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Stainless steel link bracelet does it scratch easy?
- Thread starter Jonnyp33
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The standard SS link bracelet will scratch for sure, but you can at least restore it using a scotch-brite pad.
Space Black link bracelet owners will have to chime in after a week or so to report whether they're seeing any scratches with normal wear, but you won't be able to restore the DLC coating in the same manner.
Space Black link bracelet owners will have to chime in after a week or so to report whether they're seeing any scratches with normal wear, but you won't be able to restore the DLC coating in the same manner.
Can't answer for black, but every other stainless metal watch bracelet I've ever had will get all scratched up along the bottom, especially if like me you work at a desk or type a lot. From expensive (Concord) to cheap (Pebble Steel), they will all eventually show wear where you drag your wrist against surfaces.
This however is completely expected wear & tear.
This is so incorrect. You cannot polish or repair micro scratches with a scotch brite pad because the bracelet is Brushed Stainless, unless you're experienced with restoring SS, you might ruin it. The brushes on the stainless are actually already scratches and it's hard to match the original grain, if you use a scotch brite pad you might end up scratching it even more.
To answer your questions yes it does, mine is already scratched at the bottom, as it is with owning any stainless steel watch, once it scratches enough the scratches will blend in and it will look great.
No, I don't think that's correct. Did you even read the linked thread? There are even stainless steel scratch-b-gone kits designed to remove scratches from brushed SS appliances using various pads (including one that resembles a scotch-brite pad). The brushed grain is created onto SS from machine etching by large surfacing drums or wheels of varying grit texture. You're re-aligning the unwanted cross grain pattern (scratches) into the desired original grain pattern.
You are so right. I have polished Rolex bracelets with scotch brite pads and they come out great. This is a very common process.
Im not sure on the properties of the coating on the SB model. Stainless watch bracelets however scratch easy. Folks really need to get used to the fact that watches take a lot of abuse. They will get dinged and scratched and won't remain perfect looking.
I would think the SB model when it does scratch would be more noticable. They show more on a Spyderco knife I have that is black.
It's diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating. It'll be interesting to see how the scratch resistance translates into real-world experiences, and we'll find out from Space Black owners.
Yes. I've had my SS Link for a week now and have noticed I have scratches. I work in an office so its not like I'm doing super physical things. The scratches though are a common occurrence with these types of bands. I notice that most of the wear comes from when I'm typing on my macbook pro. Most of the scratches are on the links beneath the wrist on the pinky side.
Yes. I noticed a scratch 30 min. after first putting on my watch. I have a number of scratches now. I have other link bracelets, and I am beginning to think this one either scratches more easily, or because of its smooth surface, shows scratches more readily.
I have tried polishing the scratches out with a Scotch pad and also with mild abrasives, without success. I think I'm just going to need to learn to live with them -- part of the patina, I suppose. Anyway, so far, I can't polish them out.
I will look forward to reading how other forum members have succeeded in polishing these bracelets. There may well be a way to do it, but I have not been successful so far.
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APOLOGY -- I WAS WRONG. After writing the above, I recalled that I had a special Scotch pad that came with a good Japanese knife from Kyoto. I tried it, and the scratches came right out. So, I guess the moral is that you need the right kind of pad (the first ones I tried had no effect). The metal polishing pads are often maroon or red, if that helps finding the right pad at the hardware store. At least, the one from Kyoto is red.
I have tried polishing the scratches out with a Scotch pad and also with mild abrasives, without success. I think I'm just going to need to learn to live with them -- part of the patina, I suppose. Anyway, so far, I can't polish them out.
I will look forward to reading how other forum members have succeeded in polishing these bracelets. There may well be a way to do it, but I have not been successful so far.
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APOLOGY -- I WAS WRONG. After writing the above, I recalled that I had a special Scotch pad that came with a good Japanese knife from Kyoto. I tried it, and the scratches came right out. So, I guess the moral is that you need the right kind of pad (the first ones I tried had no effect). The metal polishing pads are often maroon or red, if that helps finding the right pad at the hardware store. At least, the one from Kyoto is red.
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Most jewelry stores have a machine that will polish/buff the bracelets and will do it, if asked nicely, for free. These scratches easily come out by professionals but are a little harder to buff the scratches out yourself.
Got my link band 11 days ago and surprise, it's scratched. It's a stainless steel band, it's going to scratch. Especially around the clasp. Anyone who spends time at a keyboard (guess that's all of you) is going to scratch an SS link band around the clasp, just accept it.
I am not a fan of re-polishing, at least around the clasp. If it's a noticeable scratch somewhere more visible and less prone to re-scratching I would, but just not worth it around the clasp for me. I have never polished my platinum wedding ring for similar reasons, it's just an item that WILL get scratched because of where you wear it.
I would still buy it again in a heartbeat
I am not a fan of re-polishing, at least around the clasp. If it's a noticeable scratch somewhere more visible and less prone to re-scratching I would, but just not worth it around the clasp for me. I have never polished my platinum wedding ring for similar reasons, it's just an item that WILL get scratched because of where you wear it.
I would still buy it again in a heartbeat