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Hesalite Protector - Advice for Speedy Lovers

  1. ec186709 Oct 11, 2019

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    Dear Fellow Speedy Lovers,
    So I picked up my new Speedmaster this week (on Tuesday of course) through a local AD and I am smitten. I decided to go with the Hesalite, as well, when I put it next to the Sapphire there was an obvious choice in the looks department (personal opinion of course). To be honest one of my main concerns with the Hesalite crystal was its ability to pick up scratches. I know some of you wear your scuffs like small badges of honor and some of you just Polywatch them off, but being that I had a brand new (still in the plastic) crystal I started to research alternatives for protecting my virgin lens. While looking at my Iphone I thought, “Well the screen protector on my iphone looks great, can I do something similar for my Speedy?” Upon completing several google searches I stumbled across the following youtube video:


    To sum it up quickly, he measures (using a compass) and cuts out custom templates (using index cards) for all of his watches. Then he traces around the template on a product called ArmorSuit Military Shield, and cuts out the mini-crystal protectors by hand. I figured what the hell it’s a small investment ($8 for ArmourSuit and $6 for compass on amazon) and I love a good challenge so let’s give it a try.

    I will start by saying you definitely need a steady hand and a good amount of patience. Cut it too big or don’t get it dead center and it won’t seat correctly around the dome. Cut it too short or with a wonky edge and the lines will be noticeable. There is definitely a learning curve to the process but now I have my template all set for future uses and the process down pat. It took me about 8 attempts to get it perfect (ok .. attempt 7 was 98% perfect, but being I’m a perfectionist I ripped it off and started again). I must say I think it came out looking pretty damn good. Plus, now I don’t need to worry about scratches or scuffs which gives me extra piece of mind as this watch will be my daily wearer for years to come!
     
    shot 3.jpg shot 8.jpg
    snarkq, larryganz, Walrus and 3 others like this.
  2. ahsposo Most fun screen name at ΩF Oct 11, 2019

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    Dude.

    It's Hesalite®! It can withstand the actual rays from the SUN! The vacuum of space doesn't effect Hesalite®.

    Chuck Norris is afraid of Hesalite®!
     
    Wryfox, cooljme, Vitezi and 11 others like this.
  3. STANDY schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector Oct 11, 2019

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    Show us when you scratch the hesalite protector it’s not going to look as cool as a scratched up hesalite

    246778B2-B082-4D6E-BB0B-7A7A989D76DD.jpeg
     
    mydeafcat, KstateSkier, ext1 and 4 others like this.
  4. vbrad26 Oct 11, 2019

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    That picture makes me cringe every. single. time.
    But I love it.
     
    STANDY likes this.
  5. time flies Oct 11, 2019

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    ?

    Have fun
    kfw
     
    Nathan1967 likes this.
  6. Wivac Terribly special Oct 11, 2019

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    Huh?
    20191005_144846.jpg
     
    Edited Oct 11, 2019
    Nathan1967, vbrad26 and STANDY like this.
  7. STANDY schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector Oct 11, 2019

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    How about this shot, got a new scuff at 11 now....;)
    844D4ACD-D469-4C17-ACA1-FB858972C971.jpeg
     
    mydeafcat, Wuza72, Nathan1967 and 3 others like this.
  8. Wivac Terribly special Oct 11, 2019

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    I feel a scuff fetish thread forming....
    20190812_091049.jpg
     
    mydeafcat, Nathan1967 and vbrad26 like this.
  9. STANDY schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector Oct 11, 2019

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    I do need a bezel protector at some stage......

    07CCFA7B-ABFB-4CAC-BCC7-81001230DA6E.jpeg
     
    Pun, Sidnos, time flies and 3 others like this.
  10. ahsposo Most fun screen name at ΩF Oct 11, 2019

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    Mmmmm....

    Wabi sabi....
     
    Nathan1967 likes this.
  11. vbrad26 Oct 11, 2019

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    Y'all out of control!!!
     
  12. S.H. Oct 11, 2019

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    It goes well with a vintage pocket protector and a short sleeve white shirt for the NASA engineer look :D
     
    asrnj77 and Nathan1967 like this.
  13. Togri v. 2.0 Wow! Custom title... cool Oct 11, 2019

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    You might also want to put protective shielding around the case itself as the polished stainless steel also attrach scratches. Also on the brushed sides actually as the delicate brushing pattern will slowly fade over the decades as the surface gets scratches. The bracelet clasp is however most exposed so I would definitely also but shielding on that. Bracelet also as a matter of fact.
     
    Nathan1967 likes this.
  14. asrnj77 Oct 11, 2019

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    Even a lion can’t scratch hesalite..but when a door jamb does you dab a little polywatch and it looks like new
     
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    snarkq and Nathan1967 like this.
  15. ahsposo Most fun screen name at ΩF Oct 11, 2019

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    Duct tape...
     
  16. mzinski Oct 11, 2019

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    @ec186709 I commend you on your project - well done. I don't even notice the film in the picture (as it comes up on my screen). But personally I have to agree with the theme of responses. Let the Hesalite age and wear with time.
     
  17. Dan S Oct 11, 2019

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    Why not take this to the ultimate extreme. I think @Mad Dog has the solution for this somewhere. It's a strap with a Velcro flat that completely covers the watch.
     
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  18. Evitzee Oct 11, 2019

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    It's another answer to a question no one asked. First world problems.

    I'm like Kramer, going natural and "lovin' every minute of it"

    And you are more likely to get scuffs and scratches on the clasp, then what?
     
    Edited Oct 11, 2019
  19. ec186709 Oct 11, 2019

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    Thank you!

    Dear scuff mafia, I think all of your watches look awesome as well. Just thought id put this out there for anyone who was interested.
     
  20. Martin_J_N Oct 11, 2019

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    If you're that worried about scratches on the Hesalite why not get the Sapphire version?
     
    saulgoodman and Nathan1967 like this.