what is the "grain" of the new Rolex models satin?

[Toivonen]

hi everyone:)
i have a question for you...

what is the "grain" of the Rolex satin for the new models?(the ones with the "vertical" satin:supercased,new gmts,new air kings,new explorers...)
it seem to be "smoother" in relationship with the old models satin..

i mean this
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/w.../rolexexpc.jpg

is it 220?

thank you!

[Rikki]

I don't know the exact grit because I don't use sandpaper I use rubber carbide wheels of differing grades. The older style I use course Brightboys green in color and the new style I use the white carbide medium. Hope that helps Rikki

[Toivonen]

Originally Posted by Rikki

I don't know the exact grit because I don't use sandpaper I use rubber carbide wheels of differing grades. The older style I use course Brightboys green in color and the new style I use the white carbide medium. Hope that helps Rikki

first of all...thank you...
it's for the everyday maintenance,not for professional job:)
i read everything possible on scotchbrites e co :) ,but i would like to know exactly what grain rolex use in the new models...i think it is something in the 220-400 range,someone told me 220 "according to rolex papers",someone told me that 220 maybe it's still too "low"...

[Rikki]

I would think 320 or 400 would be more applicable. Rikki

[DDG]

In your photo, the lugs look sanded rather than brushed. On the older watches where the grain on the lugs is at an angle, it looks like it was ground in the manufacturing process rather than sanded or brushed. Then maybe lightly polished after that. Grinding would have to be a one time machining process, not something you could do freehand for touch up work.

[Toivonen]

Originally Posted by DDG

In your photo, the lugs look sanded rather than brushed. On the older watches where the grain on the lugs is at an angle, it looks like it was ground in the manufacturing process rather than sanded or brushed. Then maybe lightly polished after that. Grinding would have to be a one time machining process, not something you could do freehand for touch up work.

my photo is an original rolex image:) and we all know that are not sanded but brushed(satin).i am not talking about the old style models which had an angular satin on the lugs..i am talking about the new models with the linear one...

i found some rolex papers online,but no one talks about the raccomandations for the services...in an italian forum a forumer told me 220 "according to rolex papers"...i only want some feed from you:)

can a little touch be made with the classic scotch brite?(air king 114200 model)

[Fifth Ave Rolex Man]

Not sure my friend....

[Rikki]

the problem is once you start the refinish unless it's exactly the same it won't look right and all the lugs would have to be done. there are variances in the same product let alone a different one. When you use a carbide silicone wheel the first time the fininsh will be slightly different the 5th time. Hope that helps it's all about blending and subtleties. Rikki

[Toivonen]

thanks to all...my question born from what have told me about the rolex papers,i think the rolex service papers because i've not found nothing about the "grain" in some rolex technical pages of some "new rolex range" models(deep sea,gmtc etc)...
so...i've asked her if someone has all the rolex documentation about that kind of operations...:)

[Toivonen]

thanks to all...my question born from what have told me about the rolex papers,i think the rolex service papers because i've not found nothing about the "grain" in some rolex technical pages of some "new rolex range" models(deep sea,gmtc etc)...
so...i've asked her if someone has all the rolex documentation about that kind of operations...:)

[Rikki]

No problem at all No problem at all hehe

[Toivonen]

Originally Posted by Rikki

No problem at all No problem at all hehe

hope that someone here has that rsc papers

[sdwtchlvr]

Sorry to jump on this thread but can anybody offer what wheel/technique is used to achieve the older diagonal brushed pattern for the lugs? Is it a pad or wheel that is used? It is clearly more corse than the bracelet finish. I would love to know. Thanks!

[DDG]

Originally Posted by sdwtchlvr

Sorry to jump on this thread but can anybody offer what wheel/technique is used to achieve the older diagonal brushed pattern for the lugs? Is it a pad or wheel that is used? It is clearly more corse than the bracelet finish. I would love to know. Thanks!

I've looked at some of mine that still have the factory finish, with a 10x loupe, and It still looks to me like they are ground to start with. Grinding is the most accurate machining method there is, down to micro inches, and there are hundreds of different grades of abrasives. This might be a machining process instead of free hand. Then, later when a watch is refinished, the same ground finish looks more like it's done with a small belt sander maybe on a jig, so that it gets the curve just right and does not round the lugs off. Same contour & angle, just a different refinishing method. As for "brushed" I just don't think so. I've seen the same thing done with rubberized grit wheels, and it too looks slightly different than the factory finish.

[Etur]

Looks to me like Artifex 150 or 250

[Toivonen]

Originally Posted by Etur

Looks to me like Artifex 150 or 250

no,it's finer with no doubt