Calling all new GMT II owners - how are those scratches?

[alexcord]

Had my GMT II for just over a month now and the bracelet clasp is pretty scratched up now. I know there is nothing I can do to stop it (other than not wear it which is not an option) but how are everybody elses getting on?

Regards

Alex

[Ironstark]

Nothing yet, but I`ve only had it two weeks.

[gmt 16750]

Had mine for about a month also Alex and it's pretty much the same as yours by the sound of things but we gotta keep those down at Bexley in work (OK - I know it will 5+ years until they see it but you know what I mean!) - Neil

[Tools]

I've seen these scratch protectors at every major department store. I understand they even come in colors :

[mike]

After a week I'm still OK. I know a few guys that put invisible tape on the clasp, but I just can't do that.

[advocatia]

5 days no problems. I have learned over the years that the only way not to lose your mind is to just enjoy the watch, do not worry about such things. at the same time, it is an expensive investment so use reasonable caution. scratches will happen on a polished bracelet. no biggie.

[Welshwatchman]

My ingot has got a few light scratches due to regular wear.

Nothing to lose sleep over, though.

Better on the wrist than in the box/safe.

[Mrdi]

Are the new bracelettes scratching more easily?

[Andad]

No problemo so far.
Plenty of fingerprints but no scratches and any excuse for a pix or three.

[JJ Irani]

Hey Eddie,

How can you possibly get scratches, ya tosser? You've still got those damned protective stickers on!!

[Andad]

But I have removed the bezel protector......

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by directioneng

But I have removed the bezel protector......

Thank goodness for that!!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I am at work now and for the next 12 hours, so I cannot give you the direct links since I haven't got my "Favourites" on this computer, but as far as I remember you can read about the socalled "Cape Cod" metal polishing cloth on these links:

www.rolexreferencepage.com

www.oysterinfo.de, choose "Deutch" and then the workshop lin > "Mikrokratzer entfernen"

BUT:

Be cautitious using the Cape Cod cloth. Remember that every time you polish your watch with it, you actually wear metal away.

As an example - sorry guys I have told this before! - Wandy AKA "Wandyprawira" here on TRF had a bad experience when he wanted to polish of a scratch on the lug side of his newly bought Sub Date. He kept on polishing and polishing, for more than 4 hours!

Result: The "vanilla scented" (sic) "Cape Cod" cloth virtually had distorted the watch case!

So beware: Cape Cod can easily turn into "Shape Odd"!

[Chris B]

Originally Posted by Tools

I've seen these scratch protectors at every major department store. I understand they even come in colors :

Very good

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

I am at work now and for the next 12 hours, so I cannot give you the direct links since I haven't got my "Favourites" on this computer, but as far as I remember you can read about the socalled "Cape Cod" metal polishing cloth on these links:

www.rolexreferencepage.com

www.oysterinfo.de, choose "Deutch" and then the workshop lin > "Mikrokratzer entfernen"

BUT:

Be cautitious using the Cape Cod cloth. Remember that every time you polish your watch with it, you actually wear metal away.

As an example - sorry guys I have told this before! - Wandy AKA "Wandyprawira" here on TRF had a bad experience when he wanted to polish of a scratch on the lug side of his newly bought Sub Date. He kept on polishing and polishing, for more than 4 hours!

Result: The "vanilla scented" (sic) "Cape Cod" cloth virtually had distorted the watch case!

So beware: Cape Cod can easily turn into "Shape Odd"!

Thank you for your post Bo but I have this information.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Thank you for your post Bo but I have this information.

I know, Eddie. I have posted this before. But Alex might not have this info

[jac67]

That's the problem with all these new shiney models, they are scratch magnets.

BUT they do look great.

The first scratch is the hardest to live with.


John.

[leopardprey]

Directeng,

Fantastic photos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great looking watch!!


A Rolex with out sratches on it, is like having an expensive sports care with no wear at all on the tires. A Rolex is meant to be worn and accompany you on all your adventures, so scrathes are natural!

[wandyprawira]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Thank you for your post Bo but I have this information.

Let my experience be a lesson for everyone else, Eddy. Bo is just mentioning it for those who have not yet see the info. Now I know that I should have left the stickers intact like yours to avoid the scratches if I ever have my next Rollie.

[alexcord]

Thanks for all of your replies folks. I agree with Leopard Pray when he said:

"A Rolex with out sratches on it, is like having an expensive sports care with no wear at all on the tires"

At least that is what I am trying to convince myself!

My previous Omega Speedmasters had more discreet clasps than the GMT II but the brushed bracelet still showed a lot of patina (scratches ).

I think any watch with a big clasp that is constantly being dragged across desks etc will show some pretty heavy scratches whether it is a polished or brushed finish.

Not the end of the world and comforting to know that it will be like new when it comes back from a service in 5 or so years

[leopardprey]

Hey, it is Leopardprey not Leopard Pray!!!! LOL LOL Unless you are reminding me I need to Pray, which I do need to do!

[alexcord]

Originally Posted by leopardprey

Hey, it is Leopardprey not Leopard Pray!!!! LOL LOL Unless you are reminding me I need to Pray, which I do need to do!

Sorry about that, I was too keen to write my post I guess

[bmackinlay]

With my 18K GMT Master ll Anniversary Maxi Dial I bought some tennis wrist sweat bands to use when I go to exercise or do some activity that could scratch it. I'm sure this may not appeal to some but it sure works for me,and it's looks better than a sock!! Hayman 4353

[GoldenBear]

Scratches happen. It's tough at first but after a while you get used to it It gives the watch character. I tripped over my Lab and landed on a pile of rocks. Almost killed myself. Put a ding and a couple of big scratches on the gold of my TT. Luckily it was on the bottom, near the clasp, so it's tough to see. I keep it very clean and even after 6+ years it still looks great, just older.

[John685]

In this age of "politically correct" I prefer to call the scratches on my Rolex "patina".

I regard patina as a natural finish acquired through time. They are still scratches but patina has a much better sound and eases my mind while wearing the watch.

[alexcord]

Originally Posted by John685

In this age of "politically correct" I prefer to call the scratches on my Rolex "patina".

I regard patina as a natural finish acquired through time. They are still scratches but patina has a much better sound and eases my mind while wearing the watch.

I agree with you John and was first told about "patina" by a friend which initially sugar coated the scratches. I read about patina on wikepedia BUT it does regard it as something other than plain old scratches but I am with you on easing the mind

[Woody]

Originally Posted by alexcord

Had my GMT II for just over a month now and the bracelet clasp is pretty scratched up now. I know there is nothing I can do to stop it (other than not wear it which is not an option) but how are everybody elses getting on?

Regards

Alex

I have been wearing mine everyday for the last three weeks, including a session in the gym this afternoon. To-date there are a couple of v light marks on the clasp including a couple on the side - these were made by the AD when he was adjusting the bracelet which is a bit annoying but it happens. The watch is running approx 3 seconds a day slow so I might pop into Rolex in St James Square when I am next in London to see if they will regulate it for me - might even see if they can remove those little marks made by the AD!!! - wouldn't mind one of those natty little Rolex travel pouches either but that might be pushing it a bit!!!

Overall great watch although I have to admit to missing my old SD - I know I made the right decision but still........

[Henri Laurie]

Originally Posted by alexcord

Had my GMT II for just over a month now and the bracelet clasp is pretty scratched up now. I know there is nothing I can do to stop it (other than not wear it which is not an option) but how are everybody elses getting on?

Regards

Alex

Hi Alex

I have the new GMT Master II (SS) as well as a TT Blue Sub... both watches has got polished centre links... the best way to care for the polished area's, is to use a product called Cape Cod Metal Polishing Cloths... you take a piece... wrap it around the tip of any earbud... and gently wipe all scrathes away, not to much pressure, and always with the grain of the metal... be careful not to touch the matt area's of the bracelet.

I got this tip from John Holbrook... see www.rolexreferencepages.com this guy is a genius and Rolex fanatic, he also have loads of other useful info.

I live in Cape Town / South Africa, and managed to get the polishing cloths online on Cape Cod's webpage (internet store)

Hope this will help, it has worked perfectly for me... both my watches looks exactly like the day I bought them (my TT Sub is 4 years old)

Enjoy your new GMT... it my best Rolex... I love the ceramic bezel and new features (maxi dial / caliber 3186 movement / "super case" etc.

Regards

Henri

[Lol-x]

Scratches are nothing, now dings, and dints those can have a significant effect on the case of the watch if excessive polishing is required to remove them, alternatively, they might never be capable of being removed at all

Dings, dints, gouges and so on apply to all watches, not just the GMTII ceramic.