Possible to "condition" Oysterflex rubber?

[janducci]

I've noticed that the black rubber on the Oysterflex bracelet is a bit faded. It seems to come from the factory that way based on what I gather. Is there a way to condition it to be a darker black?

[hutch300]

I would just keep it clean.

[WatchTimes]

There are rubber conditioners out there you could try but I would just leave it as its meant to be....

[inadeje]

https://mothers.com/products/back-to...restorer-06112

[janducci]

Originally Posted by inadeje

https://mothers.com/products/back-to...restorer-06112

Have you actually tried this on yours? Was considering something similar but scared! :)

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I’d be scared too. Why not just let it be.

[janducci]

Because I feel like it should be a deeper black color to match up with the overall look of a $50K watch. Looks faded as is.

[jb335]

Originally Posted by janducci

Because I feel like it should be a deeper black color to match up with the overall look of a $50K watch. Looks faded as is.

You do you, but I think the OF is just perfect. If you’re hellbent on thinking a 50k watch has to have a deep black strap then condition away…but those aren’t the rules I’m confined by.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by inadeje

https://mothers.com/products/back-to...restorer-06112

I tried this same product on faded window trim on my old Chrysler. It worked as intended. I would caution against using it on a strap because it might make the strap oily and/or a dust magnet

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by janducci

Because I feel like it should be a deeper black color to match up with the overall look of a $50K watch. Looks faded as is.

Roll the dice Bro, that’s all you can do. Try some 303 Protectant, it did a nice job darkening the faded trim on my fifteen year old Hummer. The local auto parts store detailing aisle is full of similar products. Let us know what you choose and how it works.

[Tanalasta]

You can replace the straps if you need to.

So wear in good health?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jimcameron]

Olive oil. Just a touch. Harmless and easy to wash off.

[kieselguhr]

I use silicone grease on rubber washers, seals, and gaskets. Keeps them serviceable for twice as long as if I were to leave them be. Have likewise used them on aged rubber straps (dull coloration, stiff, squeaks when passing through keepers, etc) and it’s like they’re brand new.

Just keep in mind that it’s not magic. It won’t turn back time on a strap, and rubber has an expiration date.

[Old Geezer]

Whatever you try will probably make it feel greasy. Maybe 303 Protectant for rubber but I'd be cautious. I use it on my vehicles and it produces a nice black sheen but remains greasy to the touch. Personally, I'd avoid anything with petroleum distillates. Might be fine for cars exposed to the weather but you never know how the oysterflex rubber will respond to them.
Perhaps a food grade glycerin available at any pharmacy and cheap would give you the effect you want with the least harsh chemistry. Good luck.

[BraveBold]

Originally Posted by janducci

Because I feel like it should be a deeper black color to match up with the overall look of a $50K watch. Looks faded as is.

OF on a $50k watch is the problem.

[sski]

i would check with the jeweler (or AD)
Automotive grade products probably not the way to go here.

[christian-h]

Originally Posted by jimcameron

Olive oil. Just a touch. Harmless and easy to wash off.

Spot on. I condition my vintage tropic straps with a touch of the magic olive oil and it works fine. There’s no need to look further.

[enjoythemusic]

303 Protectant is the best I've tried.

https://amzn.to/3rgy4ig

[Lambo The Jambo]

I wouldn’t, only product I would put near it would be soap and water.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by janducci

Have you actually tried this on yours? Was considering something similar but scared! :)

Scared? Of what? It's a rubber strap. LOL. If you keep it long enough you will likely end up replacing.

[ArtNouveau]

Oysterflex straight from the AD looks like….well looks like Oysterflex, the way Rolex intended. I happen to like the look but would never buy something I didn’t like.
I wouldn’t do anything to it that wasn’t 100% reversible, new OF halves are around $600.

[HONDABBQ]

Originally Posted by janducci

Have you actually tried this on yours? Was considering something similar but scared! :)

You can afford a 50k watch but "scared" to try something that may cost you 1k to rectify if it goes south? SMH.

[janducci]

Originally Posted by HONDABBQ

You can afford a 50k watch but "scared" to try something that may cost you 1k to rectify if it goes south? SMH.

I sincerely hope you don’t use this kind of flawed logic in other aspects of your life. For your own sake.

[enjoythemusic]

Funny to be afraid of using 303 Protectant. But think we've been down this road before on trf. I think like Novus, other 'brands' repackage this and charge more.

[Palakiko]

Wristclean has a product for rubber. Haven’t used it on an OF, but other rubber straps. Works as intended. Actually, all their products work as intended.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk