Protecting Buckle from Scratches

[miket-nyc]

My first Rolex, a Submariner 16800, arrived this morning from Bob's Watch. It's in beautiful condition and I'd like to keep it that way, but this raises a problem I've had with all watch bracelets in the past, scratching the buckle by rubbing against tables, etc. Eventually I wind up with a crappy-looking buckle although the rest of the watch looks nice.

I don't want that to happen to this watch, so what do you do about it? At the moment I have a piece of Scotch tape over the buckle, but I'm sure there are less ugly ways than that.

(No doubt some quipster is going to say that the best way to preserve the buckle is not to wear the watch. I'm interested in serious responses).

Mike Taglieri

[Jona]

I used to struggle with this occurrence but now I realize that you cannot change the laws of physics. Wear the watch and enjoy it, just be careful. Inevitably there will be scratches, hopefully minor, just like on your car. They can be removed at a service.

[JayHantz]

It's all apart of the ownership. Best is to accept it and enjoy the heck out of the watch.

[enjoythemusic]

You could do 3M 'helicopter' tape (like clear bra for cars).

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

You could do 3M 'helicopter' tape (like clear bra for cars).

Would do something like this if it really bothers you. Or any thin clear tape can work. You wont even notice it's there.

Just replace every time the edges get grimy.

[gsg]

You cannot avoid scratches. Enjoy the watch as it is meant to be or don't wear it.

[Hendrikus]

You can buy protective tape such as this, actually:

https://www.esslinger.com/anti-stati...ive-film-tape/

I have not used it, however, and I have long since come to realise that a Rolex serviced returns in almost perfect condition. So it really is part of the fun to get a new watch, pick up some scratches, get it serviced, feels like new again. And repeat...

That said, if anyone has used a protective film such as this do let us know! Conceptually it is the same as putting a protective film on your car to avoid stone chips.

[brandrea]

Practice wrist awareness.

Im not obsessed with scratches when they happen but I also do make it a point to be somewhat careful with nice things that are important to me.

Heres the clasp of my 114060 after wearing in rotation for about a year and a half.

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[srvrf]

Wow, mine doesn’t look that good even after a week. I try to keep mine nicer by using rubber straps in the summer and bracelets when I wear long sleeves. But I use microscopes, computers, lasers and so am constantly having my wrist on a counter.


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[Solo118]

OP- You have a tool watch, with brushed finish. Try not to worry about it, and enjoy. Scratches will happen, but they will not look too obvious. PCL on the other hand scratch just by looking at them

[sillo]

Just wear it. The clasp can always be cleaned up in the future.

[WatchNutcase]

Absolutely ridiculous to cover your clasp with something to limit scratches. You bought the watch to wear and enjoy in all its glory, i hope?

Small scratches are bound to happen over the years of use, and once you're a few years into ownership you wont care/notice them anymore and you might even appreciate them. Just be mindful to not lay your wrist on cement or anything else that can do deep scratches.

Down the road if you wanted to sell the watch you can send it in for a polish and it will come back looking brand new!

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by miket-nyc

so what do you do about it?

Nothing

I buy watches to wear and enjoy, it is ok to have them look like they are used for the purpose intended.

[Dawg2]

Desk diving scratches happen...

[Bigblu10]

Wear it and accept the fact that a metal bracelet regardless of material will scratch. Just a fact of life. All these so called scratch prevention films, tapes and such are nonsense.

[evlkoala]

Originally Posted by Dawg2

Desk diving scratches happen...

x1

[oldman2005]

If you're concerned about scratches don't wear it but if you wear your watch you will get it.

It's OK not to wear your watches but just remember you can't bring it along to another journey when the journey on this world ends

[ArtNouveau]

The clasp of my BLRO after 6 months of almost daily wear. I don't like scratches, to each their own.

[Carry The Interest]

I am pretty aware of the watch on my wrist and do my best to avoid any unnecessary dings, scratches, etc.

That being said, the clasp (especially those with the polished center section) is the one part of my watches that I've written off as "out of my control" for the most part. That doesn't mean I go around slamming my wrist down on desks and rubbing it across tables -- but I can't deny it's a high contact area with ordinary use.

Definitely be careful if you're wearing a short sleeve shirt and typing on a metal MacBook. Those two things don't mix well! Thankfully I haven't used one of those since college.

[superstarmar]

Just be aware of the buckle whenever you place your
watch hand anywhere down . Be it desk , table, car and etc...

[watchmework]

Scratches are going to happen...the good thing is you have a brushed finish so they won’t show as bad. I try to be aware whenever I’m putting my wrist down but don’t worry too much about it...I promise you’ll enjoy the watch much more if you’re able to do that. The first couple may hurt but after a while it’s something you can have Rolex polish during the next servicing and it’ll come back looking brand new. No point in putting plastic or anything over your buckle to prevent scratches imo...if you have this same mindset when wearing it or taking it out to the beach or while doing things around the house, I’m afraid you’ll never get the chance to appreciate your watch.

[2th_doc]

Here is a video for you. Lol. His “Rolex GMT Two Tone”. Bluesy. Lmao.

https://youtu.be/j5a2YHzV2jg


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[polaris72]

Where are those bubble wraps pics?

[Sakket29]

A phone screen protector cut into pieces would do the job as well if it really bothers you.

[HauteHorlogerie]

let it get scratched, who are you saving the clasp for? unless you plan on flipping just enjoy it.

[KenKun]

Dip the clasp in glue. Problem solved!

[Colin G]

I'd just deal with it. Things gets scratched up in life and can't be avoided.

Do you own the watch or does it own you?

When the watch gets sent in for its first service, Rolex will re polish so the scratches will disappear.

[Syed117]

In case it does get scratched, someone posted a video of some woman who seems to be really good at polishing watches.

Her work on a Daytona was exceptional.

[Brny11]

Why?? I apologize to disregard your concern, but enjoy the heck out of your beautiful watch. Or get rid of it.

[sirC]

Most of my scratches came from desk diving. I purchased a large leather desk mat for home and office and work off of it. Has eliminated most of the problem.