Watch Allergy: Identifying Metals & Safe Solutions

Question
QUESTION: Hello

I was given a watch for a birthday last year, and I was able to wear it without any problems for around 7 weeks before I started having reactions to it, and I subsequently stopped wearing it. I told a freind about it and he said putting talcum powder on the watch would help. I know rhodium also helps but don't know any jewellers that would plate the watch with it. Thanks in advance.

ANSWER: Matthew,

I do not know what metal the watch and band are made of.  A rhodium plate would be the best answer if the band and case are metals which will accept the plate.  Gold items may certainly be plated readily with no need for an in-between plate of copper or another metal, including and especially white gold.  As for base metals which are not precious metals, you are likely out of luck in finding a jeweler to rhodium plate the watch.

A watch movement may be generally removed from the case without great difficulty.  If the metal of the case will be ok with rhodium plate, that job should not be too difficult.  If need be, only the back of the case may be plated by masking the front with a lacquer which is removed once the plate work is finished.

Talcum powder will help asbsorb moisture and oils from the skin but will provide only a quite temporary solution, if providing any solution to the problem at all.

Matthew, best wishes with a possible electroplate on the watch to prevent direct contact with your skin and allieve the metal sensitivity reaction.

Best New Year to you, God Bless and Peace.  Thomas.  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok the watch bottom is made from stainless steel (this is an alloy of nickel and copper).

I know talc would be temporary, but if applied to watch and skin every day before I put on the watch, would that be a good temporary/daily fix?

Answer
Dear Matthew, the stainless steel back should not cause any skin reaction.  It is possible the watch case is made of metal to which you are sensitive. You might take off the band(if removable) and put clear lacquer or nail polish delicately around the bottom portion of the case liable to touch your skin. Do not allow the lacquer to run between the case back and case or removal of the back might be impaired. Use very little and a small applicator.

I have not used talc for this purpose but it is effective in absorbing moisture, etc., helping prevent rash.  Give it a try. There is possibly something to gain and little to loose in giving it  try.

Again, best wishes and God Bless.  Thomas.