DLC Coated Cases: Talk to me about your experiences

[iim7v7im7]

Hi,

I am considering adding a "fun" watch to my mix that has a DLC case.





I do realize that all surface treatments can and will be scratched. But I do realize that there are differences in DLC based on process that can effect wear. I also know that there are many PVD coatings that have abraded badly over time and DLC'd bracelets that have worn (metal on metal abrasion). This watch is on a rubber strap. So where is the technology today? am I asking for trouble by buying a black DLC watch?

thanks,

Bob

[WnS]

DLC is almost impossible to scratch by abrasion, but you can damage it with impacts - it tends to chip rather than simply scratch. They tend to hold up better than black PVD.

The dial looks cool, but I find the crown is unnecessarily big.

[iim7v7im7]

Thank you.

I would love to hear from others as well about how their watches have held up to normal wear and tear?

Chronoswiss has their cases DLC'd by Argor-Aliba in Switzerland using their Dianoir (tm) process.

Argor Aljba: Watches & Jewellery

DLC is almost impossible to scratch by abrasion, but you can damage it with impacts - it tends to chip rather than simply scratch. They tend to hold up better than black PVD.

The dial looks cool, but I find the crown is unnecessarily big.

[divided]

I had a Steinhart Triton 100 DLC and it held up fine after a year and half until I sold it. The only blemish it had on the bezel was very very faint and I don't know how it got there. I did knock it on a door frame once and it showed no signs of it. Of course the watch is built like a tank. For me it held up really well, but it was on rubber and I would assume a DLC bracelet will show signs of wear much faster than the watch head.

[iim7v7im7]

Thanks for sharing your experience with DLC.

[geoffbot]

My DLC Dievas is pristine after a year - not a mark. That said I only wear it 1 in 3 days and don't subject it to much.

[CitizenM]

my cheap (I think it was $150 or something) Fossil has a black DLC coating and I've beaten the heck out of the watch in Vietnam. It definitely has a number of scratches, but for what it has been through, I'm actually pretty impressed...I think if I babied it, it could go years without a visible (steel showing through) scratch. Still I prefer exposed metal because I can refinish or just send it in and have them do it quite easily.

[iim7v7im7]

All positive experiences. I am getting the impression that the technology is robust if properly applied to the case.

[marlowe55]

My DLC coated Halios Puck has taken a scratch from a careless strap change but shows no other signs of wear or tear. My DLC NFW Autopilot hasn't a scratch or blemish and neither of these watches are safe queens.

[Cybotron]

My Ball Nighttrain is holding up well. Not a scratch or blemish of any signs.