Lubricating bracelet ?

[joli160]

Should it not make sense to lubricate a bracelet with i.e. WD40 to reduce wear ?
In my industry we are very serious about greasing to reduce wear on pinions and gears.
The consensus here is to keep the bracelet very clean, which in fact may increase wear. What is the objection against spraying a little WD40 between the links ?

[MonBK]

You'll look like a grease monkey after a while.

[Andad]

If you use WD40 you will have to wash it all off before wearing the watch.

WD 40 smells really bad.

It will attract dirt and dust.

WD40 s not a good idea.

Search the forum and you will be up to your ears in suggestions.

Good luck with that.

[T. Ferguson]

Spritzing the pins with lubricant will indeed increase wear because it will attract dirt and grit like a magnet and it is these abrasives that are the primary cause of wear. A bracelet is different than pinions and gears in regard to requiring lube.

Gears and pinions in motors are usually running and may be subject to heat and pressure as well. The pins and links in a bracelet don't pivot that much even when worn fairly loosely and even less still when worn snug. This is why the main recommendation to avoid bracelet stretch is to keep it clean and wear it on the snug side. The links and pins stay quiet on the wrist with very little movement and pivoting. Keeping it clean avoids the build up of crud that acts like sandpaper on the pins and link holes.

[Andad]

I knew dat........

[dysondiver]

wd 40 isnt a lubricant ,,,, neither is silicone on steel , if it squeaks a shot of dry graphite powder will cure it , but it leaves a stain , its really just ground up pencil lead ,,,,
just a wash once in a while with liquid soap and warm water , with a rinse will do the job ... or wear it in the shower.

[Tools]

As mentioned, WD-40 isn't really a good lube after it dries.

They (WD-40) do make a dry-lube though. A non-oily Teflon base and it could be sprayed on then wiped off the surface.. Certainly it would't do any harm and may have anti-wear benefits..

[joli160]

Thanks for your replies.
As stated by Ferguson there are not really any running parts in a bracelet. Even than, if only pivoting, naked steel on naked steel is imo the main reason for wear on a bracelet. It's not for nothing that the ceramic inserts are being introduced.
I just had my President bracelet overhauled and would like it to last a long time.
The teflon spray most likely may help, but lots of variables involved and difficult to test its effect on the long run
I will try spray a little on the inside of the clasp and see how the gold holds up when sprayed with teflon.

[El Cascarrabias]

WD-40 will turn into a hard varnish like substance over time.

Personal experience . . .

I don't think Rolex recommends any lubricant.

[Sublover2166]

I cant imagine any lubricant mixing well with human body oils and sweat. It would probably leave your skin under the bracelet black and nasty especially in hot humid weather. Keep the bracelet clean, and wear it properly fitted, not sloppy on the wrist and it will last for many years.

[jernigan78]

WD-40 isusedby some machinists to break down loctite on bolts. It is used as a penetrant and lube. Your bracelet has loctice in it from Rolex, and most likely was useafter it was overhauled. The use of WD-40 may be more counterproductive than you think. I would just keep it clean. The surfaces that are infact metal on metal, are designed to function that way, and should only be cleaned. Its not the metal on metal that is wearing out your bracelet, it all the gunk that gets bult up in there. If anything, i would just purchase a cheap ultrasonic cleaner, and remove the bracelet every 6 months and clean it in there. I would not mess with spraying lubes on it. Dry lube or not. Ive used many dry lubes on aircarft turbine parts in the past. They are not always clean. And some are a pain to remove once dried. Good luck.

[Drkitch109]

For what it worth I dab some baby oil gel on my DSSD bracelet and let it sit for an hour followed by a cleaning using warm water, dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge to keep it pristine. The oil helps loosen any buildup between links and the dish soap gets rid of the greasiness.

[Jeffa32]

Originally Posted by dysondiver

wd 40 isnt a lubricant ,,,, neither is silicone on steel , if it squeaks a shot of dry graphite powder will cure it , but it leaves a stain , its really just ground up pencil lead ,,,,
just a wash once in a while with liquid soap and warm water , with a rinse will do the job ... or wear it in the shower.

What!!!! Can I wear my Rolex in the shower???? :)

[joli160]

I tried a small spot with the dry lube teflon, leaves hard to remove white residue. I'll just stick with proper cleaning.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by joli160

I tried a small spot with the dry lube teflon, leaves hard to remove white residue. I'll just stick with proper cleaning.

I believe I would.

[Dalton]

Your natural oils are always lubricating your bracelet, especially if you use lotion, and cleaning it free of oil and dirt is the way to go for longevity. Wear it, and you'll start the oiling process again. Now a spray that is wiped on or off could work. If you have an allergic reaction to chemicals, you'll know. Worst case scenario is you'll smell like the lubricant of your liking every time you wear the watch, or you'll slowly cut precious years of your life due to contact exposure to industrial chemicals. Not bad considering the watch will be in tip top shape! I use a mint based lubricant on my carbon based tools. The lubricant is designed to be used on carbon knives, that are used on field, and used for food consumption. This way the blade remains lubricated and protected from interacting with oxygen, and moisture, while keeping it safe for eating. Comes in handy while camping. Perhaps this is a natural alternative.

[ludicree]

WD40 is good for taking out the moisture, but I would not recommend that on a bracelet.

Totally dry is the best you can do for the 78790a.

And clean it with soap from time to time.

[theloxmyth]

Did anyone mention that there is NO silicone in Water-Displacement (formula) 40 (40th try and they finally got it right!)?

[M4rkg4rd3n]

Toothbrush and washing up liquid works wonders also try using a ultrasonic cleaner on the bracelet no dirt means very little wear in the links.