So I scratched my 2 week old SM300 :'(

Locked
Posts
27,318
Likes
69,682
I’ve been hoping - genuinely hoping - that this was an attempt at humor. Hope springs eternal. Otherwise another dumpster fire is in the offing.

This is me, properly suited up to change these super strength spring bars...



Just kidding of course...

😉
 
Posts
1,579
Likes
15,221
This is me, properly suited up to change these super strength spring bars...



Just kidding of course...

😉

I don't know how it is that more watchmakers' children aren't killed each year by errant spring bars. I often change straps on my watches, but I put on my kevlar and am prepared to extract spring bars from the drywall. As a professional and not a hobbyist, you have the correct gear. I applaud your dedication to using the correct tools.

But seriously, I read that and said to myself, "Self, he simply must be being funny. Has to be. There's no way he's seriously saying that watch lugs become deformed due to spring bars."

My fingers are crossed.
 
Posts
16,666
Likes
47,138
That looks like a scratch from strap/bracelet changes.

The lugs are very thin near the end, and a springbar popping out from the ends can do serious structural damage to the lugs. That’s why many used SM Divers have deformed lugs.

 
Posts
15,048
Likes
24,011
Pe’. Some number 40 grit sand paper will take that right out.
 
Posts
1,076
Likes
1,781
Forget all the body armor, what you really need to do is watch the eyes. You don’t want to wear an eye patch for the rest of your life!
 
Posts
1,533
Likes
3,228
LOL thanks dude!
Enjoy your watch. I went through the same process 12 years ago with my 2254.50. Now I look at scratches as evidence that the watch has been used and not been polished.
 
Posts
4
Likes
4
Enjoy your watch. I went through the same process 12 years ago with my 2254.50. Now I look at scratches as evidence that the watch has been used and not been polished.
I hear you. That said, when a watch is still relatively new it's never nice to see a ding on the case 🙁
 
Posts
1,555
Likes
3,650
Wow!

I never knew that.
Think we may need a sarcasm font Jim 😀
 
Posts
56
Likes
10
"Deformed" lugs on used watches are typically due to over polishing, not super strength spring bars...
I’ve seen a couple used examples where there was similar lug damage to the OP’s watch, and it was due to several DIY bracelet changes.



If the bracelet is removed outwards to the sides, the springbar does slightly damage the outer portion of the lug (the metal there is pretty thin).

Here’s a thread where this happens to someone (his pic below): https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/damaged-watch-lug-while-changing-strap.5052807/

This was due to the springbars pushing out on the lug as they were removed.
 
Posts
1,855
Likes
24,502
When I just had my new 124060, I dropped it on a hardwood floor from 50cm height. Then, a few weeks later, I wore it on NYE and bumped the lug.. twice..
One year, and many more scratches, later, I enjoy it much more since I’m not afraid of damaging it. So yes, it hurts for a month, maybe two, but then you will move on 😀

Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s a watch, they’re meant to be worn.

Q3ZoYuD.jpg
 
Posts
27,318
Likes
69,682
I’ve seen a couple used examples where there was similar lug damage to the OP’s watch, and it was due to several DIY bracelet changes.

Sure, spring bars can scratch if you are not careful - calling this "structural" though is really incorrect, as it cosmetic.
 
Posts
56
Likes
10
Sure, spring bars can scratch if you are not careful - calling this "structural" though is really incorrect, as it cosmetic.
It’s a dent that starts from the inner lug and manifests in the outer edge, as seen in the pic above.

Cosmetic, structural.. whatever, it’s still minor damage to both the inside and outside edge of the lug that is visible (as described by the OP of the thread linked above).
 
Posts
17,523
Likes
26,477
It’s a dent that starts from the inner lug and manifests in the outer edge, as seen in the pic above.

Cosmetic, structural.. whatever, it’s still minor damage to both the inside and outside edge of the lug that is visible (as described by the OP of the thread linked above).
🍿
 
Posts
56
Likes
10
What I meant to say is call it how you like. We’ll go with cosmetic, I couldn’t care less. It’s still lug damage and it’s happened to several SMP 300M owners, including the guy linked above.
 
Posts
17,523
Likes
26,477
What I meant to say is call it how you like. We’ll go with cosmetic, I couldn’t care less. It’s still lug damage and it’s happened to several SMP 300M owners, including the guy linked above.
Obviously, they did not have a Rolex-trained watchmaker change the bracelet.
 
Posts
56
Likes
10
🍿
Won’t be engaging with anyone here. Contact the OP on Watchuseek (link above) if you’d like to depreciate/ridicule his experience.