De-blinging the BLNR

[jenedla]

This is just my viewpoint, but the PCLs on the BLNR elevate it from "tool watch" to something slightly more. Male jewelry? Perhaps not that far, but something more than an all brushed bracelet. Truth be told, I could go either way but I prefer the PCLs on this watch. It just feels more suited to the overall aesthetic of the watch and how I like to wear it.

[GoingPlaces]

If it's not original, I pass. Better option would have been to buy an oyster bracelet.

[Matt_01]

Originally Posted by learningtofly

Matt, I agree with you save that this really isn't a tool watch. I'm doing this because I prefer the brushed centre links, and because the micro-scratches on the currently polished areas bother me. If we're going to be anal about it then - when used for it's intended purpose - it would hardly be exposed to the rigours of... well, anything really. It's as much a dress watch as a tool watch

Fair reply - and like I said I like the strap !

[Matt_01]

Originally Posted by Highlatitude

As a professional pilot I don’t agree entirely. None of these watches are tool watches anymore. They are too expensive to fall into that category so they are now functional male jewellery. The finish on the bracelets is down to personal preference.

However, I can tell you, a cockpit and the job are very hard on watches. There are a million ways to scratch and bash your watch and anyone who travels the World will know that there are a lot of places where you should keep the bling to the minimum. All previous models of GMT had an all brushed Oyster bracelet and it was better suited for the original intended role of this watch.

I agree with part 1 - I am just talking about others comments in regards to the tool status.

Interesting comment in part 2 and I hadn’t given fair consideration to historic brushed models. Although there have been jubilee.

[1William]

My personal preference if OEM from the factory. Each of us though can do what we want with our property. I would have taken a brushed bracelet from one of my other Rolex watches and put it on the watch and maintained the bracelet as it is. I doubt brushed or polished would impact the resale though as these are hot watches with plenty of buyers.

[learningtofly]

Originally Posted by 1William

My personal preference if OEM from the factory. Each of us though can do what we want with our property. I would have taken a brushed bracelet from one of my other Rolex watches and put it on the watch and maintained the bracelet as it is. I doubt brushed or polished would impact the resale though as these are hot watches with plenty of buyers.

Sadly this is my only other modern Rolex, and I'm not about to splash a shedload of money on a new bracelet when this job is costing me <£100!



Actually, that's got me thinking...

[travisb]

Both looks work great on the BLNR. Just matters which one you prefer. The all brushed definitely tones it down, Looking forward to the results.

[joli160]

Blasphemy, I like my jewellery shiny and shimmering in the light

[watchmework]

I also prefer the look of the brushed oyster bracelet myself on a SS watch....good call on getting rid of the PCLs.

[D.P.G.]

I misunderstood I though you changed the bracelet from a Jubilee which is perfect in every way to an Oyster with PCL then brushed the center links. As much as I don't like changing anything from original I dislike polished center links so much that maybe you did the right thing.

[jlovda]

One advantage of an Explorer II.

[911Turbo]

The Brushed Oyster gives it a fantastic new look!

[Chester01]

It’s interesting with this watch, because the gmt at least was created as the travelers/pilot watch and thus the PCL give it a bit more versatility. That said, the top of the lugs are brushed and unlike the Daytona looks ok with the whole bracelet brushed. However, the ceramic bezel stands out more when the bracelet is brushed. The upside is yes the bezel is a scratch resistant, but it’s mirror finish does “match” better with pcl’s as the shine of the bezels plays off the shine of the PcL’s.

[bbierman1982]

OP, did you receive your bracelet back? The photos of the BLNRs on brushed bracelets look amazing..

[Johnpierpontmorgan]

my brushed bracelet (sea dweller and polar exp) are my daily wear

Gmt master ceramic with polished centre links are for smart casual /semi formal occasion

DJ with jubilee is for dressier events perhaps

[m j b]

Nice photography, Tony!

[GST15]

Both bracelets look great. Personal preference. I agree that Rolex should offer choice.

[learningtofly]

Originally Posted by bbierman1982

OP, did you receive your bracelet back? The photos of the BLNRs on brushed bracelets look amazing..

Good timing - it's being posted back to me today

I'll post some photos once I get my mitts on it.

[paul cbc]

Looks great!

I like the all brushed Oyster - more of a sport/tool watch look.
The head of the BLNR is so nice-it does not need anything else to distract the eye imo.

Look forward to seeing the finished product.

[dukie748]

Has anyone completely brushed a jubilee bracelet?

[TellingTime]

I’m in the brushed camp.

[learningtofly]

Quick update, as I know you guys are waiting expectantly to see the end result. Well, here it is, and I'm very pleased with the result for a minimal outlay





And a quick & dirty wrist shot

[importstunna]

Wow! That looks amazing!

[travisb]

Good call Tony! Looks great!!l

[Bladeshot]

Looks awesome!

[AML]

I was really curious to see the result as I have a BLNR as well. It looks great! And the photos too

[brandrea]

Looks great Tony,

[bbierman1982]

Looks great-kudos!

[Daytona2016]

Looks fantastic. Mine is brushed as well. And then I went a step further and created the ultimate daily wearer by purchasing a Glide-Lock and swapping that on. Have never looked back. Sporty and super comfortable. To each their own but this look fits my daily "wardrobe" and general "vibe" far better than the look of the PCL's.

[GoingPlaces]

Not a fan of modifications. I like original.