Rolex Submariner Date 116610LN - Black Lines Tarnishing?

[rdizzle92]

Hi everyone,

I noticed that the oyster stainless steel bracelet on my sub and even on the back of the case it is starting to develop faint black lines..

Are these bracelets known to tarnish or discolor and develop black lines? Can it be corrected with a professional polish from RSC?

I've searched on various watch forums and can't find any one else reporting this issue.

I've attached some photos for your reference.. any insights is greatly appreciated. Unfortunately my iPhone 14 is not great at focusing so these were the best photos I was able to take.

The watch was produced in 2015 btw.

[johnsonsxusfrt]

looks like normal wear marks from the clasp and glidelock. RSC can brush those out but they'll come right back because you have steel on steel contact when the clasp is closed

[rdizzle92]

Originally Posted by johnsonsxusfrt

looks like normal wear marks from the clasp and glidelock. RSC can brush those out but they'll come right back because you have steel on steel contact when the clasp is closed

Oh I see, that makes a lot of sense and puts me at a bit more ease!

[123Blueface]

That’s not tarnishing. Normal wear of metal, where brush finish is diminished by occasionally rubbing parts.

[rdizzle92]

So all 904L steel bracelets will, over time, get these black marks due to metal on metal contact and rubbing?

[johnsonsxusfrt]

Originally Posted by rdizzle92

So all 904L steel bracelets will, over time, get these black marks due to metal on metal contact and rubbing?

not just steel, gold and platinum too.

[123Blueface]

Originally Posted by rdizzle92

So all 904L steel bracelets will, over time, get these black marks due to metal on metal contact and rubbing?

I get it looks like tarnish but it is not.
Silver changing to a dark color due to air or moisture is tarnish.
This is a “polishing” of a brushed area for a lack of a better term.
The polishing is taking place by two parts rubbing with each other.
And yes, any metals.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by rdizzle92

So all 904L steel bracelets will, over time, get these black marks due to metal on metal contact and rubbing?

All metal will no matter what's it made from.

[77T]

Metal surfaces exhibit black spots, marks, lines called by many names including transit abrasion, friction oxidation, wear oxidation, and chafing. This could be called damage and occurs in the presence of repeated relative surface motion. The process is repeated, resulting in the build-up of oxide residue.

The technical term for the cause is known as metal fretting.

It is more commonly seen on surfaces in mechanical assemblies but can occur on any surfaces that interfere with each other. While superficial, black fretting marks are impossible to remove without professional cutting compounds that also require refinishing the original polished or brushed appearance.

Iron and nickel alloyed into stainless steel show up as gray to black. Gold alloyed with copper, silver and zinc can also have similar marks to different degrees - but I've never seen it on Rolex's platinum alloy (however I've only owned one platinum one in the past).


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[alllexandru]

wear and tear as they say, normal stuff OP unless safe queen

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by 77T

Metal surfaces exhibit black spots, marks, lines called by many names including transit abrasion, friction oxidation, wear oxidation, and chafing. This could be called damage and occurs in the presence of repeated relative surface motion. The process is repeated, resulting in the build-up of oxide residue.

The technical term for the cause is known as metal fretting.

It is more commonly seen on surfaces in mechanical assemblies but can occur on any surfaces that interfere with each other. While superficial, black fretting marks are impossible to remove without professional cutting compounds that also require refinishing the original polished or brushed appearance.

Iron and nickel alloyed into stainless steel show up as gray to black. Gold alloyed with copper, silver and zinc can also have similar marks to different degrees - but I've never seen it on Rolex's platinum alloy (however I've only owned one platinum one in the past).


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Paul knows what’s up! What a great detailed explanation. Thanks for the helpful info.

Kat


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[lord91]

Originally Posted by johnsonsxusfrt

looks like normal wear marks from the clasp and glidelock. RSC can brush those out but they'll come right back because you have steel on steel contact when the clasp is closed

This! Part of the ship, part of the crew.

[Roddypeepa]

Yes that is correct. These tend to wash off to an extent with dish soap and a sponge and water.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by padi56

All metal will no matter what's it made from.

This ^^^