Is Polishing Really That Hard? With These 8 Tools, You Can Do It Too!

Is Polishing Really That Hard? With These 8 Tools, You Can Do It Too!

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Before diving into the polishing process, let’s chat about Rolex’s Oyster bracelets. The Oyster bracelet is one of the most iconic and versatile Rolex bands, featured in both sports and dress models. Today, we’ll focus on the steel versions.

Steel Oyster bracelets are almost ubiquitous on Rolex sports models, such as the Daytona and Air-King, and even on many Datejust (DJ) models, which traditionally featured Jubilee bracelets. Oyster bracelets come in two main finishes: fully brushed or a mix of polished center links and brushed outer links. For example, the Submariner and Explorer have fully brushed finishes, while Daytona and GMT-Master feature polished center links. This mixed finish adds a touch of elegance, making them visually striking and upscale. Even dressier DJ models, such as 116234 and 116200, now feature this mixed finish, making the polished center link a hallmark of modern Rolex design.

Rolex Explorer, Submariner, and Other Oyster Models

Images of 116234, 116200, Air-King, Daytona

Introducing the Star of the Day: Rolex 114300

Released in 2015, the 114300 is an entry-level Oyster Perpetual with a simple and timeless design. On a laid-back weekend afternoon, I decided to give my 114300 a personalized touch, inspired by the polished center links of the 116200. This involved polishing the center links of the bracelet, clasp, and lugs.

🛠 Tools Needed for the Project

• Rolex 114300
• Small bench vise
• Watch repair stand
• Bracelet removal tools
• Handheld electric polishing machine
• Wool polishing heads
• Two grades of polishing paste (W2.5 and W1.5)
• Masking tape
• Cotton swabs

Step 1: Setting Up Your Workstation

Fix the bench vise securely. A stable base is crucial for precise polishing. My trusty small vise, a companion through many model-building projects, worked perfectly.

Step 2: Disassemble the Watch

Break it down into three components: watch head, bracelet, and clasp. This allows for detailed and isolated polishing of each part. To avoid scratches from direct contact with the vise, line the vise jaws with masking tape.

Step 3: Preparing the Bracelet

Secure the bracelet in the vise, ensuring it’s tightly clamped and properly aligned for even polishing. Use masking tape to cover the brushed outer links, leaving the center links exposed.

Step 4: Applying Polishing Paste

Two types of paste are used:

• W2.5: 9000–10000 grit, for initial polishing of hard metal surfaces.
• W1.5: 12000–13000 grit, for final mirror-like finishes.

Apply W2.5 paste evenly with a cotton swab to the center links.

Step 5: Polishing the Bracelet

Fit a bullet-shaped wool polishing head onto the electric polisher. Gently move the polisher over the bracelet’s surface, ensuring even contact and avoiding excessive pressure. After polishing, clean the surface to reveal the smooth finish.

Step 6: Finishing with W1.5 Paste

Using the same method, polish again with W1.5 paste for a mirror-like shine. The results are transformative.

Step 7: Repeat for Each Bracelet Link and Clasp

This step requires patience and precision. Each link and clasp section is polished in the same manner, ensuring a consistent and professional finish.

Step 8: Polishing the Lugs

Lugs are tricky due to their irregular shape and proximity to the bezel. Switch to a cylindrical wool polishing head, allowing precise access around the bezel edges. Secure the watch head using a repair stand clamped in the vise, and mask off the bezel with tape.

Final Touch: Ultrasonic Cleaning

After polishing, microscopic metal particles and paste residue may remain in bracelet crevices. Use an ultrasonic cleanerfor thorough cleaning, but avoid immersing the watch head if it’s not water-resistant.

Reassembly and the Finished Look

Reattach the polished bracelet to the watch head, and voilà! A personalized 114300 with a stunning new finish. Would you like a similar transformation for your watch?

Interactive Question

Which part of your watch would you most like to modify? Comment below! 🕰️