vibramute64 Posted July 28, 2013 Report Share Posted July 28, 2013 Ok, pretty bummed...went to wear my beautiful TC Sub yesterday and to my surprise, rust on the bracelet! I've never wore this diving, in the shower, or in the rain. It's been hot and sticky (typical Chicago summer) but I'm very good about wiping down my watches after wearing them. It's been in rotation with a few other watches, none of the others are showing any rust. I can't say enough about the watch otherwise. It's stunning, but this rust is not acceptable. Can anybody offer advise as to how to remove the rust? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSTEEL Posted July 28, 2013 Report Share Posted July 28, 2013 (edited) I take it you emailed Thomas first before posting this thread? What did he say about this? Are the area of the link sides polished, or brushed? If polished, cape cod will get that off. Edited July 28, 2013 by SSTEEL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
live1 Posted July 28, 2013 Report Share Posted July 28, 2013 jesus stainless steel shouldn't rust Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vibramute64 Posted July 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2013 I bought the watch used of another forum. It was a week old. If I had purchased directly from TC, I'd try to get it exchanged for another. I'm really just looking for advise how to remove the rust (if possible) and also to see if others have run into the same problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSTEEL Posted July 28, 2013 Report Share Posted July 28, 2013 jesus stainless steel shouldn't rust Exactly, I am guessing its dirt, not rust, and the moisture in the air has possibly caused sweating in the watchbox? I too rub down my watches, but do also ensure any polished areas are left with a mirror finish, and don't touch my watch with my fingers/skin when putting in my box, I put gloves on, sounds anal I know, but thats me. Does sound crazy though this rust like residue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSTEEL Posted July 28, 2013 Report Share Posted July 28, 2013 (edited) I bought the watch used of another forum. It was a week old. If I had purchased directly from TC, I'd try to get it exchanged for another. I'm really just looking for advise how to remove the rust (if possible) and also to see if others have run into the same problem. I already advised you to use Cape Cod to remove it. Seeing as you purchased it from M2M, maybe ask the seller if they swapped the bracelet for an inferior one, and fitted the TC clasp to it. Edited July 28, 2013 by SSTEEL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vibramute64 Posted July 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2013 This is the V4 bracelet btw... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vibramute64 Posted July 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2013 I already advised you to use Cape Cod to remove it. Seeing as you purchased it from M2M, maybe ask the seller if they swapped the bracelet for an inferior one, and fitted the TC clasp to it. The seller has over 20 positive feedbacks and is generally regarded as 'one of the good guys' around here and a few other places. He didn't mention a thing about bracelet swapping so I'd say that is VERY doubtful. The watch was sold to me exactly as he got it from TC, the only mod being a gen insert. I didn't see anything about cape cod in your other posts. I will give it a try (but first I have to get some). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSTEEL Posted July 28, 2013 Report Share Posted July 28, 2013 I have pointed Thomas to this thread, as this is the first I have seen on any TC Sub. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ephry73 Posted July 28, 2013 Report Share Posted July 28, 2013 Should not rust. I have taken several TC bracelets (93160 and 93250 all versions) diving is salt water with no issues. Not even rinsing for hours afterwards. Could just be oxidized dirt. 3m green pad to rebrush if needed. Soak the bracelet in soapy water an let it sit. Then use a gentle nail brush and see what happens. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ceocorona Posted July 28, 2013 Report Share Posted July 28, 2013 I have a V4 bracelet and have soaked, washed, and oiled the bracelet with no issues. I live in Florida by the beaches. Hard pressed to find more humid conditions then my backyard. I'd follow the above suggestions to take care of the issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSTEEL Posted July 28, 2013 Report Share Posted July 28, 2013 Just a thought, is your watch storage box a cheap type, with thin, clear plastic display top? If so, these are quite dusty inside due to the cheap material used in the lining of it. I purchased one myself, and when it arrived, the inside was caked with fibres/dust from the material. Had to use a can of air to clear it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panerai153 Posted July 28, 2013 Report Share Posted July 28, 2013 Looks more like dirt. I've never had a TC watch or bracelet, but I've probably had a hundred + SS bracelets, and I wear them everywhere, in every condition. mine have been immersed or covered in salt water, grease, gas, diesel, cow sh*t, you name it, plus dust, dirt sweat and maybe a few tears!! Everything from Scuba to repairing farm machinery. I've had then look like this one, but a good scrubbing with warm soapy water and a brush does the trick. I have never seen stainless steel rust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ceocorona Posted July 28, 2013 Report Share Posted July 28, 2013 Looks more like dirt. I've never had a TC watch or bracelet, but I've probably had a hundred + SS bracelets, and I wear them everywhere, in every condition. mine have been immersed or covered in salt water, grease, gas, diesel, cow sh*t, you name it, plus dust, dirt sweat and maybe a few tears!! Everything from Scuba to repairing farm machinery. I've had then look like this one, but a good scrubbing with warm soapy water and a brush does the trick. I have never seen stainless steel rust. Cow sh*t huh? I bet there's a hell of a story there. Haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imajedi Posted July 28, 2013 Report Share Posted July 28, 2013 I wear mine in the ocean all the time and never wipe it off and have never seen a spec of rust. I've even filled the bezel with sand and salt body surfing and left it for weeks before taking it apart to remove it...no rust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danielv2000 Posted July 28, 2013 Report Share Posted July 28, 2013 I had a WM9 two-tone sitting in a beautiful box. First time I took it out, I noticed it had tarnished. Put it back in the box and a couple of weeks later, I took out and more tarnish! I was shocked!! I cleaned it with some product I forget the name and since then, I keep that watch in a Rolex green pouch. Have never seen a spec of tarnish on it since. Strangely, I think it was the box! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geof3 Posted July 29, 2013 Report Share Posted July 29, 2013 Stainless steel does rust, look at the numerous roles cases with pits under the bezel, or caseback. Although that may be more of a metal to metal contact issue. Either way, I agree with the rest, if its stainless you won't see surface rust occurring like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jkay Posted July 29, 2013 Report Share Posted July 29, 2013 Use Cape Cod polishing/cleaning cloth very lightly on brushed metal. It will polish away the brushed texture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erict719 Posted July 29, 2013 Report Share Posted July 29, 2013 That doesn't look like v4, v4 back sel doesn't fit as well.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vibramute64 Posted July 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2013 Should not rust. I have taken several TC bracelets (93160 and 93250 all versions) diving is salt water with no issues. Not even rinsing for hours afterwards. Could just be oxidized dirt. 3m green pad to rebrush if needed. Soak the bracelet in soapy water an let it sit. Then use a gentle nail brush and see what happens. This is what I'm looking for. Will take your advise and report back. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TT88 Posted July 29, 2013 Report Share Posted July 29, 2013 I have such problems before, but only on cheapie bracelets. They will come back even after cleaning, as it's the solid links and bars that are rusted inside. Hope you can get this fix easily. Sent from my Bezel using a 116610 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highoeyazmuhudee Posted July 29, 2013 Report Share Posted July 29, 2013 could be impurities and minerals in the metal. try some "CLR" see if it wipes away, if it wipes its just impurities Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgtguk Posted July 29, 2013 Report Share Posted July 29, 2013 Never had any of mine do this mate and like the other guys have said mine have been in and out of salt water too I agree just use soap and water mate it will come off, cc will affect the brushed finish on the sides, if you can give it a good clean with a microfibre towel too to dry it that should be all you need to do my watchboxes are both pretty good but I do have a couple sachets of silica gel in each of them just to be safe. You'll find it's just got a bit 'sweaty' in the box thats all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vibramute64 Posted August 1, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2013 *Update* I was able to clean the bracelet. It took a fine scratch remover that I use on my car called Scratch-X for lubricant (just the smallest dab) and a 3M synthetic steel wool pad (0000 fine). I masked the top and bottom of the bracelet with painters tape so only the effected edges were exposed and brushed it until the crud was gone then buffed it with a microfiber cloth. I have to say, it really looked like surface rust to me. I've done my share of crudding up a bracelet and it never looked like this. Had it been dirt/sweat, my finger nail should have been able to get it to budge and a damp cloth with some elbow grease should have removed it.....I'll say the verdict is still out as I continue to wear it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtiis Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Ziebart is your friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.