Hypoallergenic Watch

[Tannedbaldhead]

I have developed a sudden and nasty allergic reaction to all my watches. I have nothing fancy but then again my titanium and gold Seikos and a G Shock I wear for swimming, mountain biking and intrusive surveys (sledge hammering through walls) aren't exactly cheap and nasty.
The only watch I can wear is a White plastic affair which was alright as a make-do on holiday but (even though I'm nowhere near as watch conscious as most posters on here) it's not a watch I'm going to be comfortable wearing everyday.

[andy_s]

Tannedbaldhead said:

I have developed a sudden and nasty allergic reaction to all my watches. I have nothing fancy but then again my titanium and gold Seikos and a G Shock I wear for swimming, mountain biking and intrusive surveys (sledge hammering through walls) aren't exactly cheap and nasty.
The only watch I can wear is a White plastic affair which was alright as a make-do on holiday but (even though I'm nowhere near as watch conscious as most posters on here) it's not a watch I'm going to be comfortable wearing everyday.

It's usually a Nickel allergy rather than the steel itself.

The material of the case of the watch isn't the problem, probably the case-back (and perhaps bracelet) which on some Ti watches is steel, same for the GShock I think.

One solution is getting a Ti case-backed watch(!), another, cheaper one, is using a NATO type strap (watch the buckles...) or sticking a plastic film (phone screen protector) over the case-back (if the strap is Ti/plastic).

[sad61t]

Rado have several ceramic watches (link includes filter with ceramic case and strap). There are no diver watches but the range covers dress, utility and chronograph.

I've tried one on before, and it was incredibly comfortable; the ceramic has a very different feel on the skin compared with metal bracelets.

[Beachbum]

NeMiSiS said:

Paint all metal parts of the watch that touch your skin with clear nail varnish.

I would send you some of mine but I only have glitter pink left. X

You promised me the glitter pink, after the Neon Yellow suited me so well

[Hoofy]

I believe the Rolex white gold sub will be the perfect choice for you. I found one with a 12% discount! You're welcome! http://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/rolex-submariner-18...

[Tannedbaldhead]

Hoofy said:

I believe the Rolex white gold sub will be the perfect choice for you. I found one with a 12% discount! You're welcome! http://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/rolex-submariner-18...

Sadly, white gold is an gold based alloy containing white metals possibly nickel. A better option would be yellow gold. Even then, and even at Rolex money would a watch have a pure gold inner strap, clasp and case backing?

[Hoofy]

Tannedbaldhead said:

Hoofy said:

I believe the Rolex white gold sub will be the perfect choice for you. I found one with a 12% discount! You're welcome! http://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/rolex-submariner-18...

Sadly, white gold is an gold based alloy containing white metals possibly nickel. A better option would be yellow gold. Even then, and even at Rolex money would a watch have a pure gold inner strap, clasp and case backing?

So pessimistic!

[Tannedbaldhead]

Hoofy said:

Tannedbaldhead said:

Hoofy said:

I believe the Rolex white gold sub will be the perfect choice for you. I found one with a 12% discount! You're welcome! http://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/rolex-submariner-18...

Sadly, white gold is an gold based alloy containing white metals possibly nickel. A better option would be yellow gold. Even then, and even at Rolex money would a watch have a pure gold inner strap, clasp and case backing?

So pessimistic!

Indeed. Can you imagine spunking £21k on a watch and discovering you are allergic to it?

[Gogoplata]

Perhaps this?

https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/collections/watch...

[Hoofy]

Tannedbaldhead said:

Hoofy said:

Tannedbaldhead said:

Hoofy said:

I believe the Rolex white gold sub will be the perfect choice for you. I found one with a 12% discount! You're welcome! http://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/rolex-submariner-18...

Sadly, white gold is an gold based alloy containing white metals possibly nickel. A better option would be yellow gold. Even then, and even at Rolex money would a watch have a pure gold inner strap, clasp and case backing?

So pessimistic!

Indeed. Can you imagine spunking £21k on a watch and discovering you are allergic to it?

Alright, Mr Negative!

[conkerman]

Go titanium.

I can't really wear anything else for more than a couple of hours.

[Lorne]

pocket watch? judging by your username you're tanned and bald, but if you also have a natty beard and general hipster demeanour then a pocket watch might be ideal.

[SVS]

You need a non-steel strap and a Hirsch No Allergy Watch Bottom

Alternatively, the entire Damasko range uses nickel-free steel or else go for something titanium.

[Tannedbaldhead]

My left wrist is allergic to watches and yet my right wrist isn't. Problem, for the time being and that a watch on my right wrist just does't feel right, solved

[soad]

"For nickel allergy sufferers, a watch can be a pain to find! We have a whole selection of nickel free watches for you here."
http://shop.swatch.com/en_gb/collections/metal-fre...

[SlimJim16v]

Yep, is your Ti watch 100% Ti, case back and bracelet? I have several and I think one has a stainless back and the clasp also has a stainless back.

[4737 Carlin]

SlimJim16v said:

Yep, is your Ti watch 100% Ti, case back and bracelet? I have several and I think one has a stainless back and the clasp also has a stainless back.

This. You can't be allergic to titanium, can you? Titanium is the most hypoallergenic material known to man

[Tannedbaldhead]

4737 Carlin said:

SlimJim16v said:

Yep, is your Ti watch 100% Ti, case back and bracelet? I have several and I think one has a stainless back and the clasp also has a stainless back.

This. You can't be allergic to titanium, can you? Titanium is the most hypoallergenic material known to man

My Ti watch is 100% titanium. I might not be allergic to it but as the skin on my wrist is still raw,bumpy and itchy any watch causes irritation.

Sounds petty but this is really upsetting. I'm so used to being able to glance at my left wrist and tell the time. Not wearing a watch at all makes me feel antsy and wearing it on my right wrist feels wrong.

I joked earlier in the thread about imagining how awful it would be if one became allergic to the nickel in a £20k white gold Rolex but it can happen and based on how I feel about not being able to wear a few hundred pounds worth of Seikos and a G Shock it's no bloody joke.

[lostkiwi]

Get some plastic adhesive film and attach it to the back (something like DiNoc will heat and form to the contours of the back). Not an elegant solution but at least you can wear your existing watch.