Polished Center Links - Why Rolex, Why?

[ral]

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.

Okay... the polished center links on Oyster bracelets have been used for a long time on the Datejust's, Day-Dates and Daytona. Rolex did not design the GMT II with a new bracelet that can be easily scratch, they just used the same design they have used with their more "dressy" watches.

I am not exactly sure when this started... I have an old Rolex Oysterdate and it has a circa late 1980's replacement bracelet, which does not have polished center links.

The polished center links look really nice, but having a large flat shiny surface does make it more prone to more noticeable scratches. The jubillee bracelet scratches too, but they are not as apparent.

I am kind of conflicted in this issue. I love the Oyster bracelet with the shiny center links. Simple but beautiful. When I had a choice, I took the jubillee since I felt this would "wear" better in the long run. For a daily wear watch that is important.

[AOTM]

I hate the polished center links.

[mickeydainish]

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... :-)

[walds11]

I could care less. The polished links will develop a nice patina through time, so don't sweat it. I love my SS Sub Date (brushed bracelet) and SS Daytona (polished links) equally.

[jands8916]

I am a wuss.

Being a GMTII non-C owner, I knew that acquiring the IIc would demand more care due to the polished links.
Now that I've got the IIc in the arsenal, I haven't yet removed the plastic protection on the clasp protecting the chromey part! Wearing the watch at a computer keyboard everyday, I know the clasp will get trashed... I'll unwrap it and go 'unprotected' one day.

[Globetrotterdoug]

My 23 year old DD with the President bark yellow gold bracelet still looks brand new. But, my 6 year old DD in rose gold and my brand new white gold Daytona are scratched. I live with it since I have no choice. But, I wish Rolex would bring back the bark gold bracelet. My Titanium Breitling is still in perfect condition. Most of my Patek Philippe's have leather straps. Easily worn and damaged but relatively cheap to replace.

[Andad]

Not only did Rolex give us the highly polished centre links but they also designed it so the centre links were raised above the side brushed links. This was to make sure that the shiny bits were scratched first.