Fixing a Ding on a Case?

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namor
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Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by namor » Fri Jun 02, 2023 10:23 am

A family member has a 16600 Sea Dweller that recently got a small ding on one of the case lugs - see pic.
IMG_1889.jpg
He wants it fixed with the minimum of loss of steel - if this is possible.

Can it be repaired without being obvious? If so, suggestions on who to do the work? The obvious answer would seem to be Rolex, but I'm not sure if they undertake this kind of thing.

On my own watches, each scuff and ding is a badge of use....
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R@cerx
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Re: Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by R@cerx » Fri Jun 02, 2023 11:05 am


R@cerx
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Re: Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by R@cerx » Fri Jun 02, 2023 11:05 am

Last edited by R@cerx on Fri Jun 02, 2023 11:31 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Ryeguy
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Re: Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by Ryeguy » Fri Jun 02, 2023 11:23 am

I'm not certain, but I think they weld a bit of material onto the case to fill the divot, then grind / polish it back to smooth.

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BacoNoir
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Re: Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by BacoNoir » Fri Jun 02, 2023 11:41 am

Yes, laser welding to fill the send and then sanding to reshape it. Very common these days.
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hoppyjr
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Re: Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by hoppyjr » Fri Jun 02, 2023 11:44 am

I’d imagine LA Watch Works could also handle it.

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matt.wu
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Re: Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by matt.wu » Fri Jun 02, 2023 12:38 pm

My two recommendations are already mentioned in this thread!
:htfu:

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JP Chestnut
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Re: Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by JP Chestnut » Fri Jun 02, 2023 1:46 pm

That is a perfect candidate for a laser weld fix. They probably wouldn't even need to touch the polished surface of the case and there would be microns of metal loss -- essentially nothing.

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toxicavenger
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Re: Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by toxicavenger » Fri Jun 02, 2023 3:02 pm

LA Watch Works. It’s a weld and refinish job. Zimmerman is another great option.

ezcheese
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Re: Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by ezcheese » Fri Jun 02, 2023 4:24 pm

Life happens. He should just embrace the ding baby!
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Bob1035
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Re: Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by Bob1035 » Fri Jun 02, 2023 5:06 pm

ezcheese wrote:
Fri Jun 02, 2023 4:24 pm
Life happens. He should just embrace the ding baby!
I’m with this. I mean it’s a big ding, but still I’d let it roll

smellody
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Re: Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by smellody » Fri Jun 02, 2023 5:18 pm

Ouch!!

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BBK357
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Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by BBK357 » Fri Jun 02, 2023 7:25 pm

Hoppy loves big dings

Edit: dongs
DEATH FROM ABOVE
:ak:

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Henryj
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Re: Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by Henryj » Sat Jun 03, 2023 6:00 am

JB Weld
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Re: Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by HapaHapa » Sun Jun 04, 2023 5:48 pm

Ryeguy wrote:
Fri Jun 02, 2023 11:23 am
I'm not certain, but I think they weld a bit of material onto the case to fill the divot, then grind / polish it back to smooth.
This is exactly how steel with heavy wear is repaired if replacement isn't possible or cost effective. Fill the area with welds and grind it to desired shape. I've had this done several times to pivot-points in machinery.
The Hapa

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JP Chestnut
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Re: Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by JP Chestnut » Sun Jun 04, 2023 6:26 pm

HapaHapa wrote:
Sun Jun 04, 2023 5:48 pm
Ryeguy wrote:
Fri Jun 02, 2023 11:23 am
I'm not certain, but I think they weld a bit of material onto the case to fill the divot, then grind / polish it back to smooth.
This is exactly how steel with heavy wear is repaired if replacement isn't possible or cost effective. Fill the area with welds and grind it to desired shape. I've had this done several times to pivot-points in machinery.
Here is a little write up
http://www.bobinchak.com/watchmaking/20 ... er-welding

This one is good too
https://www.everestbands.com/blogs/beze ... on-a-rolex

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Joeprez
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Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by Joeprez » Sun Jun 04, 2023 8:46 pm

BBK357 wrote:Hoppy loves big dings

Edit: dongs
:roll:


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Morethan1
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Re: Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by Morethan1 » Mon Jun 05, 2023 1:05 pm

FYI Rolex will NOT laser weld.

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toxicavenger
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Re: Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by toxicavenger » Mon Jun 05, 2023 5:17 pm

Morethan1 wrote:
Mon Jun 05, 2023 1:05 pm
FYI Rolex will NOT laser weld.
They will only replace the case.

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hoppyjr
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Re: Fixing a Ding on a Case?

Post by hoppyjr » Mon Jun 05, 2023 6:15 pm

BBK357 wrote:Hoppy loves big dings

Edit: dongs
You are projecting again buddy. I had a long talk with your mom about this…

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