Dilemna related to confort (callus caused by the crown)
My Alpina pilot watch is 41mm and has quite a protruded crown, which is to be expected for this kind of watch.
Unfortunately, my wrist has developed some sort of callus where the crown touch the back of my hand. It does not hurt or scratch, but I find it particularly thick and unaesthetic. So, I do not want to keep developing this callus, it's too big for me to accept it and it will certainly get worse and worse with time.
I have tried the usual tips without success : same issue with a NATO (just a bit less agressive, but with time resulting in the same damage), and having it above or below the bone just move the callus area, without solving it. Actually, the callus shown above the picture is the result of wearing it below the bone, which is supposed to be the best scenario. Having it above digs the hand just upper.
So I see two remaining solutions:
1) Have it on the right wrist. I am trying now. It feels awkward, not very comfortable. Do you think I am going to get used to it? I also predict more hits on the watch, as I am right handed.
2) Look for another watch (old or new). I did not have this issue with my previous Orient watch, but it was rather a dressing watch (39mm, smaller crown, 5 atm). Not sure I could find a beater (military/field/pilot) watch with 10 atm, 39mm and flat crown...
I have to mention that I like this watch on all other aspects, and above everything else, it's a gift: so that would be quite difficult to change it.
What would you do?
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Slide the watch another inch higher on your wrist.
Slide the watch another inch higher on your wrist.
Nope, did you read? I have tried it days and days, not resolving the issue.
Gotta let that heal big bro. Stay off of it completely. Get an cream so it goes away or see a dermatologist. In the future adjust the strap so the watch doesn’t slid past the wrist done. I usually do a shake test to make sure my watch can’t touch the beginning of my hand but loose enough where I don’t feel the strap or bracelet around my wrist when I flex my hand towards me.
Tighten your strap a wee bit so that the watch sits behind/before the little nub on your wrist. That way the crown won’t be able to rub your wrist area.
What about a Leather Bund lifts the watch of the wrist & you can get it with a wider pad than the width of your watch. It won't move down and the protruding leather will act as a buffer stopping the crown from resting on your hand. Super Comfortable as well.
Nope, did you read? I have tried it days and days, not resolving the issue.
Then slide it two inches up your wrist. Or three. It can’t callous your hand if it can’t touch your hand.
Option 2 unless you want to try replacing or filing down crown.
Gotta let that heal big bro. Stay off of it completely. Get an cream so it goes away or see a dermatologist. In the future adjust the strap so the watch doesn’t slid past the wrist done. I usually do a shake test to make sure my watch can’t touch the beginning of my hand but loose enough where I don’t feel the strap or bracelet around my wrist when I flex my hand towards me.
Thanks for your advises.
I agree about tightening it, but I observed that in any case, soon or later, it slides down a bit and hit that exact point again.
I would need to check it all day long, which is not possible when active.
Option 2 unless you want to try replacing or filing down crown.
I did not think it can be replaced, maybe that's a good idea.
What do you mean by "filling down" ? Pardon my ignorance, not sure if this is a joke or what.
What about a Leather Bund lifts the watch of the wrist & you can get it with a wider pad than the width of your watch. It won't move down and the protruding leather will act as a buffer stopping the crown from resting on your hand. Super Comfortable as well.
Good idea.
I am afraid to throw money away and be disappointed, bunds are not cheap.
In particular, isn't it uncomfortable with hot weather?
Tighten your strap a wee bit so that the watch sits behind/before the little nub on your wrist. That way the crown won’t be able to rub your wrist area.
Somehow it does unfortunately. I have tried all possible positions and tightening strengths already.
You how people sometimes ask if a watch is too big for them and we all say "no, you do you"? Maybe we shouldn't reflexively say that.
Live with a callous or get a new watch.
I know this sounds crazy n even probably a bane to some... But have you tried wearing it On the bone instead of the usual above or below?
Also, I think you should try both options. That way you'd likely find the solution faster...
You how people sometimes ask if a watch is too big for them and we all say "no, you do you"? Maybe we shouldn't reflexively say that.
Live with a callous or get a new watch.
Yeah. Not sure however if this is because of the size only, or the geometry, or both.
Anyway, I bought this watch at an AD and feel dispointed that at no point it was something considered in the discussion.
I know this sounds crazy n even probably a bane to some... But have you tried wearing it On the bone instead of the usual above or below?
Also, I think you should try both options. That way you'd likely find the solution faster...
Yes I tried 😢Problem is that I am a very active guy, so it never stays in place anyway, even strongly tightened.
I've worn watches for decades of work both behind a desk and in the field, and never had a callus from the crown. So, forgive me for having a hard time imagining a watch worn above the bone, and tight enough that it doesn't flop around, is causing calluses.
I wasn't trying to malign your character, simply pointing out why people are making the suggestions they are.
Since you want to be an ass, yes the watch is obviously to large for your wrists. So obviously too large, that maybe you didn't need to post about it...
Then maybe you have been lucky to get fine watches, or we have a very different anatomy. Good for you.
I am not alone : I have done my research on Internet before posting, you will find people like me having issues on Rolex forums, watchuseek, etc.
I have also had watches for decades, including larger G-Shock, and never had any issue. That's why this is something I did not think about during my purchase.
Maybe the watch is too big for my wrist, but then based on photos, that's a tendency and the case for a huge number of people.
I already said I learned my lesson about it, no problem. And note that this was not the questions of my post. If you don't like my post or the questions, you are free to pass your way without being agressive.
I'd have a doctor look at that spot. I've had a watch wear the hair off my wrist and the crown rub a raw patch but never a callous. (Both the above insults or injuries were from cheap Timex that was chrome plated brass which had been defeated by my extra corrosive sweat.)
I've had watches that were uncomfortable in some way. I won't personally change my wearing habits for 1 watch. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work. Not every watch is for every person. I've had to sell a couple I really liked, but I prioritize comfort over everything when it comes to watches.
Slide it above the bone. Just a bit higher than your photo and tighten the strap a bit so it doesn’t slide
I think you did not read my post well. I tried all possible positions. Maybe the watch is too big,
but I wore it at the most optimal, fixed position, that is under the wrist bone.
And everywhere else trying to find something that works.
I se there’s a lot of argument here, I’ll try to steer clear of that. All I can say is, from the pictures, it looks like you’re wearing your watch a lot closer to your hand than I do. I imagine this is why I’ve never had a crown dig into my skin. Good luck.
I se there’s a lot of argument here, I’ll try to steer clear of that. All I can say is, from the pictures, it looks like you’re wearing your watch a lot closer to your hand than I do. I imagine this is why I’ve never had a crown dig into my skin. Good luck.
The picture shows my old watch with which I never had an issue. It’s true I wore it close to the hand.
But I wore the bigger watch exactly like you do and it touchs exactly on the callus that was formed.
Just looking at your picture : we have a very different shape of hands, you seem to be quite tall with long arms and hands.
I have short and thick arms, big hands, wrists relatively thinner. Also I do a lot of manual work and sport implying a lot of flexibility and mobility of the hand.
Much more than the average person so it might also explain why not everyone has an issue.
I will post two pictures to prove my point tomorrow.
Gorgeous watch mate. Would be a shame to get rid of that one. I ran my watch on my right arm out of necessity a few years back after breaking my arm. If definitely feels weird changing arms at first but you will get used to it. I ran it that way for a couple of years and it just became normal.
I se there’s a lot of argument here, I’ll try to steer clear of that. All I can say is, from the pictures, it looks like you’re wearing your watch a lot closer to your hand than I do. I imagine this is why I’ve never had a crown dig into my skin. Good luck.
Here it is.
Impossible for me to go further below. Not only it looks ridiculous, but it does not hold due to the shape of my arms.
As I am a bit musucular, the diameter quickly goes from 165mm (wrist) to 190mm (arm). So it’s slippery and my bone is not protruding enough to stop it.
This picture show how during extension the crown hit exactly the callus.
So to sum up:
cannot stand lower than that
any position from here to upper creates a callus.
It works better on my right wrist, which is much larger.
A better fit visually too.
But it creates another pain, on the bone itself, and feels very uncomfortable so far (unbalanced and heavy).
I am going to keep trying for a few days and see if I can get used.
Otherwise I am afraid I am going to stop with this watch, it’s not supposed to be painful…
You nailed it. These days it’s -5°C outside and 23°C at home ! 😅
Yup there you go! Well you can always go for a bracelet that has a quick adjustment at the clasp but constantly adjusting is still annoying so maybe a band that easily expands so it shrinks and expands with the temperature better to auto adjust like this band.
Yup there you go! Well you can always go for a bracelet that has a quick adjustment at the clasp but constantly adjusting is still annoying so maybe a band that easily expands so it shrinks and expands with the temperature better to auto adjust like this band.
Good idea my friend ! I will try it.
Right hand after a day... I really want to believe this is not going to make a scar there too...
I've worn watches for decades of work both behind a desk and in the field, and never had a callus from the crown. So, forgive me for having a hard time imagining a watch worn above the bone, and tight enough that it doesn't flop around, is causing calluses.
I wasn't trying to malign your character, simply pointing out why people are making the suggestions they are.
Since you want to be an ass, yes the watch is obviously to large for your wrists. So obviously too large, that maybe you didn't need to post about it...
Watchgeek (Youtube) has a huge callus. But he probably does know his stuff on watches as much as you.
Watchgeek (Youtube) has a huge callus. But he probably does know his stuff on watches as much as you.
Get tougher skin, or maybe wear the watch above the wrist bone so it's not rubbing against your hand?
30ish years of wearing watches, no callus...
Note, I wear my watch where they are intended to be worn, above the wrist joint.
So maybe, wear it tighter and higher, or let it go. Either way, don't bother trying to make an appeal to authority by dragging some random YouTuber into it.
Get tougher skin, or maybe wear the watch above the wrist bone so it's not rubbing against your hand?
30ish years of wearing watches, no callus...
Note, I wear my watch where they are intended to be worn, above the wrist joint.
So maybe, wear it tighter and higher, or let it go. Either way, don't bother trying to make an appeal to authority by dragging some random YouTuber into it.
My point is that we all have a different anatomy and your particular case does not make it for a general rule.
You tell me not to make an argument for authority, yet you do it from the beginning with your « 30 year experience ».
I am just showing exceptions to your argument with people with at least as much experience as you.
Myself, I am beyond 40y, so I have had a few watches in my life as you can imagine. This problem is also new for me.
It’s not just me not wearing it well, or that it is too big or what else. Many people have this issue.
The watch does not work for me, period.
Unless you wear the exact same watch as me AND we have the same anatomy, I don’t see how your argument proves anything.
That said, lesson learned. I will carefully avoid this kind of crown and case shape (flat back) from now.