Scratches on PCL clasp

[Rallyboat]

Looking at getting a gmt I have other watches so it will be worn in rotation but will have more wrist time. How beat up does the polished centre on the clasp get get after a year or 2 that's the only thing that stops me from getting one. Thanks in advance

[beshannon]

Mine looks like I wear it, I prefer to look at the dial though

[Clay]

If scratches will bother you then don't get it...

[schoolboy]

I have micro scratches on the clasp of my two tone sub, but I think it's part of the experience

[DoctorA]

PCL scaryches when you look at it.
You can brush it (I would never recommend that), Buy a strap instead, buy a brushed bracelet for it or just enjoy it and don’t worry about scratches

[kilyung]

If it’s a watch that’s going to be worn in rotation then it won’t be too bad. I haven’t noticed any excessive wear on mine and all my watches have PCLs.

[Mystro]

It also depends on the wearer. Experienced owners have developed everyday tricks and avoidances over the years that minimize scratches. I find myself doing these without thought. It has become second nature. I own both and can tell you a brushed finish on the clasp/bracelet like on a Sub is much less prone to showing minor scratches. It’s that way by design.

[schoolboy]

Another option, along the lines of DoctorA's recommendations...

Maybe consider getting a super jubilee bracelet for it?

I've read that scratches show less on a jubilee than on an oyster with PCL?

Also, the hidden clasp will certainly help.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by Mystro

It also depends on the wearer. Experienced owners have developed everyday tricks and avoidances over the years that minimize scratches. I find myself doing these without thought. It has become second nature.

Hey there Mystro

Can you share some of these "tricks and avoidances"?

I would like to learn :)

Plus, it might help the OP with the final decision.

[TitanCi]

I've worn mine for over a month straight and have some micro lines, but nothing bad. I can't imagine if you're careful then anything beyond normal fine scratches would occur. My 1.5 year old 116600 barely has any scratches anywhere on the bracelet, so I'd imagine my PCLs on my 126300 will remain relatively scratch free too.


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[Mystro]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

Hey there Mystro

Can you share some of these "tricks and avoidances"?

I would like to learn :)

Plus, it might help the OP with the final decision.

That is a entirely different thread. There are so many. For example when traveling down a narrow stairwells or hallway, put your watch arm behind your back. When sitting down at a desk or table, place your forearms down closer to your elbows when resting your arms and not your wrist. Never take your watch off and sit it down on a hard surface. Use a tissue under your watch if you have to lay your watch down on a hard surface. There are so many I am sure others will chime in or we could make a separate thread on the topic.

[David5807]

Originally Posted by kilyung

If it’s a watch that’s going to be worn in rotation then it won’t be too bad. I haven’t noticed any excessive wear on mine and all my watches have PCLs.

Originally Posted by Mystro

It also depends on the wearer. Experienced owners have developed everyday tricks and avoidances over the years that minimize scratches. I find myself doing these without thought. It has become second nature. I own both and can tell you a brushed finish on the clasp/bracelet like on a Sub is much less prone to showing minor scratches. It’s that way by design.

[ArtNouveau]

Yes, the clasp scratches more than the rest of the watch. Good news is you're the only one that notices. Those scratches are invisible at 3 feet away.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by Mystro

That is a entirely different thread. There are so many. For example when traveling down a narrow stairwells or hallway, put your watch arm behind your back. When sitting down at a desk or table, place your forearms down closer to your elbows when resting your arms and not your wrist. Never take your watch off and sit it down on a hard surface. Use a tissue under your watch if you have to lay your watch down on a hard surface. There are so many I am sure others will chime in or we could make a separate thread on the topic.

I think this would be a good idea for a thread if it doesn't already exist.

I find that I do the one with my watch behind my back, and never rest my arm on my wrist. I guess it's just instinct.

Thanks for sharing though

[tyler1980]

it will show more scratches than an AP RO bracelet for example. Scratches on a bracelet do not bother me but my PCL's are way more scratched than my RO bracelet since its not a highly polished surface like a GMT

[eltonbalch]

I like the look of PCL’s but I finally sold my GMT II because they are finger print magnets in addition to being prone to micro swirls and fine scratches. I am probably more OCD than most about it but if I purchased another I’d seriously consider getting them brushed or getting the jubilee bracelet.

[masyv6]

Scratches and hairlines are just part of PCLs. No way around them.

They are completely invisible to anyone not closely examining the bracelet under harsh lighting.

[c41006]

I have owned my GMT for a little over two years and the bracelet is scratched up quite a bit. They don't bother me at all. I feel that watch is meant to be worn and it is going to get scratches and dings regardless of how careful you are so it's not worth stressing over. Some of the big ones sting for a while but I get over them eventually. They add character.

[Terrakot]

Originally Posted by Mystro

That is a entirely different thread. There are so many. For example when traveling down a narrow stairwells or hallway, put your watch arm behind your back. When sitting down at a desk or table, place your forearms down closer to your elbows when resting your arms and not your wrist. Never take your watch off and sit it down on a hard surface. Use a tissue under your watch if you have to lay your watch down on a hard surface. There are so many I am sure others will chime in or we could make a separate thread on the topic.

I'd like to add: beware of metall zippers on your briefcase, on the jacket's pockets etc if you need pull something with watch on wrist.

[minute_man]

Purchased Oct. 2014, now in rotation with others but on the wrist 75% of the time.
Hope this helps.





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[Colin G]

I'd get them brushed but that is just me since I really dislike polished centre links.

[Tangier11]

Yes they scratch but I think its worth if for the beautiful contrast

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Terrakot

I'd like to add: beware of metall zippers on your briefcase, on the jacket's pockets etc if you need pull something with watch on wrist.

seatbelts !

[minute_man]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

seatbelts !

X2 plus the zippers of my messenger bag and that Barbour jacket liner.

[duc888]

Always have Cape Cod cloth in your pocket....

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Terrakot

I'd like to add: beware of metall zippers on your briefcase, on the jacket's pockets etc if you need pull something with watch on wrist.

I also put those little green felt pads on all my jackets snapped cuffs on the inside. You cant see them and it eliminates any metal to watch contact at the cuffs. I have been doing this for years on my Harley leathers, etc and never worry about bezel scratches.

[Mrcoach32]

As with everyone else's comments, it scratches very easily. I wore my BLNR home after purchasing it and I was overly careful. I was walking around like I had a broken arm and, sure enough, that was a scratch on the clasp by the time I arrived home. I ended up getting a 97200 bracelet also.

[crazyjazy]

Bought my GMT in November and on NYE scratched the clasp quite a bit changing a flat tire... my AD will polish the watch annually for free if I want to, but the scratches don’t bother me so I’m not worried about it. The PCLs add so much to the watch in glad I didn’t get the Sub.


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[WAK4]

Here is my Daytona today, after about 20 months. Worn in a rotation, probably 20% of the work week.

I'm one who brushed a GMT bracelet, definitely doesn't show the marks as much.

[doboy007]

I wore my BLNR for ~4 months exclusively prior to my Hulk and still looks very good w/ few hairline scratches.