Rolex 904L steel soft as paper

[dlddrrr]

Well it finally happened, my first scratch. I was walking up the stairwell in a parking garage and I swung my arm and my bracelet hit the handrail. The funny thing is, it wasn't even a hard swing, and I had my soft fleece jacket covering my watch at the time! I've never had a watch scratch as easily as this. Curious to see if other people experience the same? Is this scratch easy to remove with a gentle polish? It's only visible if the light hits it well.

[S.Explorer]

I agree 904L is quite soft, it dents easily too. It looks lighter and gives better lustre than 316L though. That scratch doesn't look too deep, will easily polish out but I personally would wait to do it at service time.

[RollingInTheDeep]

Originally Posted by dlddrrr

Well it finally happened, my first scratch. I was walking up the stairwell in a parking garage and I swung my arm and my bracelet hit the handrail. The funny thing is, it wasn't even a hard swing, and I had my soft fleece jacket covering my watch at the time! I've never had a watch scratch as easily as this. Curious to see if other people experience the same? Is this scratch easy to remove with a gentle polish? It's only visible if the light hits it well.

Yes - first one hurts but you get used to it, and if you have PCLs you really have no choice but get used to it because simply using microfiber cloth that has some dust on it will create microscratches albeit they are practically impossible to see unless you are inches away with the right lighting.

That's all to say - yes - Rolex watches are scratch magnets.

[brandrea]

I don’t notice any difference from 316 steel. They all get scratched up pretty easily IMO.

[thesharkfactor]

If you polish that out, where you going to draw the line? You can't polish every scratch.

Once you have some more on there it'll blend and you'll be just fine with it, in time.

Enjoy your watch, that's a nice Sub.

[Solo118]

Let it be, there are many more to come.... just the nature of the beast

[996marty]

Just live with it scratches are inevitable

[Old Geezer]

If it was under your fleece sleeve, I'm betting you had scratched it beforehand and hadn't noticed because you hadn't noticed you made contact with something. Since you were aware you hit the handrail, you went looking and found the scratch. The first one hurts but it's not bad at all.

[sampelligrino]

Originally Posted by Solo118

Let it be, there are many more to come.... just the nature of the beast

first cut is the deepest... I like seeing the scratches, means you're using it

[rohada]

Should you not want to live with it, then a green Scotchbrite pad (or equivalent) can work minor miracles on brushed stainless steel finishes, if not too aggressive a scratch. Endless supply of YT videos to guide you. From what I can see in the picture it doesn't look like a particularly vicious scratch, but you'll have to determine that. Leave it or repair it, it's up to you. I wish you well.

[skipstar]

Originally Posted by 996marty

Just live with it scratches are inevitable

[Calatrava r]

I would just leave it alone. It may look much worse if you try to take out, if you change the sheen of the satin finish.

[aboutadog]

Man, I feel you. Just let it be. Trust me. The next one is around the corner. Watches are made to be worn and enjoyed. This is what worn and enjoyed looks like for you. Own it. Don't let it own you.

[trf2271]

It’s unavoidable if you plan on wearing your watch. Before you know it the bracelet will be full of scratches. They can restore it when you send it in for service so don’t let it take away from your enjoyment.

[codecow]

Have you considered buying those plastic stickers you can apply that can help prevent scratches?

[Wilco68]

Totally agree that it is annoying, frustrating & you kinda expect more toughness out of something so expensive that is designed for daily use.

My daily beater is my Apple Watch Ultra, & the black £12.99 aftermarket metal strap I bought for it from Amazon, is as good as new after months of wear. My YM has evidence of micro scratches already after fairly minimal use……

[springer]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I don’t notice any difference from 316 steel. They all get scratched up pretty easily IMO.

I agree. Maybe the OP needs to put that watch away and wear if on special occasions and get an Omega for a daily beater.

[YoungMoneyAssassin]

Treat your submariner like a beater. It’s a tank. You should see mine….

Wear it and bang it up, you only have one life to live. In 10 years when you service it, it’ll come back brand new I promise you this.


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[Easy E]

More to follow.

[David5807]

Sorry this happened, OP. Unfortunately, Rolex watches scratch very easily, so you have to be extra careful if this type of thing bothers you a lot.
Personally, I wouldn't have this polished and instead wait until it is time to send it in for service and then have it done at that time.

[fishingbear]

After almost 25 years wearing a Rolex daily all that I have to allow is that they are tough as a tank.

[brnalkn]

Send to the service for polishing after every scratch like that.These type of threads make me lough everytime.

[pigman08]

Originally Posted by dlddrrr

Well it finally happened, my first scratch. I was walking up the stairwell in a parking garage and I swung my arm and my bracelet hit the handrail. The funny thing is, it wasn't even a hard swing, and I had my soft fleece jacket covering my watch at the time! I've never had a watch scratch as easily as this. Curious to see if other people experience the same? Is this scratch easy to remove with a gentle polish? It's only visible if the light hits it well.

How long have you had the watch?


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[Chadridv]

If you want a watch that is virtually scratch proof, check out Sinn and Damasko. I currently have a damasko as my "beater" (for lack of a better term) and it's been through it all. Not a scratch on it. Every Sinn I had was the exact same way.

[cm13]

Lots of scratches will happen over time that you don’t even remember a moment of hitting the watch. Hairline scratches from clothing too.

Worst I’ve ever had was from the edge of a MacBook. Definitely keep the watch away from that…

[stark1]

The first scratch cuts the deepest. With a few more, this one will blend right in (I'm not kidding). Don't sweat it too much.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I don’t notice any difference from 316 steel. They all get scratched up pretty easily IMO.

Agreed.
dP

[Pauln]

The real problem is these watches are just big. My 36mm watches don’t get nearly as many scratches as my 40mm watches.

[kieselguhr]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I don’t notice any difference from 316 steel. They all get scratched up pretty easily IMO.

Same here Brian

[jtorrebl]

Don’t fox it yourself. It’s hard to get the correct direction and depth. Don’t risk making it worse. Trust me I know!