Wearing a Rolex while hammering a nail

[Patton250]

In an attempt not to make anybody feel uncomfortable I would like to ask this question in a non-offensive way generally acceptable to the world community.

Can Rolex watches handle sharp and consistent impacts over time? Impacts somewhat similar to hammering nails or perhaps hitting a baseball with a baseball bat? Thank you

[Easy Rhino]

Yes, I wear mine while hammering (although on my left wrist and I wield a hammer with my dominant {right} hand).

I also wear my sub while using a hammer drill or electric impact hammer, when doing masonry, and while catching a football.

[bdex75]

I would say that there may be some effects but nothing that proper maintenance would not set straight. Like maybe screws that need to be snugged etc??? Just don't use it as the hammer.

Maybe a watchmaker will come along and answer the question for you.

I wear mine doing pretty much everything and don't worry about it.

If I am thinking ahead and am going to be doing something that would just punish one of my nice watches I will throw a GShock on.


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[Patton250]

Originally Posted by Easy Rhino

Yes, I wear mine while hammering (although on my left wrist and I wield a hammer with my dominant {right} hand).

I also wear my sub while using a hammer drill or electric impact hammer, when doing masonry, and while catching a football.

That is very cool. It would be interesting to hear from somebody that takes these things apart if they notice more damage to the internal parts from people that use them the way you just described.

[tylerad1]

I wouldn't risk it. Even if the watch is tough enough to take it, why risk it? I have no need to wear my Daytona while replacing siding on my house.

[crowncollection]

It can take it however presumably it's one nail. If your working all day doing this I would take it off as your likely to bang it on something doing manual work.


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[TimeRookie]

Regardless of brand, I have worn my automatic watches to hammer, chainsaw, hammer-drilled, jig-sawed, shovelled, cut lumber, split wood and fired hundreds of thousands of shotgun shells. All without harm or effecting the timekeeping. Your watch will be fine or it needs service. They are meant to be worn, not looked at.

[Porter]

As more impacts receiving the watch more suffering for the movement. Will resist? Yes but not forever. Necessary? No
Example: driving a Porsche carrera along a shabby road? You can do it. Will resist? Yes but many pieces will suffer so at the end something will be broken. Necessary? No. Take another road or buy a JEEP.

[Sublover2166]

Originally Posted by Patton250

In an attempt not to make anybody feel uncomfortable I would like to ask this question in a non-offensive way generally acceptable to the world community.

Can Rolex watches handle sharp and consistent impacts over time? Impacts somewhat similar to hammering nails or perhaps hitting a baseball with a baseball bat? Thank you

I know what you are implying as the other thread got removed quickly.
No, I would not subject my watch to such recoil. The rotor axle and it's jewel are the Achilles heel of the movement and you are risking a part breakage.
Rikki the watchmaker has told me he gets lots of watches with broken axles from activities such as playing golf and such.

[DPE]

I think a hammer will work best !

[Easy Rhino]

Originally Posted by Sublover2166

No, I would not subject my watch to such recoil. The rotor axle and it's jewel are the Achilles heel of the movement and you are risking a part breakage.
Rikki the watchmaker has told me he gets lots of watches with broken axles from activities such as playing golf and such.

This is not an unreasonable position. Full disclosure: my Sub is on its way to the Rik this week for what is most probably a damaged rotor axle and jewel. I have not spared my Rolex any shocks to which I have myself been exposed. I don't counsel abuse, but I do believe in a robust life for my Sub, as it is not a dainty or fragile watch.

[2Redbulls]

Same here, I've hammered, played tennis (for years), wrenched, swam, golfed, showered, you name it with a Rolex. Never had any issues.

[ref1655]

the bracelet type has a lot to do with your avoiding potential mishaps as well. there's nothing like watching your wristwatch fly off when the clasp disengages due to the shock or impact of striking something. I imagine the Submariner bracelet is best suited for this kind of activity as you have the added security of a secondary clasp.

on the other hand, the less continuous & violent shock you subject your watch to...the better it will stay in adjustment.

[Farley Grudge]

I used to be a mechanic and I wore mine while using an impact gun and impact ratchet with no adverse affects...

[carwash66]

Rotated my 16613 & 16803 for over 10 years during competitions that resulted in thousands of incidences of recoil/impact per week. Finally, after all that, sent the 16613 for service and the rotor axle had to be replaced. Worth it for me because I buy watches to wear them.

[UNLVino]

I typically do not wear mine when hammering a nail - no need to subject it to the recoil

[Punishher7]

I wear mine while shooting pool, shooting craps, shooting free throws. I think it can stand up to all kinds of activities.

[Chadridv]

As others have mentioned hammering a nail of two won't do anything. My guess, if anything, working in professional contracting as a hammerer, is likely not great for the watch. IMO I would take off my Rolex if it were gonna be a 9-5 of hammering nails all day.

[Farley Grudge]

Originally Posted by Punishher7

I wear mine while shooting pool, shooting craps, shooting free throws. I think it can stand up to all kinds of activities.

I wonder if would hold up if you were a roofer...using s nail gun all day. Hmmm...

[Old Expat Beast]

From 1954...

[Tools]

Different shocks and shock loading will affect a watch differently..

Hammering a nail is an impact shock where the nail/wall has no significant give and so the shock to both the hand, arm, and watch will be significant.

If it is a shock load where the wrist and arm are able to move more freely, or move through the impact or recoil from the impact, such as batting a ball or tennis, the shock load would be spread over the entire movement and very little shock load would be seen.

Repeated hammering of the watch parts, such as jogging every day with a loose watch, will result in more damage over time than the aforementioned recoil from a tennis stroke (or whatever).

[opaline460]

But why?

[carwash66]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

From 1954...

Great vintage ad!
The way I look at it, my Rolex and Tudor can handle a lot more than my body can. I don't want to bang them into hard objects and/or carelessly scratch them, however they are tougher than I am. Full disclosure, I do have a tad more wrist awareness now that I found TRF.

[carwash66]

Originally Posted by Tools

Different shocks and shock loading will affect a watch differently..

Hammering a nail is an impact shock where the nail/wall has no significant give and so the shock to both the hand, arm, and watch will be significant.

If it is a shock load where the wrist and arm are able to move more freely, or move through the impact or recoil from the impact, such as batting a ball or tennis, the shock load would be spread over the entire movement and very little shock load would be seen.

Repeated hammering of the watch parts, such as jogging every day with a loose watch, will result in more damage over time than the aforementioned recoil from a tennis stroke (or whatever).

This. Well put.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

From 1954...

[Patton250]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

From 1954...

Awesome. Thank you for sharing that.

[SpaceWanderer]

There's a huge difference between "babying" a watch and abusing it for no reason. Put it in your pocket. My watches get enough trauma without being hammered. When I'm using a chainsaw, the watch goes in my pocket. Yes, it does take about 30 seconds of effort, but, somehow, I've learned to cope. Of course, some people ride the clutch and brakes, too, and bitch when they have to have expensive service done every 10,000 miles.

[Rockrolex]

I would not use the watch to hammer a nail. In fact, why don't you send it to me for safekeeping while you do all those strenuous tasks.

[sillo]

The better question is can you use your Rolex to hammer the nail?

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Easy Rhino

Yes, I wear mine while hammering (although on my left wrist and I wield a hammer with my dominant {right} hand).

I also wear my sub while using a hammer drill or electric impact hammer, when doing masonry, and while catching a football.

I can't understand how it could possibly be affected if on the arm which isn't doing the hammering unless some ones a really bad aim. In that case a different past time is in order.


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