My (Novel?) Bracelet Lubrication Method

[themaxx25]

I too only purchased one tube of grease, was wondering if I purchased enough. I have the 3 pack in cart as well.

 

[bechtolb]

I used 91% isopropyl, but I think my mixing equipment could have been the problem lol

Haha! I will say, it does take a decent amount of mixing. With one being so thin and the other being so viscous, they don't want to mix easily. I use a popsicle stick, and it takes some vigorous mixing for maybe a minute or two to get them to a homogeneous mixture.

I'm so happy this is getting so much engagement and that others are trying it as well. I'm sure as more people try this, we'll work out the bugs together

 

[bechtolb]

I too only purchased one tube of grease, was wondering if I purchased enough. I have the 3 pack in cart as well.

In the photos I've posted, that's almost the full tube of grease, but not the whole thing. I'm pretty careful to squeeze as much excess off the bracelet back into the container, and I have been able to lubricate maybe 3 bracelets before needing to add more. But if you're planning on doing more than a couple bracelets, or more importantly, if you're using a larger container, probably a good idea to get more than one tube. My container is just big enough for the bracelet, so I'm able to submerge it with a relatively small volume. If your container is longer/wider, you'll need more to fully submerge it.

 

[themaxx25]

I found the smallest glass container at the Container Store. I also went with the 2qt versus 1.2qt Vacuum chamber, just in case I find other issues for it.

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[Cigar_Guy97]

Haha! I will say, it does take a decent amount of mixing. With one being so thin and the other being so viscous, they don't want to mix easily. I use a popsicle stick, and it takes some vigorous mixing for maybe a minute or two to get them to a homogeneous mixture.

I'm so happy this is getting so much engagement and that others are trying it as well. I'm sure as more people try this, we'll work out the bugs together

Dude, what you have discovered with this method is seriously a big step forward in the bracelet improvement department!
This doesn't apply for plated bracelets, but if you get some sandpaper (I haven't really discovered what the best grit to use is yet) and refinish the bracelet, clean it very well, and then do this method, it just totally transforms the cheap feeling!!!
I am so glad I found this information you put so much effort into!
My wife came home Saturday afternoon to find me in our bathroom with a vacuum pump, disassembled watches, and mixing a (unknown to her) substance together, all she could say is, "what the fu*k are you doing right now?"
I just laughed and said "science, kind of!"

 

[orca1993]

I found that mixing the silicone grease and 99% alcohol works best if added to a mason jar and shake for a few seconds. That way you can add the alcohol as needed to get the viscosity that you desire and it mixes very well. When done, just pour what you need into the vacuum jar. The food vacuum works just fine.

 

[orca1993]

And you end up with a place to store the mixture until next time.

 

[pack11]

I plan to use this procedure on a brand new VSF Submariner.

Do you recommend to use this procedure directly after unwrapping the bracelet or would you recommend to clean the bracelet in a ultrasonic cleaner first?

Thanks for your recommendation!

 

[Perpetuum]

I would ALWAYS clean the new bracelets with ultrasonic first... once you have seen what comes out of the first cleaning, you don't want to wear them anymore otb

 

[EarlOfBacon]

I love the technical thinking that’s gone into this, to come up with this equipment and methodology deserves an award.

Like this !
Take of my hat @bechtolb, this is what make this community outstanding.
Thanks for sharing ...

 

[bechtolb]

I plan to use this procedure on a brand new VSF Submariner.

Do you recommend to use this procedure directly after unwrapping the bracelet or would you recommend to clean the bracelet in a ultrasonic cleaner first?

Thanks for your recommendation!

Yeah probably a good idea to clean it first

 

[Breachie365]

OP this is an amazing read. Really well thought through and explained - thank you! I’M going to experiment with this in the Uk as the new owner of a VSF sub. Has anyone here tried similar in the UK? Grateful for advice from any brits on cost effective equipment.

 

[Aaafff]

Thanks for sharing.