Discoloration or dirt on Ceramic bezel Platinum coating

[Jmbarrack]

Hey all,

Quick question. I noticed some odd discoloration / oil or dirt of some sort on the 0 position arrow on my GMT BLNR.

I’ve done a bunch of searches and tried the usually recommendations; soap, water, toothbrush and elbow grease. It did a good job of shining up the watch as a whole, but no help with this odd discoloration. It almost looks like “brush” marks on the triangle.

A few photos are attached. It’s fairly noticeable in most lights as it’s a darker discoloration. And unfortunately when you see it, you can’t unsee it.

My plan is to wear it, enjoy it and when the warrantee is close to up, bring it in to RSC and get 5 years of wear removed. Just wanted to see if there is anything in the meantime anyone suggests or if anyone has seen similar.

Thanks!

Phtotos attached.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Spoonage]

Mine looked like that before. But resolved itself after a couple cleanings. I wouldn't be too worried about it (doesn't sound like you are) and maybe after several more cleanings it will come off.

[Jmbarrack]

Originally Posted by Spoonage

Mine looked like that before. But resolved itself after a couple cleanings. I wouldn't be too worried about it (doesn't sound like you are) and maybe after several more cleanings it will come off.

Thanks for the follow-up. Did you use anything other than the standard dish soap, warm water and toothbrush treatment?

[Sarosh]

I used warm water, soap and an old brush head of my sonicare toothbrush to clean mine! Came out a treat!

[zaydans]

There was a similar thread last year about the same issue. I believe it’s quite common and I’ve seen it before. Not happened to my LN yet but only a matter if time. A careful cleaning should do the trick!!

[Jmbarrack]

Got it. Thanks all for the replies. I am going to try the electric toothbrush and/or something with slightly stiffer bristles.

So the consensus then seems to be, its just dirt or oil which can be removed?

[RichM]

I won’t call it normal but I have seen it before. Be careful. When I hear the word stiffer, I cringe. Tread lightly.

[Banks]

Mine was like that, I actually posted a thread on it about 6 months ago!

It came off with soapy water and a micro fibre cloth. Oils and residue seem to build up there causing a shadow effect.

[Jmbarrack]

Originally Posted by Banks

Mine was like that, I actually posted a thread on it about 6 months ago!

It came off with soapy water and a micro fibre cloth. Oils and residue seem to build up there causing a shadow effect.

Hey Banks thanks for the rely. I'll give that a shot. That's exactly what it looks like, oil/residue that just needs to be taken off.

Did you have to scrub hard? I tried with a cloth after brushing (san soap and water), but maybe I need soap and water on the cloth. Thanks!

[Banks]

I wouldn’t say I scrubbed by rather balled up the micro fibre cloth (which won’t scratch) and applied plenty of pressure rubbing around the indentation of the marker.

If it is oil, soapy water will likely be needed to remove it. Water alone may not suffice

[Banks]

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=562803

Link to my thread so you can see the pictures for similarity

[904VT]

I wouldn't rule out that it isn't a stain, but rather the PVD Platinum wearing. Especially if grime rubs against the coating. The bezel triangle on the GMT Master is the biggest PVD fill out of the C bezels.

The best degreaser is blue dawn aka, wildlife dawn/cleanup use

[Jmbarrack]

It doesn't look like anything is worn down, it just looks like some stain/grease/oil in that section. Very similar to what Banks pointed out in his thread.

I'm going to work on it this weekend. I'll post pictures back with results. Thanks guys.

[drmizzou]

mine had this as well. just didnt pay attention to it and it never really bothered me. maybe ill try some of the above to see if it comes off.

[GFONG]

My BLRO has this as well. After worn for few months, simply ignore it.

[Toivonen]

Have a similar issue on the 05 minute bar of my SDDS’ insert. RSC solved for free and it came back looking as brand new. Don’t try to polish it with something that could leave some ‘scar’