How many of you are rocking your Rolex with lug scratches from strap changes?

[myk7000]

As I'm changing straps more and more, I've realized I've unfortunately left either scratches or even *gasp* chips/gouges against some of my lugs. Weirdly it's not just the back of the lugs, but also sometimes on the front of the lugs too.

Curious to know how many of you guys are currently rocking your Rolex with some of these battle scars on the lugs? Or if I'm a rare stupid person who didn't protect things correctly?

[JSolution]

Masking tape masking tape masking tape

[enjoythemusic]

Mine are on the back of lugs from changing straps. No biggie, just shows we love 'em enough and have a sense of style to use a variety of straps.

[faimag]

Well, scratches on the back of the lugs are very common. What you have is a different thing. Unless you made the mistake of fitting the bracelet from the front of the lugs (a no-no), it's probably a fluke from the springbars releasing at the wrong time and place when you were fitting them.

[seasubmariner]

Originally Posted by myk7000

As I'm changing straps more and more, I've realized I've unfortunately left either scratches or even *gasp* chips/gouges against some of my lugs. Weirdly it's not just the back of the lugs, but also sometimes on the front of the lugs too.

Curious to know how many of you guys are currently rocking your Rolex with some of these battle scars on the lugs? Or if I'm a rare stupid person who didn't protect things correctly?

I have never removed the bracelet of any of my Rolex.

I have removed and installed bracelets and straps from many many different watches without leaving even a single mark even on my first try.

Rolex lugs are big with big holes, springs are easy to access and are of high quality. If you are still scratching then it is better for you not to touch and let an AD do it for you for free (as I know of).

When I fix something I always show extra care that even authorized services wouldnt show, act very very slow, never rush and immediately stop when I am not sure what will happen after a second, and always feel proud after a mistakeless job without any mark.

Like the other friend suggested above you can use electric tape everywhere and act extra slow and soft. I would sell the watch if it had marks because this is not a cheap watch and seeing the marks would drive me crazy and I would never feel comfortable again. This is ROLEX and it should always stay mistakeless. I really do not care if it is supposed to be a tool watch for diving. At the end of the day the price of the watch is twice MSRP and impossible to find anywhere.

Sorry but I admit that I am complicated and very high maintenance Rolex owner.

[Harry-57]

I've had the bracelet off two Rolex watches I bought grey to thoroughly look them over and have not managed to mark the front of backs of the lugs. Care, good lighting (and a loupe in my case) and above all, patience and the correct tools are all that is required. And a bit of sticky tape, just in case. I have other makes of watches on which I do occasionally do swaps. None of the fronts of the lugs are marked. There are a few blemishes on some of the backs. I made 'em. I can live with 'em. I wouldn't take it from a professional workshop.

[fsprow]

I have lots of scratches and dings on watches from various activities and sports. I don't worry about them at all.
However, if I dinged a watch trying to change a bracelet (or adjust one) or opening the back for timekeeping adjustment, I would get really angry with myself.

A little practice on a cheap watch with the tweezer tool (Bergeon 7825) and a proper screwdriver is all it takes to do this job easily and quickly oneself.

[ArtNouveau]

I’m in the “tape ‘em up” camp. Even if you’re experienced there’s no harm in protecting the watch while you’re wielding tools near it.

[ec51]

What tool are you using to change the straps?

This is where I lovvvve my lug holes...

[RyanJ]

Originally Posted by seasubmariner

I have never removed the bracelet of any of my Rolex.

I have removed and installed bracelets and straps from many many different watches without leaving even a single mark even on my first try.

Rolex lugs are big with big holes, springs are easy to access and are of high quality. If you are still scratching then it is better for you not to touch and let an AD do it for you for free (as I know of).

When I fix something I always show extra care that even authorized services wouldnt show, act very very slow, never rush and immediately stop when I am not sure what will happen after a second, and always feel proud after a mistakeless job without any mark.

Like the other friend suggested above you can use electric tape everywhere and act extra slow and soft. I would sell the watch if it had marks because this is not a cheap watch and seeing the marks would drive me crazy and I would never feel comfortable again. This is ROLEX and it should always stay mistakeless. I really do not care if it is supposed to be a tool watch for diving. At the end of the day the price of the watch is twice MSRP and impossible to find anywhere.

Sorry but I admit that I am complicated and very high maintenance Rolex owner.

I hope you never look at your Rolex under high magnification. You will see many things that will drive you crazy.

[seasubmariner]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

I’m in the “tape ‘em up” camp. Even if you’re experienced there’s no harm in protecting the watch while you’re wielding tools near it.

Experienced ones give more damage than newbies, because they think they know everything, but there is no way to fix any mark or scratch..

The reality is that the more you worry, the more sht will happen...

[seasubmariner]

Originally Posted by RyanJ

I hope you never look at your Rolex under high magnification. You will see many things that will drive you crazy.

Unfortunately you are right.

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by seasubmariner

Experienced ones give more damage than newbies, because they think they know everything, but there is no way to fix any mark or scratch..

The reality is that the more you worry, the more sht will happen...

The suggestion has nothing to do with fixing scratches, but rather, to decrease chances of scratching...there is a difference.

[wear4l]

This can be avoided using a masking tape or maybe not.

[kieselguhr]

Even when using masking tape during strap changes, I still have a few scratches on the underside of the lugs. I don’t mind them, not like I can see them on the wrist.

Best way to avoid scratches during strap change is to practice multiple times on lower end watches until your proficiency is at a level where slip ups don’t happen.

[smym18]

Originally Posted by seasubmariner

Like the other friend suggested above you can use electric tape everywhere and act extra slow and soft. I would sell the watch if it had marks because this is not a cheap watch and seeing the marks would drive me crazy and I would never feel comfortable again. This is ROLEX and it should always stay mistakeless. I really do not care if it is supposed to be a tool watch for diving. At the end of the day the price of the watch is twice MSRP and impossible to find anywhere.

Sorry but I admit that I am complicated and very high maintenance Rolex owner.

Your posts continue to baffle me. I'm truly stumped as to whether you're a troll or not. First you won't get your Submariner wet, then you demand an AD be outed for removing stickers, now you'll sell a watch if it gets marks.

[Dsmith1974]

Yeah a couple until I got the hang of it and took more care with better tools. I’d only do it now to check the serial number on an older watch. The 16710 is staying on Jubilee and I’m not a fan of rubber bands or NATOs. I guess switching a Daytona or Skydweller between a bracelet and leather strap would be tempting (assuming they’re easily interchangeable).

[Jg422]

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[HogwldFLTR]

I plead the fifth!!!

[Jona]

I change straps on my MG and DSSD. I have some minor marks on the bottom of the lugs and I couldn't care less. And the "price" of the watch being "twice MSRP" is irrelevant. The marks can easily be removed when serviced. I do not, however, intend to change the bracelet out on the YG sub. No way will I accept losing that bling !!

[danyvw]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

I plead the fifth!!!

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[Bladeshot]

I have never messed up any lugs! LOL kidding aside: I am careful. Accidents happen, but on the back. Put them in from the back. I don’t let mine pop out the front side of the lug. We’ve seen some recent threads on what that looks like when a springbar accidentally pops out the front of the lug.

[EEpro]

Whatever you do, don't try to brush them out. The smallest they will ever be is the tiny mark itself.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Mine are on the back of lugs from changing straps. No biggie, just shows we love 'em enough and have a sense of style to use a variety of straps.

You're singing my tune.
dP

[pickettt]

I remove all of my bracelets periodically to put them in the ultrasonic cleaner. I tape the back of the lugs, and have not scratched the lugs on a single watch. Even if you don’t tape them, it’s just common sense to remove the end links from the back, and not the front of the watch.

[Doc Savage]

I got good at strap changes on cheaper watches, but I still make the occasional scratch on the expensive ones. I don't think about them and they don't bother me at all.

[envuks]

In my book:

Back of lugs = no problem so long as it’s not all dented up or the spring bar hole is damaged

Front of lugs = no no. We have a problem

[Rogdogg]

I don't really ever change straps as I am a bracelet guy so my lugs are good as new, on the inside anyway. The outside have the odd ding or three.

[FiftyTwoEighty]

Yeah, I have scratches on the back from changing straps. I also have dings and scratches from surfing, diving, climbing, skiing, camping, working on the house and wrenching on my toys.