Becoming allergic to Rolex steel...

[horseShu]

Nickel or chromium allergy is read.

You can change to rubber or leather straps. There are special leather straps that are water resistant.

If you start having rashes at the caseback area, then maybe switch to Nato, or Bund straps (try if it suits you first).

Worst case, go for other brands with all-titanium or ceramic cases.

[Torontonian]

I had some allergic reaction with 316L steel. I really hope I don't see any allergic reactions when I get my BLNR

[BillA]

Many years ago I gave my son my TT Sub, he got a rash on his wrist. I think it was from the chrome or nickel used in the 904L steel. Changing the band will not solve the problem because the case is 904L steel. I sold the watch, went with a Cartier which uses a different alloy mix of steel and that solved the problem.

[BillA]

Originally Posted by Torontonian

I had some allergic reaction with 316L steel. I really hope I don't see any allergic reactions when I get my BLNR

I have a bad feeling you will.

[garyk]

Bund strap like on my wife’s Tudor S&G Chrono...




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[httr91]

As was just mentioned above, look into having a doctor prescribe 0.1% Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream when you get a breakout. I’ve found that if I moisturize my wrist before and after wearing my watch I don’t have any more rash breakouts. For what it’s worth I used Nivea Cream and don’t have any problems as long as I remember to use it before/after.

[Speedbird-1]

Probably a slight allergic reaction combined with a localised heat rash.
I'd leave the watch off for a few days, maybe a week. Give the watch a really good wash and thorough rinse, and see how you get on after that.
If the problem arises again I would suggest a 'Bund' type strap, don't sell your baby!!

Perhaps try wearing the watch a little looser in warm conditions.

Good Luck.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by bob78h

I seem to be developing a reaction to Oystersteel; I get an itchy rash with red bumps on the sides of my wrist after wearing my Explorer. It used to only happen on really hot days, but recently it seems to be occurring even on normal days when I wear the watch all day. Interestingly it is only on the sides where the bracelet links touch my skin -- I don't seem to have any issues with the caseback or clasp. I've made sure the bracelet is clean.

From what I've read I'm guessing that I'm allergic to nickel (I do recall getting a similar rash with some cheap nickel shirt studs many years ago), and that sweating causes nickel to leech out of the 904L. I used to just give it some time to heal and then resume wearing the watch (and try to avoid wearing on really hot days), but it seems like my sensitivity to the steel is increasing over time such that I'm avoiding wearing the watch most days now.

Anybody else dealt with this? I've heard the idea to paint the inside of the bracelet with nail polish, or to treat the rash with a steroid cream...any other suggestions? I tried a few straps but I don't really like them nearly as much as the bracelet. I'm considering looking for a vintage piece with a 316L bracelet (although its hard to pin down exactly which references have that) or even a Tudor or Omega (blasphemy, I know!), but nothing in particular has caught my eye yet. Its just so frustrating not being able to wear my watch daily the way it was intended!

Sorry about your maybe problem like all metals some could cause problems some people cannot wear gold.The main and only difference between 316L over 904L which is now called Oystersteel, it has slightly more Molybdenum(Mo)approx 2% more, approx 1-2% more Crome(Cr), 1% copper(Cu), and approx 10% more nickel and thats it.And in 95% of cases where customers have complained about rashes they disappear after a thorough cleaning of the bracelet in good old soap and water.It's not that important how much nickel is inside of the alloy,all what counts is what amount of nickel thats released from the alloy under the influence of sweat for example. And the way the alloy is made a Rolex releases very very little nickel content on test less than many that use 316L SS.You could wear the watch on a strap or even use tape on inside bracelet and case back but myself believe you should seek help from a dermatologist.

[LoveTheCrown]

Answer; buy gold! WG or YG.


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