redwatch Posted October 19, 2011 Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 Ok so we see this all the time: List of mods..... bracelet softened. I know what they are referring to. Rep bracelets typically are quite sharp on the edges everywhere and definitely not gen like. What I'd like to know is, what is involved in softening the bracelet? Filing down the edges? Sanding down the edges? Putting down feathers on the edges? Anyone have any good tutorials on how to soften the edges of a bracelet? I have some good tuts on lubing them etc, but I haven't been able to see one on how to soften it. Thanks folks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmb Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 I just hit all of the "edges" with some 600 grit paper wrapped around a paint stir stick... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwatch Posted October 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 Perfect! Thanks J! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 .....or you can take it to the next level. If a watch is a favorite companion then it's going to get worn a lot. So I've come up with some tricks to loosen it up some. I don't mean loose like falling-off-the-wrist loose, I mean loose like it's got some stretch to it. I took brand new Yuki 7206 bracelet and worked it over to make it look and feel like it's 40 years old. Today I had that gen watch and Yuki bracelet in my Rolex AD getting the crown replaced and he totally believed it was a genuine vintage 7206. When I told him it was an aftermarket bracelet he refused to believe me. Anyway the trick is to use an abrasive metal polishing paste like Flitz. You work it into the bracelet, getting it well down into all of the links. Then hold the ends of the bracelet in each hand and give it a twist along its length and flex all the links of the bracelet up and down pretty hard. Then mash more abrasive paste into the links and twist the other direction, and flex the links up and down a bunch more. Keep doing this, and you will introduce looseness in all of the link joints. When you are done it will look exactly like the bracelet is stretched. Of course the abrasive paste will polish the outer surface of the bracelet while you work it so you need to add some character when you are done. Use your imagination. If you overdo it you can polish it again with the Flitz and you can "brush" it again with a 3M scrubbie pad. Don't forget to add some "age" to the clasp too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HauteHippie Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 It's either when you soften the edges to simulate wear, or when you soak the bracelet in stool softener dissolved in solution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxman Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 It's either when you soften the edges to simulate wear, or when you soak the bracelet in stool softener dissolved in solution. "Stool softener" now thats a new one I guess It falls under the same principles as mineral/castrol oil. DAM....now I have run to the bathroom. Mi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 Cleanup on aisle three! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxman Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 Cleanup on aisle three! ..and four Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slask111 Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 Rock N Roll oil! Thnx for the tip on the 600 grit paper idea. My n00b bracelet is killing my gf`s arms. Man thoose edges are sharp! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txrob779 Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 Good advice...I have "softened" all my Oyster bracelets on my belly buttons..(Rolex, cause everyone got one) I used 600 grit wet sandpaper wrapped around a paint brush as well....then finish op the conditioning with grey 000 synthetic steel wool, it looks like Scotch Brite...then I rub in a lot of silicone lube and just work it. Be sure to brush the 000 with the grain of the brushed bracelet and then just keep after it...I often lie in bed and use my fingers to rub the edges as often as I can and sooner than later I break in the bracelet just fine. Happy Repping, Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jkay Posted October 22, 2011 Report Share Posted October 22, 2011 Is there a palpable difference between buying a pack of emery boards and wrapping sandpaper around a stick? It seems to me that the board is easier to control as it's a cohesive unit, and not ... paper wrapped on a stick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asf Posted October 22, 2011 Report Share Posted October 22, 2011 I use a dremel with the SS brushing head to brush the edges just to cut the sharpness down Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmb Posted October 22, 2011 Report Share Posted October 22, 2011 I don't know that "emery boards" are available in a grit fine enough to do anything other than serous material removal. But, if there were they would be perfect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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