Oil or water under crystal?

[snapback]

Howdy all! I got my first Rolex - Sub Date - from my wife as a wedding present. Absolutely love it and I wear it anytime I’m not sleeping!

On our honeymoon, in the plenty of light that is French Polynesia, I noticed some markings on/under the crystal. I filled the sink with soapy water, took my toothbrush, and scrubbed away. Wouldn’t come off. So, it would seem they’re under the crystal.

To my eyes, and it’s admittedly a bit hard to tell in the attached picture, they look to be a light brown color which leads me to wonder if they’re lubricant reside spots. I’ve kept the crown screwed down the entire time I’ve had it so it’s not water damage.

What do y’all think? I’ll be taking it in to the dealer this coming weekend to potentially send back to Rolex.


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[Jidonsu]

Could be just a mineral deposit on the crystal from hard water that has dried? Try a bit of vinegar.

[jpcwon]

Also maybe try 70% Isopropanol to see if that does the trick. Had this happen on sapphire crystals before and that usually got rid of it when soap/water didn't.

[Bigblu10]

Looks like stains on the surface. I would try some liquid Dawn and warm water with a wash cloth, then rinse and towel dry. Report back.

[watchmework]

I know you tried already with soapy water but I’d give it a shot with Dawn and a soft cloth to wipe and see if they are still there. They seem pretty obvious in the photo, are you sure they didn’t appear during your time in the salty air of the French Polynesia.

[snapback]

Originally Posted by Jidonsu

Could be just a mineral deposit on the crystal from hard water that has dried? Try a bit of vinegar.

So I just tried this. I filled a medium sized bowl with soapy water then added roughly 3/4 cup of white vinegar. Scrubbed it for a few minutes with a toothbrush and my fingers. No change whatsoever, unfortunately.


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[snapback]

Originally Posted by watchmework

I know you tried already with soapy water but I’d give it a shot with Dawn and a soft cloth to wipe and see if they are still there. They seem pretty obvious in the photo, are you sure they didn’t appear during your time in the salty air of the French Polynesia.

Yeah, I don’t believe they first appeared on our honeymoon but I’m not 100% positive. Just tried again with a toothbrush, water, vinegar, and Mrs. Meyers dish soap. No change at all.


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