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nylawbiz · 28 May 2008, 10:13 PM

At the risk of being accused of deceased animal cruelty by beating this dead horse, why do you think Rolex designed the new GMTIIc with center links that can be so easilly be scratched? We all have to believe that Rolex invests heavily into design R&D. They must have known that the center links, even of a SS band, would start getting scratched very quickly. So, I cannot believe that this a design flaw on Rolex's part. Is it a marketing ploy to get owners to service their watches more often, so the scratches are polished out? I would hate to think so. Like others on this board, do they feel that the scratching adds distinction to the watch? I doubt it, that doesn't sound like Rolex either. So why would they design it to show marks so easilly and quickly?

As a related question, why hasn't Rolex incorporated titanium in their watches, like some mass produced models have? It is harder and lighter than SS. I 'm not sure about it being polished, or staying polished. It isn't a "cheap" metal b any means, surely no cheaper than high grade SS.

I have read on here that if one has their center links brushed to match the outer links, Rolex would polish the center links back to factory specs whenthe watch is serviced. I would tend to agree with that. There must be a way this line of questioning can be presented to the Rolex mucky-mucks, to get their answer. I mean, they have to have some accountability to their customers.

All this said, rest assured I am still in love with my 8 day old GMTIIc. I wear it day and night, and I am not obsessive about the band getting superficial scratches. It's just that it seems incongruent that such a finely designed and improved watch would have this apparent design flaw.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

Brian

Steven79 · 28 May 2008, 10:20 PM

they expect hair line fine scratches all over the watch. i see more and more everyday on my new TT sub. oh well, i got over it and will send it in to be refinished every few years.

i had a sub with all satin finish on the bracelet and believe me... its no different than polished. it scratches just as easily.

as for titanium, the new deep sea will have a titanium case back. ;)

highroller · 28 May 2008, 10:26 PM

For my next one I was thinking about getting a TT Sub.
I am kinda anal about that sort of stuff should I get SS insted

ROLEX MAN · 28 May 2008, 10:22 PM

I love the contrast on my s/s daytona, it makes it stand out more!

as for sratches: I think the brushed bands show marks just as much or more, especialy against the grain!

SPACE-DWELLER · 28 May 2008, 10:26 PM

Personally, I don't care much for polished centre links.

The SS GMT IIc having polished centre links was one of the reasons as to why I flipped it and went back to the SD.

As stated, the SS Daytona has polished centre links, too, but this watch is not a "daily wearer" for me, so the links are still pretty much scratchless.

mickeydainish · 30 May 2008, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLEX MAN

I love the contrast on my s/s daytona, it makes it stand out more!

as for sratches: I think the brushed bands show marks just as much or more, especialy against the grain!

very true Martin... I have found the same with my 16610... even the lightest of brushes with a remotely hard surface can show when perpetrated against the grain! I stil love my Subby though... :-)

gmt master x · 28 May 2008, 10:36 PM

my relatively new gmt ll c gets a new scratch every time i wear it.
i wish the center links were brushed.
i will also send it in every few years for a clean, and tune up.

Jedi · 28 May 2008, 10:51 PM

In answer:

1. Polished center links are an inexplicable concession Rolex has made to 'bling-dom' and represents a departure, although only in part, from their traditional 'tough' watch ethos when it comes to their sports lineup.

2. Much has been said about Rolex's inflexibility when it comes to servicing their watches and what they will or will not do despite what the customer may want. They just seem hell bent on preserving their original design intent on a particular model.

3. Titanium: It would mean a whole new set of facilities for Rolex to work with this metal. The stamping of cases may be an issue from a solid block of titanium (not even sure if this is possible) and any other case making process would involve a large investment.

DSJ · 29 May 2008, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jedi

In answer:

1. Polished center links are an inexplicable concession Rolex has made to 'bling-dom' and represents a departure, although only in part, from their traditional 'tough' watch ethos when it comes to their sports lineup.

2. Much has been said about Rolex's inflexibility when it comes to servicing their watches and what they will or will not do despite what the customer may want. They just seem hell bent on preserving their original design intent on a particular model.

3. Titanium: It would mean a whole new set of facilities for Rolex to work with this metal. The stamping of cases may be an issue from a solid block of titanium (not even sure if this is possible) and any other case making process would involve a large investment.

+1

What he said...

SPACE-DWELLER · 29 May 2008, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jedi

(...)

3. Titanium: It would mean a whole new set of facilities for Rolex to work with this metal. The stamping of cases may be an issue from a solid block of titanium (not even sure if this is possible) and any other case making process would involve a large investment.

Well, maybe Rolex will go that route?

The caseback of the DSSD is made of Titanium with a steel 904L ring around it...

And the use of Titanium is not new to Rolex, either. Although it's only a small part, the Helium vent of the SD 16600 is made of Titanium, too (the HEV of the coming DSSD will be made of steel 904L, however).

Texsubmariner · 28 May 2008, 11:06 PM

I like the center polished links on my GMT, which give the watch a bit more bling, but being SS, still works well with jeans and shorts. Yeah, the polished links scratch and hang on to fingerprints, but they will be polished to new condition at service.

The brushed bracelet defintely hides scratches better than polished, but IMO, is a bit bland compared to polished links.

SeaDweller1220 · 29 May 2008, 12:01 AM

Is there anything you can buy get the superficial scratches away on the center links. A polish or cloth ETC.??
IMO the scratches stand out more on the polished center links that they do on the brushed parts.
I have had an SD for over 3 years as my everyday watch and I was fortunate enough to get a SS Daytona in Dec. 07 I have been exteremely careful with it and still there are noticable scratches on the Daytona.
I am at the point that I am hessitant to wear it in case I need/want to sell it down the road!

Baptistman · 28 May 2008, 11:59 PM

Brian I agree with you, its supposed to be a working tool watch, not a bimbo watch for dinner parties.

Can't understand the thinking, but i'm suspecting a change of mood at Rolex SA, moving away from what made them, to catering for a younger new audience imo. The new hairspring, great, the newer clasp, ok, the ceramic bezel, time will tell, just pray you dont wack it and damage it coz the bill will make you

veefour · 29 May 2008, 02:03 AM

When I asked same question at AD, the guy says "They do it because that's the way they like in the USA".
So, is it true or not?

mcubed · 29 May 2008, 02:16 AM

I think in some ways, Rolex is following their own traditions. Here's a question:
When was the first time we saw solid end links, gold surrounds and polished centerlinks on a Sub?

It was on the Gold 1680, at least as far back as 1970. Over time, all of these changes found their way to the SS version. Not really a surprise. What starts on the gold versions works its way down eventually.

Mrdi · 29 May 2008, 02:21 AM

It seems the sport models gleen the most attention in my neck of the woods. It is the only counter that always has patrons in the new Rolex Costa Mesa store.
By bringing bling to the sport watches, Rolex appears to a larger audience.
Personally I thing Bling and Sport are mutually exclusive, but Rolex is in this for the $$ not altruism.

GMTII Owner · 29 May 2008, 02:44 AM

I like the look of the center links and the bling. I'm not crazy about the scratches but that's life. I love the look of the watch.

John

Skippy · 29 May 2008, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nylawbiz

At the risk of being accused of deceased animal cruelty by beating this dead horse, why do you think Rolex designed the new GMTIIc with center links that can be so easilly be scratched? We all have to believe that Rolex invests heavily into design R&D. They must have known that the center links, even of a SS band, would start getting scratched very quickly. So, I cannot believe that this a design flaw on Rolex's part. Is it a marketing ploy to get owners to service their watches more often, so the scratches are polished out? I would hate to think so. Like others on this board, do they feel that the scratching adds distinction to the watch? I doubt it, that doesn't sound like Rolex either. So why would they design it to show marks so easilly and quickly?

As a related question, why hasn't Rolex incorporated titanium in their watches, like some mass produced models have? It is harder and lighter than SS. I 'm not sure about it being polished, or staying polished. It isn't a "cheap" metal b any means, surely no cheaper than high grade SS.

I have read on here that if one has their center links brushed to match the outer links, Rolex would polish the center links back to factory specs whenthe watch is serviced. I would tend to agree with that. There must be a way this line of questioning can be presented to the Rolex mucky-mucks, to get their answer. I mean, they have to have some accountability to their customers.

All this said, rest assured I am still in love with my 8 day old GMTIIc. I wear it day and night, and I am not obsessive about the band getting superficial scratches. It's just that it seems incongruent that such a finely designed and improved watch would have this apparent design flaw.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

Brian

Titanium is not harder but it is lighter and tougher but it actualy scratches mutch easier then Stainless Steel. If you look at other forums like ORIS(witch uses a lot of titanium)watch owners ones you can all read about the scratching issues they have with there watches. They are easely removed though on titanium you can just use an eraser or something rubber to remove most of the small scratches.

RolexNoob · 29 May 2008, 04:09 AM

I like my GMTIIc with the polished center links. Absolute gorgeous.

As for the scratches..oh well...i got my Cape Cod polishing clothes ready.....

JJ Irani · 29 May 2008, 04:11 AM

Why the hell not?

I think the polished centre links look terrific on certain models!!!

Jedi · 29 May 2008, 04:15 AM

Certain models JJ, certain models.

JJ Irani · 29 May 2008, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jedi

Certain models JJ, certain models.

Sorry, I guess you're right, pal. On this baby, the all brushed look is best!!

SPORTSFAN · 29 May 2008, 08:29 AM

Hi,

I like the polished center links on my GMT II C......In fact I like everything about the piece.

I think it is still a tool watch..............just a modern version.

Maxi dial....uprated movement......ceramic besel......superb clasp.....triplock crown.......

Sounds like Rolex are just doing what they do best to me.

Regards Mike.

mike · 29 May 2008, 09:53 AM

They have their place I guess,

although I'm more of a brushed kind of guy at heart.

Scarface · 29 May 2008, 10:11 AM

My first Rolex a few months ago was a DJ with polished centre links...
My second, a Pepsi ... brushed, of course..

I want the brushed look and nothing else on sport models - and the polished looks nice on DJ and YM ... and on the Daytona actually...

I disagree with the new GMT-IIc...
It was nice to see the new DSSD brushed

But I guess we are a sporty audience here at TRF

cmr · 29 May 2008, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPORTSFAN

Hi,

I like the polished center links on my GMT II C......In fact I like everything about the piece.

I think it is still a tool watch..............just a modern version.

Maxi dial....uprated movement......ceramic besel......superb clasp.....triplock crown.......

Sounds like Rolex are just doing what they do best to me.

Regards Mike.

it is still a tool watch, from the very beginning it was made for commercial pilots and they were them with their captain's uniform. the polished links look very beautiful for working formal attire like a pilot. i think allot of people confuse this watch with the tool watch description of a sea dweller or something instead of it's intended tool purpose. this version's looks fit it's intended use better than it's predecessor in that respect.

Dan Pierce · 29 May 2008, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jedi

Certain models JJ, certain models.

Agreed, Lee & JJ.

The YM and Daytona look great with the polished center links. All other sport models should be brushed, imho.

dP

xtra3cats · 29 May 2008, 05:52 AM

Brushed or polished, the clasp is most vulnerable to scratches. Maybe brush finish the polished part of the clasp or buy another clasp and brush finish it?

nylawbiz · 29 May 2008, 10:15 AM

Will the Cape Cod Polishing Cloth remove the scratches from the center links? Where is the best place to obtain one of these clothes? Thanks, Brian

vh_bu98 · 29 May 2008, 10:59 AM

I like the polished center links on my YM. It goes well with the case and looks dressy and sporty at the same time.

I don't like the look of titanium myself.

28 May 2008, 10:13 PM	#1
nylawbiz Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Brian Location: New York Watch: too many Posts: 705	Polished Center Links - Why Rolex, Why? At the risk of being accused of deceased animal cruelty by beating this dead horse, why do you think Rolex designed the new GMTIIc with center links that can be so easilly be scratched? We all have to believe that Rolex invests heavily into design R&D. They must have known that the center links, even of a SS band, would start getting scratched very quickly. So, I cannot believe that this a design flaw on Rolex's part. Is it a marketing ploy to get owners to service their watches more often, so the scratches are polished out? I would hate to think so. Like others on this board, do they feel that the scratching adds distinction to the watch? I doubt it, that doesn't sound like Rolex either. So why would they design it to show marks so easilly and quickly? As a related question, why hasn't Rolex incorporated titanium in their watches, like some mass produced models have? It is harder and lighter than SS. I 'm not sure about it being polished, or staying polished. It isn't a "cheap" metal b any means, surely no cheaper than high grade SS. I have read on here that if one has their center links brushed to match the outer links, Rolex would polish the center links back to factory specs whenthe watch is serviced. I would tend to agree with that. There must be a way this line of questioning can be presented to the Rolex mucky-mucks, to get their answer. I mean, they have to have some accountability to their customers. All this said, rest assured I am still in love with my 8 day old GMTIIc. I wear it day and night, and I am not obsessive about the band getting superficial scratches. It's just that it seems incongruent that such a finely designed and improved watch would have this apparent design flaw. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Brian

28 May 2008, 10:22 PM	#4
ROLEX MAN 2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Martin Location: Home and Away Watch: you? "YES PLEASE"! Posts: 3,743	I love the contrast on my s/s daytona, it makes it stand out more! as for sratches: I think the brushed bands show marks just as much or more, especialy against the grain! __________________ *it's not just about telling the time...* *happy rolexing...* I'm just a man with a passion

28 May 2008, 10:26 PM	#5
SPACE-DWELLER "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Bo Location: Denmark Watch: Rolex, of course! Posts: 22,436	Personally, I don't care much for polished centre links. The SS GMT IIc having polished centre links was one of the reasons as to why I flipped it and went back to the SD. As stated, the SS Daytona has polished centre links, too, but this watch is not a "daily wearer" for me, so the links are still pretty much scratchless. __________________ With kind regards, Bo LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...

28 May 2008, 10:51 PM	#8
Jedi "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Real Name: Lee Location: Malaysia Watch: 16750 Posts: 2,534	In answer: 1. Polished center links are an inexplicable concession Rolex has made to 'bling-dom' and represents a departure, although only in part, from their traditional 'tough' watch ethos when it comes to their sports lineup. 2. Much has been said about Rolex's inflexibility when it comes to servicing their watches and what they will or will not do despite what the customer may want. They just seem hell bent on preserving their original design intent on a particular model. 3. Titanium: It would mean a whole new set of facilities for Rolex to work with this metal. The stamping of cases may be an issue from a solid block of titanium (not even sure if this is possible) and any other case making process would involve a large investment. __________________ Lee This is my watch. There are many like it but this one is mine... Flickr Blog

28 May 2008, 11:06 PM	#11
Texsubmariner "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Khanh Location: Texas Watch: SSGMTc Posts: 1,227	I like the center polished links on my GMT, which give the watch a bit more bling, but being SS, still works well with jeans and shorts. Yeah, the polished links scratch and hang on to fingerprints, but they will be polished to new condition at service. The brushed bracelet defintely hides scratches better than polished, but IMO, is a bit bland compared to polished links. __________________ Sea Dweller M series SS GMT IIc M series Omega SMP Electric Blue Dial Wife's SS WG MOP Ladies DJ Z series

28 May 2008, 10:20 PM	#2
Steven79 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Steven Location: Houston Watch: Sub Posts: 1,175	they expect hair line fine scratches all over the watch. i see more and more everyday on my new TT sub. oh well, i got over it and will send it in to be refinished every few years. i had a sub with all satin finish on the bracelet and believe me... its no different than polished. it scratches just as easily. as for titanium, the new deep sea will have a titanium case back. ;)

28 May 2008, 10:26 PM	#3
highroller Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Bobby Location: Manassas Virginia Watch: Sea Dweller Posts: 305	For my next one I was thinking about getting a TT Sub. I am kinda anal about that sort of stuff should I get SS insted

28 May 2008, 10:36 PM	#7
gmt master x Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: franklin Location: nyc Watch: 70 s gmt master. Posts: 677	my relatively new gmt ll c gets a new scratch every time i wear it. i wish the center links were brushed. i will also send it in every few years for a clean, and tune up.

29 May 2008, 12:01 AM	#12
SeaDweller1220 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Morten Location: Delaware Watch: SD, Daytona, GMT-C Posts: 273	Is there anything you can buy get the superficial scratches away on the center links. A polish or cloth ETC.?? IMO the scratches stand out more on the polished center links that they do on the brushed parts. I have had an SD for over 3 years as my everyday watch and I was fortunate enough to get a SS Daytona in Dec. 07 I have been exteremely careful with it and still there are noticable scratches on the Daytona. I am at the point that I am hessitant to wear it in case I need/want to sell it down the road!

28 May 2008, 11:59 PM	#13
Baptistman "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Real Name: Jon Location: UK Posts: 2,405	Brian I agree with you, its supposed to be a working tool watch, not a bimbo watch for dinner parties. Can't understand the thinking, but i'm suspecting a change of mood at Rolex SA, moving away from what made them, to catering for a younger new audience imo. The new hairspring, great, the newer clasp, ok, the ceramic bezel, time will tell, just pray you dont wack it and damage it coz the bill will make you __________________ Whatever the watch, it's your wrist, it speaks to you, enjoy it

29 May 2008, 02:03 AM	#14
veefour "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canary Islands Posts: 520	When I asked same question at AD, the guy says "They do it because that's the way they like in the USA". So, is it true or not? __________________ 16800 Matt (1986) Avatar pic by Jocke

29 May 2008, 02:16 AM	#15
mcubed "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: US Posts: 468	I think in some ways, Rolex is following their own traditions. Here's a question: When was the first time we saw solid end links, gold surrounds and polished centerlinks on a Sub? It was on the Gold 1680, at least as far back as 1970. Over time, all of these changes found their way to the SS version. Not really a surprise. What starts on the gold versions works its way down eventually.

29 May 2008, 02:21 AM	#16
Mrdi Banned Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: PA Posts: 3,478	It seems the sport models gleen the most attention in my neck of the woods. It is the only counter that always has patrons in the new Rolex Costa Mesa store. By bringing bling to the sport watches, Rolex appears to a larger audience. Personally I thing Bling and Sport are mutually exclusive, but Rolex is in this for the $$ not altruism.

29 May 2008, 02:44 AM	#17
GMTII Owner "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: John Location: Nashville, TN Watch: S/S GMT Master IIc Posts: 1,210	I like the look of the center links and the bling. I'm not crazy about the scratches but that's life. I love the look of the watch. John __________________

29 May 2008, 04:09 AM	#19
RolexNoob Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: USA Posts: 73	I like my GMTIIc with the polished center links. Absolute gorgeous. As for the scratches..oh well...i got my Cape Cod polishing clothes ready.....

29 May 2008, 04:11 AM	#20
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,317	Why the hell not? I think the polished centre links look terrific on certain models!!! __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

29 May 2008, 04:15 AM	#21
Jedi "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Real Name: Lee Location: Malaysia Watch: 16750 Posts: 2,534	Certain models JJ, certain models. __________________ Lee This is my watch. There are many like it but this one is mine... Flickr Blog

29 May 2008, 08:29 AM	#23
SPORTSFAN "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Mike Location: NW England Posts: 791	Hi, I like the polished center links on my GMT II C......In fact I like everything about the piece. I think it is still a tool watch..............just a modern version. Maxi dial....uprated movement......ceramic besel......superb clasp.....triplock crown....... Sounds like Rolex are just doing what they do best to me. Regards Mike.

29 May 2008, 09:53 AM	#24
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,682	They have their place I guess, although I'm more of a brushed kind of guy at heart.

29 May 2008, 10:11 AM	#25
Scarface "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Minas Location: London UK Watch: Rolex , Omega Posts: 1,370	My first Rolex a few months ago was a DJ with polished centre links... My second, a Pepsi ... brushed, of course.. I want the brushed look and nothing else on sport models - and the polished looks nice on DJ and YM ... and on the Daytona actually... I disagree with the new GMT-IIc... It was nice to see the new DSSD brushed But I guess we are a sporty audience here at TRF __________________ *Rolex* Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master ll *Rolex* Oyster Perpetual Datejust *Omega* Seamaster Professional Chronograph

29 May 2008, 05:52 AM	#28
xtra3cats Banned Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: United States Posts: 931	My .02 Brushed or polished, the clasp is most vulnerable to scratches. Maybe brush finish the polished part of the clasp or buy another clasp and brush finish it?

29 May 2008, 10:15 AM	#29
nylawbiz Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Brian Location: New York Watch: too many Posts: 705	Will the Cape Cod Polishing Cloth remove the scratches from the center links? Where is the best place to obtain one of these clothes? Thanks, Brian

29 May 2008, 10:59 AM	#30
vh_bu98 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Vu Location: Dallas area Watch: Platinum YM Posts: 2,646	I like the polished center links on my YM. It goes well with the case and looks dressy and sporty at the same time. I don't like the look of titanium myself.

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