I'm a desk diver, which means my bracelet clasps take a beating over time - rubbing on my desktop, laptop, etc.. For many years I've been using a product to protect my clasps, and sometimes my caseback, that far exceeds anything else I've tried. We all know leaving the factory protective stickers on our watches is both useless and looks bad. Instead, I use 3M Scotchguard Film. It's sometimes called "Clear Bra", or "3m Paint Protective Film". Some of you have used it on your cars to protect the paint finish. I first started using this on my motorcycles 15 years ago, and the stuff is amazing: its completely clear, sticks like crazy, easily pulls off without damage, and lasts practically forever. Nobody will even see it. It's around 8mil thick. I've had it on one motorcycle 15 years and it looks the same as the day I applied it.

A guy on EbayPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network sells 3" x 3" squares for $3, which is perfect for wrist watch applications. Sure, you can buy larger rolls, but you'll never use it all.

I cut a piece to fit my clasp, stick it on, then trim it with an exacto. I also apply a 3" square to the top of my laptop case where my wrist naturally lays for anytime I'm wearing a watch without the film.

 

Well, you could leave your watch in the box and never wear it..... that would certainly avoid scratches.

 

I realize I'm going to get some less than enthusiastic responses. I'm sure there have already been a few , and a few But, I think there are a few other anal retentives out there like me, who figure: why gratuitously scratch up your clasp if you don't have to, especially titanium.

I'm all for adding "character" to a watch over time... take it for what its worth, which is about $2.75

 

brill

 

I think it's a great idea for those who prefer to keep their watches in pristine condition for as long as possible. And believe me, you have plenty of company in that regard!

In fact, IMO you are well within the boundaries of what passes for rational behavior in the WIS world.

There are limits however....please...don't cross the line.

 

There was a guy from TimeZone who covered his watch in some sort of transparent glue as a protective shell....

 

He probably wore two condoms, just to be sure!

If it's not a daily wearer, don't wear it for Chris'sakes!

 

It reminds me of the plastic wrapped couch at my grandmother's house back in the mid 1970's.

 

caseback sticker is all i go with.
(unfortunately, they are a little stubborn sticking to raised logos)
the bracelets are easily refinished
with scotchbrite

 

Being anal retentive is knowing that there is no hyphen between it! Buy two bracelets, one to wear & one to never use.

 

I just want to know why? Resale value? Perfectionsism?
For what it's worth, I even drive my car on dirt roads!

 

I'm with you on this one repoman. If there's a "reasonable" way to prevent scratches, then I say why not. I wish thoughts about this would go into the original design, i.e why make polished center links? Driving me nuts with my new AT, but I resolved to say f-it and let the bracelet get scratched to high heaven. I just wish that the replacement bracelets didn't cost more than in an get a decent microbrand watch but, meh.

 

.

 

Ah yes, the infamous "Elmers' glue" solution...some days I miss TZ....okay not really.

 

It's not just the clasp that gets damaged by desk diving. On watches that are older and worn quite a bit, I can tell if the person wears it on their left or right wrist based on how the top surfaces of the bracelet links are worn...

 

does anyone else find that modern omega clasps are much more prone to scuffs and scratches than their vintage ones?
is the stainless steel softer these days?

 

My PreBond Seamaster's clasp scratches just from looking at it. Oh well. Whatever.

For the record, i don't find any fault with someone protecting their clasp.