Can't believe I'm asking this...

[ParachromBlue]

Could I paint clear fingernail polish or place some tape on the inside of my SS GMT IIc band?

Allow me to explain. I have a nickel allergy; when exposed to nickel, my skin breaks out in an itchy little rash. An old cellphone I used to own with a metal earpiece could irritate my ear for days if I spent more than half an hour on it.

A long time ago, a cheap watch caused a rash on my wrist. I seem to be experiencing something similar with my new Rolex (yes, it's authentic ). There is a little patch of skin that is showing the telltale rash right beneath where the band normally is (it's only occurring in an area that's about .5 square inches, though).

I know that I could change the band to something like a zulu strap, but I'd really like to keep that as a last resort. Clear fingernail polish is often used on things like metal buttons and earrings to prevent direct contact. I imagine some sort of tape might serve the same role on my watch. Are either of these remedies ill-advised? Any other ideas?

[deserted]

you know i have heard of that before and i will try to find you an answer, give me a second.

[greekbum]

Go buy some really good 3m clear tape and there is your answer.I know a really wierd guy that has done this to his clasp so it doesnt get scratched and you cannot tell the tape is on there actually.So thats where I got this idea from for you.

[jms_w]

Originally Posted by greekbum

Go buy some really good 3m clear tape and there is your answer.I know a really wierd guy that has done this to his clasp so it doesnt get scratched and you cannot tell the tape is on there actually.So thats where I got this idea from for you.

Hey! I resemble that remark (weird guy)!!

[DadsWatch72]

Buy Platinum or Gold. Problem solved.

[WatchSnob]

Originally Posted by DadsWatch72

Buy Platinum or Gold. Problem solved.

X2

Sorry that sucks!
Id really look into another watch, you are not going to want to have tape on the inside of your watch the rest of your life. That will just be a pain!

[deserted]

Glad you found an answer , good luck .

[kyle L]

Time to put it on a nice strap. Or nato.

[Balboa]

Nickel allergy is not uncommon. Usually stainless steel is not much of a problem. However, Rolex has recently switched from using 316L stainless to 904L. I do not know which alloy is used in your bracelet. One of the major differences is that 904L has a nickel content that is double that of 316L. Possibly more irritating to those who are sensitive.

I suppose either a painted on clear liquid or clear vinyl tape would provide enough isolation. Tape would have to be cut and applied to each link and the back of the clasp. I would think that the case back would be a bigger problem than the bracelet.

Mark

[mck22]

Interesting thread.

[sandollars]

Absolutely finger nail polish would work. As a former Jeweler, this is more common than you think as well as people who's acid interact with the investments in alloyed golds(10k, 14k, sometimes even 18k) and turning their fingers black(Wrists too!). We used to "paint" jewelry for customers all the time.

[ROBERT123]

How about changing you bracelet to leather instead, and you could still enjoy your rolex.

[jms_w]

Something that might be better than tape is 3M Scotchcal. It's the stuff used for clear bras on cars. It sticks better than tape and is not permanent. I use it on the clasp of my Omega but on the outside to prevent scratching. I don't think it has nickel in it but you might want to check with 3M. Good luck with finding your ultimate solution.

[ParachromBlue]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

For whatever reason, the caseback and most of the band are not causing a problem. It seems that there is one particular spot on my wrist that is sensitive. The rash is confined to a relatively small area on the inside of my wrist. That will hopefully make it easier to deal with.

I'll probably try the clear tape first. jms_w, can you tell me more about that product? I did an internet search, and there seem to be multiple types of this stuff. Where did you obtain yours?

[ParachromBlue]

I started thinking more about this. Since the rash appeared, it has been limited to one area on my wrist. Why would this be the case? I would assume that the band is the same composition throughout. Additionally, the caseback has caused no problem. The rash didn't appear until at least two weeks after I started wearing the watch. Normally, a few minutes contact with an errant belt buckle caused all sorts of havoc

In doing some research, it seems that this might be a "heat rash" or similar irritation caused by perspiration being trapped by the band against the skin. I suppose I'll just try wearing the watch a little more loosely, maybe further down on my wrist.

[sheldonsmith]

Hirsch does make a pad for the caseback, which might work for sections on the bracelet.

I have a page written on the subject at http://www.minus4plus6.com/casebackpad.htm

-Sheldon