First entry level "proper watch"

[vinnie07]

Afternoon guys, I understand I run the risk of getting shot down with this one but here goes....

I have just purchased a Longines Hydroconquest watch, the centre part of the bracelet is polished stainless steel, I was wondering if a jewellers cloth or the Cape Cod polishing cloth would be a worthwhile purchase for when the inevitable surface scratches happen on the bracelet? Or would this be abrasive like polishing a car weekly etc.
I plan to wear the watch fairly often but also on meals/nights out etc so would like it to still look decent for more presentable occasions in 1-2 years time.

Would sending the watch bracelet off to get professionally polished in a year or two bring the bracelet back up to almost new standard?

Sorry the post was so long and thanks for reading

[grumbledoak]

Welcome!

I would expect it to still look good in two years even if you leave it alone. They don't stay perfect forever, but a little bit of wear and tear adds character.

[Dolf Stoppard]

Polished centre links scratch. A lot. Sorry, but it’s just one of those things. A Cape Cod cloth will work, but you’ll need to tape off the brushed links or be very careful.

A light polish every year combined with learning to live with the scratches is probably the way to go.

[trickywoo]

Dolf Stoppard said:

A light polish every year combined with learning to live with the scratches is probably the way to go.

That’s what I would do.

[Barchettaman]

First off, congratulations on a lovely watch.

If you want to keep it looking near perfect, give it a go with a cape cod cloth every few months but definitely mask off the brushed outer sections of the links with some of this stuff:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Polishing-Protect-Masking...

But you know what? Don’t sweat it. I wouldn’t really worry. It’s a tool watch, albeit quite a dressy one, and all dings and scratches tell a story of your time together. Or something like that.

[gregs656]

The links will scratch but not to the point that it would look unpresentable.

[SWoll]

Or stick it on a quality rubber/nato strap and keep the bracelet for special occasions?

The 22mm Zuludiver with deployment clasp would be a decent choice.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175627426762?hash=item2...

[Barchettaman]

Careful, it’s 19 or 21mm LW depending on model.

[SWoll]

Barchettaman said:

Careful, it’s 19 or 21mm LW depending on model.

I googled and it came back as 22mm for the hydroconquest.

Point still stands, just need to find one the right width.

[redrabbit]

Regardless of what you decide to do, great choice of watch - you are clearly a man of good taste!

[vinnie07]

Dolf Stoppard said:

Polished centre links scratch. A lot. Sorry, but it’s just one of those things. A Cape Cod cloth will work, but you’ll need to tape off the brushed links or be very careful.

A light polish every year combined with learning to live with the scratches is probably the way to go.

Cheers Dolf, I will look to buy the Cod cloth, I just wondered if using by hand is it abrasive as in could it alter the shape of the bracelet or am I safe to use every couple of months without any ill effects with regards to abrasion. Searching forums I have read conflicting things and feel maybe it's only if machine polished this can happpen?

[vinnie07]

Barchettaman said:

First off, congratulations on a lovely watch.

If you want to keep it looking near perfect, give it a go with a cape cod cloth every few months but definitely mask off the brushed outer sections of the links with some of this stuff:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Polishing-Protect-Masking...

But you know what? Don’t sweat it. I wouldn’t really worry. It’s a tool watch, albeit quite a dressy one, and all dings and scratches tell a story of your time together. Or something like that.

Thanks for the link there. I will purchase this exact tape, that looks perfect for ensuring I don't polish the brushed section

[vinnie07]

gregs656 said:

The links will scratch but not to the point that it would look unpresentable.

That's good to know I have only ever owned very cheap watches that over the years got very beat up ha ha

[vinnie07]

SWoll said:

I googled and it came back as 22mm for the hydroconquest.

Point still stands, just need to find one the right width.

Cheers for your reply. The rubber strap is a great shout for using with daily wear tbh, something I had not considered. Am I correct in thinking any strap with a 22mm lug width will fit then? The link to the strap you send from eBay looks a great shout, thanks again

[vinnie07]

redrabbit said:

Regardless of what you decide to do, great choice of watch - you are clearly a man of good taste!

Cheers redrabbit I appreciate that!

[gregs656]

Another option is to have the centre link brushed. I brushed the center link of my Mido last year, much prefer it.

[Barchettaman]

SWoll said:

I googled and it came back as 22mm for the hydroconquest.

Point still stands, just need to find one the right width.

Apologies. I had the 39mm HC, which was 19mm, then a 42mm (I think) Conquest that was 21mm. I swapped in a cheap HydroConquest Chinese bracelet with 21mm lugs for that.

Point definitely stands. Check!

[SlimJim16v]

gregs656 said:

Another option is to have the centre link brushed. I brushed the center link of my Mido last year, much prefer it.

Yes, I've done this to several bracelets. They look much better.

Oh, nice choice of watch OP.

[vinnie07]

gregs656 said:

Another option is to have the centre link brushed. I brushed the center link of my Mido last year, much prefer it.

Wow, I didn’t know that was an option!
What was the cost of that? Did your centre link totally match the outer brushed parts?
Food for thought down the line as an option

[vinnie07]

SlimJim16v said:

Yes, I've done this to several bracelets. They look much better.

Oh, nice choice of watch OP.

That’s good to know. Does it look new and natural after first completed? It could be something to look at down the line. Cheers Jim