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janducci · 24 September 2023, 04:56 AM

I've noticed that the black rubber on the Oysterflex bracelet is a bit faded. It seems to come from the factory that way based on what I gather. Is there a way to condition it to be a darker black?

hutch300 · 24 September 2023, 04:59 AM

I would just keep it clean.

WatchTimes · 24 September 2023, 05:14 AM

There are rubber conditioners out there you could try but I would just leave it as its meant to be....

inadeje · 24 September 2023, 06:01 AM

https://mothers.com/products/back-to...restorer-06112

janducci · 24 September 2023, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inadeje

https://mothers.com/products/back-to...restorer-06112

Have you actually tried this on yours? Was considering something similar but scared! :)

Kevin of Larchmont · 24 September 2023, 10:48 AM

I’d be scared too. Why not just let it be.

janducci · 24 September 2023, 02:13 PM

Because I feel like it should be a deeper black color to match up with the overall look of a $50K watch. Looks faded as is.

jb335 · 24 September 2023, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janducci

Because I feel like it should be a deeper black color to match up with the overall look of a $50K watch. Looks faded as is.

You do you, but I think the OF is just perfect. If you’re hellbent on thinking a 50k watch has to have a deep black strap then condition away…but those aren’t the rules I’m confined by.

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omar-rye · 24 September 2023, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inadeje

https://mothers.com/products/back-to...restorer-06112

I tried this same product on faded window trim on my old Chrysler. It worked as intended. I would caution against using it on a strap because it might make the strap oily and/or a dust magnet

Kevin of Larchmont · 24 September 2023, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janducci

Because I feel like it should be a deeper black color to match up with the overall look of a $50K watch. Looks faded as is.

Roll the dice Bro, that’s all you can do. Try some 303 Protectant, it did a nice job darkening the faded trim on my fifteen year old Hummer. The local auto parts store detailing aisle is full of similar products. Let us know what you choose and how it works.

Tanalasta · 24 September 2023, 06:23 PM

You can replace the straps if you need to.

So wear in good health?

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jimcameron · 24 September 2023, 06:56 PM

Olive oil. Just a touch. Harmless and easy to wash off.

kieselguhr · 24 September 2023, 07:10 PM

I use silicone grease on rubber washers, seals, and gaskets. Keeps them serviceable for twice as long as if I were to leave them be. Have likewise used them on aged rubber straps (dull coloration, stiff, squeaks when passing through keepers, etc) and it’s like they’re brand new.

Just keep in mind that it’s not magic. It won’t turn back time on a strap, and rubber has an expiration date.

Old Geezer · 25 September 2023, 12:00 AM

Whatever you try will probably make it feel greasy. Maybe 303 Protectant for rubber but I'd be cautious. I use it on my vehicles and it produces a nice black sheen but remains greasy to the touch. Personally, I'd avoid anything with petroleum distillates. Might be fine for cars exposed to the weather but you never know how the oysterflex rubber will respond to them.
Perhaps a food grade glycerin available at any pharmacy and cheap would give you the effect you want with the least harsh chemistry. Good luck.

BraveBold · 25 September 2023, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janducci

Because I feel like it should be a deeper black color to match up with the overall look of a $50K watch. Looks faded as is.

OF on a $50k watch is the problem.

sski · 25 September 2023, 12:46 AM

i would check with the jeweler (or AD)
Automotive grade products probably not the way to go here.

christian-h · 25 September 2023, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimcameron

Olive oil. Just a touch. Harmless and easy to wash off.

Spot on. I condition my vintage tropic straps with a touch of the magic olive oil and it works fine. There’s no need to look further.

enjoythemusic · 25 September 2023, 06:38 AM

303 Protectant is the best I've tried.

https://amzn.to/3rgy4ig

Lambo The Jambo · 25 September 2023, 07:02 AM

I wouldn’t, only product I would put near it would be soap and water.

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GoingPlaces · 25 September 2023, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janducci

Have you actually tried this on yours? Was considering something similar but scared! :)

Scared? Of what? It's a rubber strap. LOL. If you keep it long enough you will likely end up replacing.

ArtNouveau · 25 September 2023, 02:36 PM

Oysterflex straight from the AD looks like….well looks like Oysterflex, the way Rolex intended. I happen to like the look but would never buy something I didn’t like.
I wouldn’t do anything to it that wasn’t 100% reversible, new OF halves are around $600.

HONDABBQ · 25 September 2023, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janducci

Have you actually tried this on yours? Was considering something similar but scared! :)

You can afford a 50k watch but "scared" to try something that may cost you 1k to rectify if it goes south? SMH.

janducci · 26 September 2023, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HONDABBQ

You can afford a 50k watch but "scared" to try something that may cost you 1k to rectify if it goes south? SMH.

I sincerely hope you don’t use this kind of flawed logic in other aspects of your life. For your own sake.

enjoythemusic · 26 September 2023, 07:36 AM

Funny to be afraid of using 303 Protectant. But think we've been down this road before on trf. I think like Novus, other 'brands' repackage this and charge more.

Palakiko · 26 September 2023, 08:02 AM

Wristclean has a product for rubber. Haven’t used it on an OF, but other rubber straps. Works as intended. Actually, all their products work as intended.

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24 September 2023, 04:56 AM	#1
janducci "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 21	Possible to "condition" Oysterflex rubber? I've noticed that the black rubber on the Oysterflex bracelet is a bit faded. It seems to come from the factory that way based on what I gather. Is there a way to condition it to be a darker black?

24 September 2023, 05:14 AM	#3
WatchTimes 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: JYogi/Jeremy Location: Metro Detroit USA Watch: It's a Rolex! Posts: 5,529	There are rubber conditioners out there you could try but I would just leave it as its meant to be.... __________________ "You won't rise to the occasion - you'll default to your level of training." Barrett Tillman Kentucky Colonel, Tennessee Squire & Combat Leprechaun

24 September 2023, 06:01 AM	#4
inadeje 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Miami Watch: me lose count. Posts: 5,576	https://mothers.com/products/back-to...restorer-06112 __________________ ♛ 116689 ♛ 116500LN Blk ♛ 116500LN Wht ♛ Sky Dweller 326934-003 ♛ 126710BLNR ♛ 126710BLRO - ♛ 126610LV ♛ 16520 ♛ 16523 ♛ 16610 ♛ 5513 Birth Year - ✠ Patek Philippe 5980/1A-001 - AP 26331ST Panda - Panerai Fiddy 127, Bronzo 671, 687, 111, Ω Speedmaster 1957 Broad Arrow, Daniel Roth Endurer Chronosprint, Cartier Santos XL - ✿ Tudor Black Bay 58 Bronze M79012M, Montblanc TimeWalker Chrono 41

24 September 2023, 07:10 PM	#13
kieselguhr "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2013 Real Name: Nick Location: Las Vegas Watch: 1601 Posts: 10,500	Possible to "condition" Oysterflex rubber? I use silicone grease on rubber washers, seals, and gaskets. Keeps them serviceable for twice as long as if I were to leave them be. Have likewise used them on aged rubber straps (dull coloration, stiff, squeaks when passing through keepers, etc) and it’s like they’re brand new. Just keep in mind that it’s not magic. It won’t turn back time on a strap, and rubber has an expiration date.

25 September 2023, 06:38 AM	#18
enjoythemusic 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Real Name: Steven Location: Glocal Posts: 19,714	303 Protectant is the best I've tried. https://amzn.to/3rgy4ig __________________ __________________ “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow! What a Ride!'” -- Hunter S. Thompson Sent from my Etch A Sketch using String Theory.

24 September 2023, 04:59 AM	#2
hutch300 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Real Name: Jeff Location: PNW Posts: 1,326	I would just keep it clean.

24 September 2023, 10:48 AM	#6
Kevin of Larchmont 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: The Doghouse Watch: Ingersoll Mickey Posts: 2,931	I’d be scared too. Why not just let it be.

24 September 2023, 02:13 PM	#7
janducci "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 21	Because I feel like it should be a deeper black color to match up with the overall look of a $50K watch. Looks faded as is.

24 September 2023, 06:23 PM	#11
Tanalasta "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: . Posts: 602	You can replace the straps if you need to. So wear in good health? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

24 September 2023, 06:56 PM	#12
jimcameron "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: ByDawns Earlylite Watch: 16800 Posts: 3,535	Olive oil. Just a touch. Harmless and easy to wash off.

25 September 2023, 12:00 AM	#14
Old Geezer "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Earth Watch: 126619LB and more Posts: 5,207	Whatever you try will probably make it feel greasy. Maybe 303 Protectant for rubber but I'd be cautious. I use it on my vehicles and it produces a nice black sheen but remains greasy to the touch. Personally, I'd avoid anything with petroleum distillates. Might be fine for cars exposed to the weather but you never know how the oysterflex rubber will respond to them. Perhaps a food grade glycerin available at any pharmacy and cheap would give you the effect you want with the least harsh chemistry. Good luck.

25 September 2023, 12:46 AM	#16
sski "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: FL Watch: ♛ & ✠ Posts: 935	i would check with the jeweler (or AD) Automotive grade products probably not the way to go here.

25 September 2023, 07:02 AM	#19
Lambo The Jambo "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 154	I wouldn’t, only product I would put near it would be soap and water. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

25 September 2023, 02:36 PM	#21
ArtNouveau 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: NWA, USA Watch: BLRO/Daytona/OP41s Posts: 5,018	Oysterflex straight from the AD looks like….well looks like Oysterflex, the way Rolex intended. I happen to like the look but would never buy something I didn’t like. I wouldn’t do anything to it that wasn’t 100% reversible, new OF halves are around $600.

26 September 2023, 07:36 AM	#24
enjoythemusic 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Real Name: Steven Location: Glocal Posts: 19,714	Funny to be afraid of using 303 Protectant. But think we've been down this road before on trf. I think like Novus, other 'brands' repackage this and charge more. __________________ __________________ “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow! What a Ride!'” -- Hunter S. Thompson Sent from my Etch A Sketch using String Theory.

26 September 2023, 08:02 AM	#25
Palakiko "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Francisco Location: sunny Ca (norCal) Watch: SD 16600 Posts: 193	Wristclean has a product for rubber. Haven’t used it on an OF, but other rubber straps. Works as intended. Actually, all their products work as intended. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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