What is this substance on my clasp ???

[520lux]

So looking at my watch and trying to figure out what this is.

around the crown on the clasp there is a substance which I can't seem to get off. I have tried warm soapy water, alcohol but it still is there.

has anyone else have this problem? Do you think this is something that came this way from the factory? It seems hard to believe that a rolex would leave the factory like this. The watch was received in mint condition with even some plastics on and warranty card shows 12/14 was the date of purchase.

Please any info would be really appreciated!

IMG_0596 by VIPGraphX, on Flickr

IMG_0597 by VIPGraphX, on Flickr

IMG_0607 by VIPGraphX, on Flickr

[520lux]

Bump- any help how to clean or what this is

[sechsgang]

Interesting, mine always get dust around that area because its hard to clean, but I havent had a problem getting any of it off. I have no real help other than to be right there with you with a "what the hell is that" face...

[SC11]

Considering the location and the need to open and close that part of the clasp to take on and off I would of thought if it had of left the factory in that condition you would of noticed it a lot sooner!

Again with location I would say it's rubbed against or been in contact with something! But as too what as above I haven't got a clue..

Maybe soak it in some warm soapy water and see if that helps?!

[520lux]

yeah I noticed it when i got it. I have seen similar pictures like this and always thought it was grime on it. Its just weird that I can't seem to get it off. I have tried CLR, dawn and soapy water, alcohol…maybe Ill try and let it soak for a while and see if that helps.

[SC11]

Originally Posted by 520lux

yeah I noticed it when i got it. I have seen similar pictures like this and always thought it was grime on it. Its just weird that I can't seem to get it off. I have tried CLR, dawn and soapy water, alcohol…maybe Ill try and let it soak for a while and see if that helps.

Oh ok sorry I misread your opening post the watch warranty is dated 12/14 but you have just purchased it.

Odd then! Was there any stickers left on the clasp? I still say it would of been unlikely it left Rolex like this.

[520lux]

there were some stickers but not on the crown area.. right above it and in side the clasp.

[archie_bananas]

Weimans jewelry cleaner at the drug store, double check your crown and dunk it. Take it out 10 min later and brush it. Do it again. I have issues with sunblock getting in the cracks and around the raised crown. Sunblock & soap scum.

[520lux]

ok ill try that. thanks!

[cop414]

Just wondering how you made out OP? That almost looks like it was sandblasted in that area?

[520lux]

I soaked it in warm soapy water for a while and it looked a little better. Then I tried CLR thinking there was some build up or something and rubbed with a q tip…Its not completely gone but better.

Not to sure what in the world this is. The watch was super clean and mint condition. There was plastic on the bezel some of the inner and outer clasp. Watch was purchased originally in Dec 2014. Given all this info I can't make sense of it. It even has a slight rough texture where it looks dirty…Sooooooooo……I don't know.

[FreddyNJ]

Did you buy this pre owned? Is it possible it was lightly polished before you received it? Perhaps that was a spot they couldn't get to and therefore remained unpolished?

[520lux]

It was purchased used from a dealer on the forum. It was stated in the listing that it was never polished.

[520lux]

different lighting shows more than other,,,

[cop414]

Odd, here's a thought, I'm pretty sure that the crown part is "staked" onto that part of the clasp. I wonder if it might have fallen off (could happen) and whoever "fixed" it caused the discoloration? Maybe either heat or some type of epoxy?

[520lux]

Originally Posted by cop414

Odd, here's a thought, I'm pretty sure that the crown part is "staked" onto that part of the clasp. I wonder if it might have fallen off (could happen) and whoever "fixed" it caused the discoloration? Maybe either heat or some type of epoxy?

Interesting thought and anything is possible..I was thinking and looking at other watches that have the stickers on them. Could the sticker have been left on to long while maybe wearing it or something got trapped underneath? It looks similar to how the stickers bubble over the crown when new.

On your idea if that was the case which honestly I actually thought the same thing but I did not occur to me that it fell off and was fixed. If we go with that scenario whats odd is that that same rough texture substance is on the clasp part where there is an indention. I posted a picture showing where. Would not make sense that it would appear there…

I cleaned it to the point where you really can't see it unless direct light hits it and its close up inspection…pictures posted as well. BUT nonetheless I still wonder what the heck this is and how to remove it. I thought about getting some sand paper and trying to sand it down. just to see if it comes out and then brush it again which I am confident I could do.

Thanks for your input!!

[cop414]

In that first picture it looks like the crown had almost dented the flip lock? I'd be willing to bet that it had fallen off at some point and was reattached. I wouldn't sand it especially if your cleaning methods are removing it, I'd just keep that up for a while. If you sand it and screw it up, well there's no cleaning that off.
I would think that to properly refinish that part the crown would have to be removed, the part refinished and the crown restaked. Maybe send off an email to ABC watchwerks, they seem to do great refinishing work. Keep us posted.

[520lux]

Yeah could be, however there is no dent or dings bit you may be onto something. I did confirm with the dealer that sold it to me that nothing has ever been done to this watch. He sent me images of other watches that had grime build up that looked like this. But I would think if it's grime build up soapy water would take it right out. Especially on the type of metal Rolex uses. So yeah perhaps the crown was placed back on and the process of heating the metal caused this reaction.

[520lux]

Quick update. I repaired the area myself. What I did is taped of the side parts of the clasp and took some 400 grit sand paper and took my time and sanded down as close to the clasp I could get using various objects to wrap around the sand paper. I made sure I sanded in the direction of the existing brush strokes. Then i got some 3m scotch bright and did basically the same. Next I removed tape and cleaned it up. For an added touch to make the crown pop I taped off everything but the crown and polished it up with the buffing wheel. Its hard to tell in the pictures but everything on the clasp is brushed BUT, the crown has a mirror polished finished. I am very happy the way it came out and just a subtle touch put a smile on my face, which, probably will always go unnoticed except to me..

[cop414]

Rich that looks fantastic, I'd leave it just like that! great job!

[520lux]

Thanks!!

[Soloman40]

Impressive, well done sir. ��

[datejust24]

Well whatever was on there is gone and you did a damn fine job of taking care of the problem at the right price ...well done

[WhatTheDeuce]

That's some skills right there!


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[brandrea]

Great job, handy work on your part indeed!

[madmole]

That looked like the vapour from Cyanoacrylate glue to me. Somebody super glued 3'ed the crown back on

[perpetual92]

Nice job. I would never have the outcome you did even if I followed your process !!