the boards here since I got my 'baby' back in November. I've searched the forum but haven't found any answers that fit my particular question, so here goes:

Even though I sit behind a desk most of the time, and I am always careful to take off the watch that I'm wearing before doing pretty much anything that can really damage it, I seem to be excessively 'hard' on my watch bracelets. I'm not sure if it's from dragging them and bumping them around on the desktop all day, but the lower part of the bracelet and the clasp usually quickly end up looking like I've dragged them through gravel or something! :(

I'm on my second Tag that I've had for 10 years or so, a Seiko for my 'cheap' watch, and my DJ II as my new baby/daily wearer. The Seiko bracelet lasted maybe a week before it started to look really beaten up... the Tag maybe a little longer, but after 10 years it is really showing it's 'vintage'. When I first got the Rolex I was VERY careful to make sure my shirt cuff was between the bracelet and the desk, etc. trying everything to minimize/avoid scratches .... but to no avail :(

I went back to the 'old country' back in June and HAD to take the watch back to the AD to get the scratches buffed out of the bracelet as it already looked pretty scratched up, and there was no way I was taking my 'new' watch on it's first trip in that condition! lol (The wife was NOT happy that I already had to have the watch in for something after only 7 months!!)

Since I've been back from the trip I've only worn it a couple of times - primarily because I just don't want to scratch up the beautiful bracelet. It's frustrating to me that I get so many comments on how beautiful the watch is, but the condition of the bottom half of the bracelet is completely out of sync with the rest of the watch. I've had a few comments like 'what happened to the bracelet' etc. and asking me what I'd done to get it scratched up - perhaps I need a cool story to tell about it rather than just working at my desk, lol!!

I ultimately bought the watch as my 'heirloom' to pass down to my son that was born last year - I want him to have the memories of me wearing it, but also want to keep it as beautiful as I can for my own pleasure as well as his ultimately. So I'd LOVE to keep wearing at every day, rather than keeping it safely tucked away in it's box.

Anybody else run into this same problem, or is it just me?? Any solutions to avoid or at least minimize the scratches on the bracelet ... particularly if you're in the same work environment. I've thought about an aftermarket bracelet, and keeping the original, but then I'd 'know' that it had an aftermarket bracelet and that would bug me. Are there any Rolex bracelets that could withstand my kind of environment better??? What to do ???? :(

Dan Pierce · 20 August 2010, 12:17 AM

Join the Nylon Nation, save the bracelet if it worries you that much.

dP

skuirtgun · 20 August 2010, 01:15 AM

We can always buy a new replacement bracelet. No?

jnkay · 20 August 2010, 01:52 AM

I have the same issue with my GMT-IIc and the TT Sub-c, both of which have partially polished clasps, with the sub clasp being particularly prone to scratching because it's polished gold and very long. The severe scratching turns one of the hansomest parts of the watch into an eyesore.

I've solved this problem by taking a thin strip of clear/glossy scotch tape and applying it over the polished center link. It is invisible and completely prevents desk diving scratches on the polished part of the clasp. It's so easy to do.

rad87gn · 20 August 2010, 01:58 AM

It's easy for me. I just don't care about scratches. When it goes in for service it will come back like new just to start it all over again. Scratches on watches that you wear is the norm. Rolex are designed to be worn daily. Enjoy. Life is short and your watch will out live you.

smallcandle · 20 August 2010, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rad87gn

It's easy for me. I just don't care about scratches. When it goes in for service it will come back like new just to start it all over again. Scratches on watches that you wear is the norm. Rolex are designed to be worn daily. Enjoy. Life is short and your watch will out live you.

Can't say it any better!

Rolesor · 20 August 2010, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rad87gn

It's easy for me. I just don't care about scratches. When it goes in for service it will come back like new just to start it all over again. Scratches on watches that you wear is the norm. Rolex are designed to be worn daily. Enjoy. Life is short and your watch will out live you.

x2

i'll be using a cape cod for any really BIG scratches / scuffs but all the little ones just add character!

rolio · 20 August 2010, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rad87gn

It's easy for me. I just don't care about scratches. When it goes in for service it will come back like new just to start it all over again. Scratches on watches that you wear is the norm. Rolex are designed to be worn daily. Enjoy. Life is short and your watch will out live you.

Very well put!!

Captainz · 20 August 2010, 02:31 AM

How much is a DSSD bracelet anyway?

Johny · 20 August 2010, 02:36 AM

rolex replacement on the watch and rolex original in the drawer. i would also like to know the price

jeremyam · 20 August 2010, 03:32 AM

If you're having problems scratching bracelets and bands, do not buy a sports model Rolex b/c scatches will become even more apparent.

Tools · 20 August 2010, 04:04 AM

I found that the best use for the old Rolex Polishing clothes is to lay it down on the desk where your wrist usually bangs and scrapes..

It cuts down significantly on the bracelet damage..........

buke45 · 20 August 2010, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeremyam

If you're having problems scratching bracelets and bands, do not buy a sports model Rolex b/c scatches will become even more apparent.

True, because of the bracelet they come with. The most scratch resistant bracelet there is is the jubilee because of the small surface area link has, especially now with the hidden clasp. The worse are the oyster and the masterpiece. The get scratched just by looking at them. You just have to Learn to live with it or get a super jubilee.

britinmn · 20 August 2010, 07:14 AM

Thanks for all the input - much appreciated!!

After posting I just had to go and put the watch back on... it's the first time I've worn it in quite a few weeks and I don't think it will be going back in the box again anytime soon!!

I really like the scotch tape idea - I own an auto body shop in the Twin Cities so I might see if I can get my hands on some of the 3M automotive clear bra product - that might work really nice, although it can be a real pain to take off later. Oh well, maybe I'll try it on my old Tag first to see how it works :)

I've seriously thought about covering the part of my desk that I seem to use the most in some kind of felt type of material to help with the scratches ... maybe I'll give that a whirl too :)

Maybe the answer is just to get another Rolex ... perhaps a used Sub would make a great daily wearer :)

Just out of interest does anyone know the approx price of a replacement bracelet??

Dr.Brian · 20 August 2010, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by britinmn

Thanks for all the input - much appreciated!!

After posting I just had to go and put the watch back on... it's the first time I've worn it in quite a few weeks and I don't think it will be going back in the box again anytime soon!!

I really like the scotch tape idea - I own an auto body shop in the Twin Cities so I might see if I can get my hands on some of the 3M automotive clear bra product - that might work really nice, although it can be a real pain to take off later. Oh well, maybe I'll try it on my old Tag first to see how it works :)

I've seriously thought about covering the part of my desk that I seem to use the most in some kind of felt type of material to help with the scratches ... maybe I'll give that a whirl too :)

Maybe the answer is just to get another Rolex ... perhaps a used Sub would make a great daily wearer :)

Just out of interest does anyone know the approx price of a replacement bracelet??

If scratches bother you that much, you probably bought the wrong watch. IWC uses specially hardened high grade titanium. I wore one almost daily for almost 10 years. It looks nearly new. Give them a look.
I don't plan to refinish my Sea-Dweller, ever.

sakuraba · 20 August 2010, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by britinmn

I really like the scotch tape idea - I own an auto body shop in the Twin Cities so I might see if I can get my hands on some of the 3M automotive clear bra product - that might work really nice, although it can be a real pain to take off later. Oh well, maybe I'll try it on my old Tag first to see how it works :)

I've seriously thought about covering the part of my desk that I seem to use the most in some kind of felt type of material to help with the scratches ... maybe I'll give that a whirl too :)

Maybe the answer is just to get another Rolex ... perhaps a used Sub would make a great daily wearer :)

IMHO it sounds a bit extreme to change your life around your watch. Maybe you should take Dan's advice and wear your watch on a Nato. Or maybe you can get a spare bracelet for when the watch has to be dolled up.

Juggernaut · 20 August 2010, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rad87gn

Life is short and your watch will out live you.

Very well put, indeed!

20 August 2010, 12:04 AM	#1
britinmn "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Mark Millard Location: Minneapolis, MN Watch: Rolex Air King Posts: 4	Bracelet wear and tear? Hi everybody! I have been a lurker on the boards here since I got my 'baby' back in November. I've searched the forum but haven't found any answers that fit my particular question, so here goes: Even though I sit behind a desk most of the time, and I am always careful to take off the watch that I'm wearing before doing pretty much anything that can really damage it, I seem to be excessively 'hard' on my watch bracelets. I'm not sure if it's from dragging them and bumping them around on the desktop all day, but the lower part of the bracelet and the clasp usually quickly end up looking like I've dragged them through gravel or something! :( I'm on my second Tag that I've had for 10 years or so, a Seiko for my 'cheap' watch, and my DJ II as my new baby/daily wearer. The Seiko bracelet lasted maybe a week before it started to look really beaten up... the Tag maybe a little longer, but after 10 years it is really showing it's 'vintage'. When I first got the Rolex I was VERY careful to make sure my shirt cuff was between the bracelet and the desk, etc. trying everything to minimize/avoid scratches .... but to no avail :( I went back to the 'old country' back in June and HAD to take the watch back to the AD to get the scratches buffed out of the bracelet as it already looked pretty scratched up, and there was no way I was taking my 'new' watch on it's first trip in that condition! lol (The wife was NOT happy that I already had to have the watch in for something after only 7 months!!) Since I've been back from the trip I've only worn it a couple of times - primarily because I just don't want to scratch up the beautiful bracelet. It's frustrating to me that I get so many comments on how beautiful the watch is, but the condition of the bottom half of the bracelet is completely out of sync with the rest of the watch. I've had a few comments like 'what happened to the bracelet' etc. and asking me what I'd done to get it scratched up - perhaps I need a cool story to tell about it rather than just working at my desk, lol!! I ultimately bought the watch as my 'heirloom' to pass down to my son that was born last year - I want him to have the memories of me wearing it, but also want to keep it as beautiful as I can for my own pleasure as well as his ultimately. So I'd LOVE to keep wearing at every day, rather than keeping it safely tucked away in it's box. Anybody else run into this same problem, or is it just me?? Any solutions to avoid or at least minimize the scratches on the bracelet ... particularly if you're in the same work environment. I've thought about an aftermarket bracelet, and keeping the original, but then I'd 'know' that it had an aftermarket bracelet and that would bug me. Are there any Rolex bracelets that could withstand my kind of environment better??? What to do ???? :(

20 August 2010, 12:17 AM	#2
Dan Pierce 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: D'OH! Location: Kentucky Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3 Posts: 36,215	Join the Nylon Nation, save the bracelet if it worries you that much. dP __________________ TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club

20 August 2010, 01:58 AM	#5
rad87gn "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Chad Location: Des Moines, Iowa Watch: Rolex, PAM, Omega Posts: 1,607	It's easy for me. I just don't care about scratches. When it goes in for service it will come back like new just to start it all over again. Scratches on watches that you wear is the norm. Rolex are designed to be worn daily. Enjoy. Life is short and your watch will out live you. __________________ Rolex P-Series SS GMT II Black, Rolex Y-Series Sea-Dweller, Rolex F-Series TT Blue Sub, Rolex F-Series Sub LV, Rolex D-Series Ladies SS/WG DJ for wife, Panerai K-Series PAM 112, Omega Speedmaster Pro 3570.50, Omega Seamaster 300M Chrono 2594.52

20 August 2010, 02:31 AM	#9
Captainz "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Aldo Location: Left Coast Watch: All of them Posts: 879	How much is a DSSD bracelet anyway? __________________ "The Rolex Sickness is Great, when your support group is TRF!" -CZ

20 August 2010, 02:36 AM	#10
Johny "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: john Location: Scotland Watch: sub 16610Lv Posts: 13,523	rolex replacement on the watch and rolex original in the drawer. i would also like to know the price __________________ "AFTER DARK" BAR AND NIGHT CLUB GM.

20 August 2010, 01:15 AM	#3
skuirtgun "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Faizal Reza Location: Kuala Lumpur Watch: 1680, 5512 Posts: 52	We can always buy a new replacement bracelet. No?

20 August 2010, 01:52 AM	#4
jnkay "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: South Florida, US Watch: du jour Posts: 1,815	I have the same issue with my GMT-IIc and the TT Sub-c, both of which have partially polished clasps, with the sub clasp being particularly prone to scratching because it's polished gold and very long. The severe scratching turns one of the hansomest parts of the watch into an eyesore. I've solved this problem by taking a thin strip of clear/glossy scotch tape and applying it over the polished center link. It is invisible and completely prevents desk diving scratches on the polished part of the clasp. It's so easy to do.

20 August 2010, 03:32 AM	#11
jeremyam Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Jeremy Location: Toronto, Ontario Watch: 16610 V Posts: 511	If you're having problems scratching bracelets and bands, do not buy a sports model Rolex b/c scatches will become even more apparent.

20 August 2010, 04:04 AM	#12
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	I found that the best use for the old Rolex Polishing clothes is to lay it down on the desk where your wrist usually bangs and scrapes.. It cuts down significantly on the bracelet damage.......... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

20 August 2010, 07:14 AM	#14
britinmn "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Mark Millard Location: Minneapolis, MN Watch: Rolex Air King Posts: 4	Thanks for all the input - much appreciated!! After posting I just had to go and put the watch back on... it's the first time I've worn it in quite a few weeks and I don't think it will be going back in the box again anytime soon!! I really like the scotch tape idea - I own an auto body shop in the Twin Cities so I might see if I can get my hands on some of the 3M automotive clear bra product - that might work really nice, although it can be a real pain to take off later. Oh well, maybe I'll try it on my old Tag first to see how it works :) I've seriously thought about covering the part of my desk that I seem to use the most in some kind of felt type of material to help with the scratches ... maybe I'll give that a whirl too :) Maybe the answer is just to get another Rolex ... perhaps a used Sub would make a great daily wearer :) Just out of interest does anyone know the approx price of a replacement bracelet??

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