Brushing a bracelet - Yes or no?

[~JJ]

I dislike PCLs with a passion, so I’m in the brush group... you can always send it to RSC for a service and it will come back original.

[GoingPlaces]

Buy a brushed bracelet. I think modifying the original bracelet is a mistake.

[BNA/LION]

If the center links are polished originally I leave them, if they are not I leave them. Original design is the way I keep my Rolex watches.

[ThatExplorer]

Super easy to re brush or entirely brush a bracelet. It’s time consuming to do it right and make sure it’s even etc... just finished rebrushing my EX2 as it was messed up quite bad, took me about 5-6 hours working slowly and constant checking my work, but turned out great and very smooth.


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[georgekart]

Do what you want and like. Want it brushed? Do it.

[vesnyder]

There was a post a couple weeks ago where a guy had his bracelet brushed. It looked great. I'll take a look and post it if I can find it.

[macrowatch]

No, easier to just buy a sub bracelet. Get brushed + glidelock, and when you want some sparkle, switch back to the PCL bracelet. Maximum optionality vs locking yourself into one configuration. Two way street vs one way street.

[vesnyder]

Here is a post where somebody had it done ...

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=712517

[Bob the brush]

As others have said, it's yours, do whatever floats your boat. Personally, no, I would mot brush mine, as I really like PCL's.

[getting started]

Whenever I ask my AD about changing anything to my Rolex, he says it will be a problem when we send it to Rolex for servicing. He keeps saying Rolex will not service the watch saying the watch was modified. I even asked him if I can change Oyster to jubilee bracelet and he said NO.

[10klakes]

I had the same thought OP, so I sourced the 97200 from the submariner. It’s brushed and it has the glidelock. Cost around $2k from a TS on this forum.

[stolpioni]

Originally Posted by replicator

Whatever you like, but I personally would not. I’d rather sell it and grab a submariner if I wanted a brushed bracelet.

Seriously considering doing this now. Everytime I see a 14060 (no date) on a wrist I go "Holy shit that looks good". I never felt the same way about my GMT, unfortunately.

When I look at photos with both watches side by side though, I tend to think the GMT looks better. But only the dial.

So the dilemma now is whether I should brush the bracelet of my GMT, which may make it the perfect watch for me. Risk is ruining the watch though. Or if I should trade it for a Sub No Date.

Pros and cons of GMT with PLC (as it is now):
+ Highest value (since I already bought it new, also paid all VAT etc when I brought it into Europe)
- Don't like the blingy-ness of it. Doesn't look as clean as a Submariner
- The PLC hurts my eyes when I'm outside in the sun, or when a light reflects on it. I really want to get rid of it.

GMT with brushed bracelet:
+ Might look terrific and even better than a Sub
- Might not look as good as I think, and I will be disappointed
- Could cause my watch to lose value
- Could potentially ruin the bracelet (if the person who does it does a bad job)

Submariner no date:
+ Looks amazing
- Perhaps more boring dial than the GMT
- Lots of work (have to sell my GMT then buy a new watch)

I have looked at purchasing a bracelet as well but haven't been able to find any for sale. I found one but it was like $3000.

[Santiago79]

Its personal preference, I love the polished original look better. Brushed is also nice but not my style

[sillo]

Originally Posted by stolpioni

Risk is ruining the watch though. Or if I should trade it for a Sub No Date.

You’re not going to ruin the watch. Any competent watchmaker can brush the links and then bring them back to original if you hate it. Worst case you’ll be out ~$150 and that’s probably a large overestimate.

[stolpioni]

Originally Posted by sillo

You’re not going to ruin the watch. Any competent watchmaker can brush the links and then bring them back to original if you hate it. Worst case you’ll be out ~$150 and that’s probably a large overestimate.

Talked to a watchmaker who does not sell Rolex. He came recommended by my local jeweller. Price $100. He said he'd have to brush the whole bracelet to make everything look in tune. Sounds reasonable?

[javier]

I will do it

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by vesnyder

Here is a post where somebody had it done ...

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=712517

Apples and Oranges. The OP is talking about an all SS bracelet.
The link you provided is a TT Submariner bracelet, which is going to not be an accurate representation in regards to the subject at hand.

[lowmandfl]

Send me a PM, I’d be happy to provide you more details. Just had my 2 tone bracelet brushed. You want to make sure whoever does it does not put the coronet on the clasp to the polishing wheel, you will lose all definition. That needs to be media blasted.