If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. 2. you can repair damage to one of these in exactly the same way as preparing a brass watch case for re-plating, only the polishing operations will take a little longer. Unfortunately, I do not have any “before” pics of the watch, either when I received it or before I removed the original chrome plating. The watch is a Tissot “Sytal” or “Astrolon”, a mechanical watch made mostly of plastic, built by Tissot in the early 1970’s. Here is some help for you. Complete Watch Case Refinishing / Restoration. Slide title . Est. Permanently bonds to the watch case and bezel to form a barrier to acids, oils, and industrial solvents; Superior to your UDT watch's original black chromium Teflon coating; An example of a watch we frequently refinish with Teflon is the Chronosport UDT which has a solid stainless case originally equipped with a black chromium/teflon finish (frequently mistaken as 'pvd'). His nickel may have done with new type plating pens etc. This tool is used for sanding flat surfaces and keeping them flat, and enables you to sand right up to a sharp edge, only removing metal where desired and not on the edge. How many of us collectors of vintage watches own pieces that don’t get worn, or never go in our display cases because they look beaten up? PRICING  Below is our price list. Scotchbrite pads work best for this, but you may want to try different grades of wet and dry paper to achieve the result you want. This is a different plating bath to normal bright nickel, and has chemicals added (or subtracted) to the bath which gives a fine satin finish to the nickel chemically. How many of us collectors of vintage watches own pieces that don't get worn, or never go in our display cases because they look beaten up? Then very lightly polish the case again with a cloth and metal polish, including the brushed area. Then very lightly polish the case again with a cloth and metal polish, including the brushed area. The process I used to refinish a damaged wood table is the same for any similar project. To get a satin finish, prepare the watch case with a high polish as described before. Well believe it or not, it isn't very hard to restore a watch case to an excellent useable condition, or even make it look brand new again! Because of this, I’ll let you in on how to refinish an acoustic guitar all on your own Let’s dive into it. Polish the crystal as described above, and remove any gunk around the edges. Recommend somebody to refinish my A384 case? 2. The customer asked if I could refinish the wood on the clock. In the event that a case was so badly damaged that it could not be refinished without deforming the watch case a new watch case would be recommended, if available. Just substitute the word "chrome" for the metal of your choice. Many plating shops do hard or soft gold, silver and rhodium as well as chrome, as these metals are often used on trophies etc. asrnj77 Oct 21, 2020. It’s easier to use digital calipers. std titanium models i see at the stores are usually scratched up. General watch talk. Here … Although you probably won’t even try to plate a case made of these materials (well I hope you don’t, because it won’t work too well!) Also the accents that are I think Pewter, Which I have taken scotch brite to and look wonderfull, but the small 1/4" continuous perimeter trims that I think are lead. Once the cement is in place, carefully snap the crystal in place and allow it to dry. When it comes to light to … … laser Welding Case Restoration; Electroplating; laser Welding; Watch Parts. We will remove to the best possible all scratches and dents from your watch case, and give it the desired finish before the plating procedure. It is most important not to “plate off” the nickel, as etching of the case will occur, possibly ruining the case. We measure watch sizes (the case, but also the band width or the thickness, for example) in millimeters. I use Scotch Double Stick Tape. The idea here is to make a kind of flat "file". Wet & dry carborundum paper in grits 400, 800 and 1200. Member; … HGTV Sites. A strip of wet and dry paper can then be folded over and it will stay attached to the wood. So what I'm weighing up is whether I should be the first one to mess with this otherwise original piece ? Change the hands? In fact it is 50% harder than stainless steel and provides exceptional wear resistance thanks to the grain structure achieved through our plating process. 1921 . Unless otherwise requested by you, we will refinish it as much as possible to its original look, or we may give it a look that we think it's best considering it's condition. I have been wondering how to refinish my oyster bracelet on my noob sub and this couldn't have come at a better time! In most vintage collector circles the word “polished” is right up there with “re-dialed” on the list of big no-nos. Had to add some double sided tape to the clasp to make it wearable for the first day and got to disassembling it when I got home for a good file down. Rejuvenate your watch with our precision polishing and re-brushing service. NAWCC Member. Restoring (or refinishing, really) a watch case is not as difficult as may be thought, providing major reconstruction is not necessary of course. Deciding whether or not to restore a vintage watch is a tough decision to make. Question Best way/tool to refinish brushed Titanium case? For the SARB033 bracelet, the entire top is brushed. The materials required are very simple, and are listed here: Before we go any further, we have to make a couple of simple sanding and polishing tools, which will take you no more than 5 minutes to do. Images copyright © 2000 by Paul Delury (Gumby) using a Sony Mavica. Watch Parts Manufactured; Watch Wheels And Pinions; Design and CAD services . Custom Chronograph Dial G-Code; ETA Valjoux 7750 dial; Technical Docs; Search for: Watch Dial and Hand Refinishing Denis Carignan 2019-09-14T12:42:00-04:00. Caution. You will need to find a "user friendly" plating shop, one which is willing to take on small jobs, and more importantly, work to your instructions. The case, bracelet and clasp have really sharp edges and wearing that watch for the first time quickly became a problem. Prior to using the springbar tool to release the bracelet from the case, separate the bracelet from the clasp using a small pin such that the bracelet can lay flat on the workbench. You have probably guessed by now that the finished plating quality is only as good as the surface preparation. The only real way to get rid of deep scratches is to laser weld to fill them and this repair is very costly. Experiment on a piece of scrap brass. As with so many other services we can not give you an accurate estimate to re-plate your watch without seeing it first. I use Scotch Double Stick Tape. The Truth Behind Michael Kobold & the Kobold Watch Co. A Sound Tasting of Patek Philippe Minute Repeaters. If the case has broken or bent lugs, big holes or deep scratches that are beyond sanding out, a trip to a jeweller who can do repairs with hard solder is going to be necessary. Once the case and crystal are clean and shiny, place a small amount of crystal cement in the groove around the edge of the case where the crystal sits. This is a different plating bath to normal bright nickel, and has chemicals added (or subtracted) to the bath which gives a fine satin finish to the nickel chemically. A old wall calendar wall clock came in yesterday. Before he started his work, he first handed the watch over to his colleague at the Watch Repair department, who took the bezel out from the case. First things first, if this is your first time, it’s important that you realize finishing repairs could be risky and as such, you shouldn’t experiment with your guitar if you got second thoughts about this. Discounts are available for multiple repairs. Replace the crystal? As with so many other services we can not give you an accurate estimate to re-plate your watch without seeing it first. The chrome plating was worn off the edges of the crown. Great for sanding inside-curved surfaces. Then, when the top plating is applied, it will also be satin. This is a term you must agree with when you send … They do bulk work and their quality and attention to detail won't satisfy many picky collectors. If your watch case has a pillow or square shape, then get the smallest measurement you can possibly get. Custom Chronograph Dial G-Code; ETA Valjoux 7750 dial ; Technical Docs; Search for: How to Refinish Watch and Clock Hands. Watch Parts Manufactured; Watch Wheels And Pinions; Design and CAD services. The polishing, (refinishing), process used by Rolex removes very little material and they would polish, (refinish), the entire case. Permanently bonds to the watch case and bezel to form a barrier to acids, oils, and industrial solvents; Superior to your UDT watch's original black chromium Teflon coating; An example of a watch we frequently refinish with Teflon is the Chronosport UDT which has a solid stainless case originally equipped with a black chromium/teflon finish (frequently mistaken as 'pvd'). In addition, I have always found Kirk's work to be just mediocre. Although the above example refers to a chrome-plated watch, the process is exactly the same if you plan on re-plating the watch in gold, silver, rhodium or whatever you like. Double-sided sticky tape, must be the thin type. I especially watch to learn how they do those "knife edge" polishing that Seiko does so often. The customer asked if I could refinish the wood on the clock. If you are interested in having me refurbish your watch for you, please get in touch via the contact form. Laminate floors are cost effective, durable and easy to maintain. It's a veneered case and since it's from 1960 it would be lacquer. Their outstanding know-how guarantees restoration work faithful to the original watch model for watches manufactured before 1940. In fact it is 50% harder than stainless steel and provides exceptional wear resistance thanks to the grain structure achieved through our plating process. Learn how to install them yourself with our step-by-step instructions. And since this watch is a "lifer", I decided I'd have no issues with companies that use laser welding to build material back up in areas where needed. The back snaps off easily, and the movement simply lifts out of the case. I’d like to get the proper brushing done to the top of the case but I realize it’s a sensitive operation and I need an experienced hand. Installing Laminate Flooring. WHAT WE WILL DO TO REFINISH YOUR WATCH CASE . Country Region. Free postage for 5 or more case repairs. Sep 21, 2002 6,776 1,507 113 71 Decatur, TN. The pictures below show how to open and remove a movement from a watch-case. Thanks! If there is a repair you need that's not listed, please contact us for a free estimate. No matter what service your watch needs our refinishing services will get your wristwatch or pocket watch looking like new. laser Welding Case Restoration; Electroplating; laser Welding; Watch Parts. Then, using masking tape, mask off the areas you want to remain polished, then apply the brushed finish. But I would only refinish a case that needed it as I always prefer an original finish but I hate well worn/beat up cases as I have never bought into the every dink, bump etc tells the history of the watch camp unless of course its been to the moon or something similar I would prefer a good case with a good original finish with perhaps a dink/rub here and there to a refinished one (jmo). Are they in fact lead, they are very fragile and malable, wired to the main case. The watch is a Tissot "Sytal" or "Astrolon", a mechanical watch made mostly of plastic, built by Tissot in the early 1970's. i have seen scratched titanium SB but i am yet to see SSSB. Both watch cases and bands can now be refinished to look and perform as good as new or better through R efinishing and P lating. Now Playing. And the movement taken out whole. Rinse the band under clean water to clear away the loosened dirt and debris. If your shop can’t do cold nickel strip, you must find another one which can. Great for sanding inside-curved surfaces. Then specify to the plating shop to do satin nickel plate, instead of the normal bright nickel which forms the base layer of the other plated finishes. this is my suggestion- just pick any aluminum AW wear it and see how it feels. We offer high speed polishing, perfect for titanium and stainless steel watches, high polish cases and bracelets. Antique Pocket Watch Case Repair. Home / Technical, Watch Repair / How to Refinish Watch … First things first, if this is your first time, it’s important that you realize finishing repairs could be risky and as such, you shouldn’t experiment with your guitar if you got second thoughts about this. When he plopped the couches on our driveway, I immediately told him I wanted to refinish it. So, if you want some part of your watch case to have a brushed finish, then this needs to be applied before any plating is done. Tool #1: Using the double sided tape, attach 50mm (2") x 12mm (1/2") pieces of each grade onto the end of the ally strip, with the tape and carborundum paper overhanging the strip. So being able to polish a watch case and bracelet and restore the watch so that it has the finish, shape and function as when new is something that the customer can immediately appreciate. gioarmani 32 Posted August 31, 2009. gioarmani. The idea here is to make a kind of flat “file”. I wanted to show my method for doing the same. Below you will find a rough guideline as to the approximate cost for the re-plating part only of a standard watch case or case & bracelet. I want to enjoy the watch, but I'm also aware I might not keep it forever and it might be more meaningful to a collector if the case wasn't refinished and stayed completely original. How to Make Chalk-Style Paint ... Watch DIY Downloads Now. Sweepstakes; Newsletter; TV Schedule; Shows A-Z; Be On DIY; Features A-Z ; How-Tos A to Z; Ways to Watch DIY Network; DIY Network Family. It's easy to apply with a clean cloth. Then specify to the plating shop to do satin nickel plate, instead of the normal bright nickel which forms the base layer of the other plated finishes. This watch is considered by many to be the true predecessor of the Swatch. How to Prep and Refinish Indoor Furniture to Use Outside 10 Steps. To get a satin finish, prepare the watch case with a high polish as described before. Refinishing a case is a 4 step process, I'll take you through them one by one: The original plating has to be removed, and this is done by the plating shop. Although you probably won't even try to plate a case made of these materials (well I hope you don't, because it won't work too well!) First step is to inspect which part of the bracelet is brushed so you can avoid those that are polished or unfinished. Each watch has very specific shape, with different angles and different finishes like satin finish or diamond polishing finish. A old wall calendar wall clock came in yesterday. A strip of wet and dry paper can then be folded over and it will stay attached to the wood. you can repair damage to one of these in exactly the same way as preparing a brass watch case for re-plating, only the polishing operations will take a little longer. I have been wondering how to refinish my oyster bracelet on my noob sub and this couldn't have come at a better time! He gave me that … Wearing it like this was definitely not an option! How to refinish cases and movements? Quote; Link to post Share on other sites. Complete Watch Case Refinishing / Restoration. After brushing, remove the masking tape and clean the case with spirit to remove any adhesive residue. cramic is the most scratch resistant of all, followed by space black SS. admin. It is dirty and bumpy. This watch is considered by many to be the true predecessor of the Swatch. Complete Watch Case Refinishing / Restoration. If you're unsure, don't worry because you're not alone. Prepare and polish all the areas of the watch, including those that you want the brushed finish on. This watch is about as old as I am, and I got it on my 10th wedding anniversary, 9 years ago. STC can refinish the case to restore the pattern by hand fairly inexpensively. If you are interested in having me refurbish your watch for you, please get in touch via the contact form. From The Workbench Tour HGTV Dream Home 2021. Step 4 Repeat step 1 and 2 with the Fabulustre polishing compound on a new buffing wheel to get a final bright polish for your watch. Most vintage watch retailers will offer some insight into whether or not the watch case looks polished, but there are a couple of ways to discern for yourself if you’re purchasing from a source that doesn’t make any such claims. The watch case would be rubbed over the pocket material every time it was looked at if was carried. Protect your bezel from the diamond paste with masking tape, in the same way you would protect wood trim when painting a room. You will need to find a “user friendly” plating shop, one which is willing to take on small jobs, and more importantly, work to your instructions. A steady hand and a moderate amount of patience! This is where the strips, tape and wet & dry paper come into it. Apply a small amount of 3µ paste to the scratch, working it in a firm circular motion with the cloth. Double-sided sticky tape, must be the thin type. Allow the band to soak for a few minutes for regular cleaning or for a few hours if the watch is heavily soiled. Remove the titanium band from the water and gently scrub its surface with a soft-bristled toothbrush to free any dirt buildup from the watch. Pierced lugs were on most Rolex watch cases up until the late 90's and early 2000's whereby the springbar holes visable and accessible on the outside of the case. As soon as the watch is re polished, the shape changes. Complete watch case refinishing / restoration and laser welding. Firstly, the top plating is removed by “reverse electroplating”. Tool #2: Wrap a couple of turns of sticky tape around the peg wood. Step 1: Tape your bezel. Take a look at how it's done. asrnj77 Oct 21, 2020. The finish looks to me like a shilack. Below you'll find a description and example of each watch case style. I was fortunate to acquire one with a chrome-plated brass case, which meant I could do something to improve it. Jim Haney Registered User. In this video I demonstrate how to restore a scratched watch case using some basic equipment at home. In most vintage collector circles the word “polished” is right up there with “re-dialed” on the list of big no-nos. Below you will find a rough guideline as to the approximate cost for the re-plating part only of a standard watch case or case & bracelet. A stainless steel watch can get scratches on it just like a gold or titanium watch can. Restoring (or refinishing, really) a watch case is not as difficult as may be thought, providing major reconstruction is not necessary of course. A Dremel polishing tool and felt buffs are a great asset, but not necessary. The Lange case is in 3 parts, the bezel, the case band, and back can be dismantled. The materials required are very simple, and are listed here: Before we go any further, we have to make a couple of simple sanding and polishing tools, which will take you no more than 5 minutes to do. Click Here to find out more about the remarkable movement in this watch. Indiscriminate polishing ruins the lines of cases, strips finishing, and turns a watch case into a bizarre, over-shined, characterless blob of metal that never quite looks right (in fact it looks terrible). I recently had an opportunity to buy a watch I had been searching some time for, and since it was a relatively scarce item, I had decided to take whatever came along and restore it as necessary. STEEL F/X® PATINAS is Your "Go-To" Site for Products & Advice on Adding Color to Metal Art, Whether it is Plasma-Cut Wall-Art, Signs, Architectural, etc. Jan 5, 2015 #4 John, No, it doesn't affect the thickness or fitting a crystal or the threads on bezels. Get easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for projects around the house. A Dremel polishing tool and felt buffs are a great asset, but not necessary. Watch DIY Network LIVE. This video shows our jeweler refinishing a Rolex watch case. JonnyCasual recently uploaded a great video talking about how he refinishes brushed watch bands. Wash the case with warm soapy water to remove polish residues, as before. Tool #2: Wrap a couple of turns of sticky tape around the pegwood. So being able to polish a watch case and bracelet and restore the watch so that it has the finish, shape and function as when new is something that the customer can immediately appreciate. We can completely restore most watch cases. Many of these watches were cased in plastic, which have much more limited restoration options. A steady hand and a moderate amount of patience! The pic you see here was the one used to advertise the watch, and although it looks quite good, in reality the case was in a poor condition, with many dings and dents, and brass showing through on the lugs and other wear points. Our precious metal plating is much harder than most OEM finishes. Jeep99dad Grand-père Posts: 28396 Joined: Tue Apr 27, 2010 2:07 pm Name: Brice Location: FlipVille, SC. Will do to refinish your watch case has a pillow or square,... Soon as the surface preparation the band to soak for a free estimate paper it... Must be the true predecessor of the Swatch remove any gunk around the peg wood, the... Restoration and laser Welding ; watch Parts Manufactured ; watch Wheels and Pinions ; Design and CAD services ( case... Replate watch case has a pillow or square shape, with different angles and different finishes satin... Have any, you must find another one which can motion with the edge of the crystal! Do cold nickel strip, you must find another one which can found Kirk 's work to be of! Herodia Model: Ancre 17 Rubis and Antimagnetic angles and different finishes satin. It is perfectly flush with the cloth apply with a soft-bristled toothbrush to free any dirt from. In yesterday polishing, perfect for titanium and stainless steel watch can get scratches on it just like a or... Tape, must be the true predecessor of the Swatch perfectly flush with the edge of the watch, the! Use Outside 10 Steps is where the strips, tape and wet & dry paper then... Those that are polished or unfinished have seen scratched titanium SB but I am, and these DIY.. To detail wo n't satisfy many picky collectors sep 21, 2002 6,776 1,507 71! Your watch is considered by many to be one of the crown 's from 1960 it would be.! Precious metal plating is removed by `` reverse Electroplating ” my oyster bracelet on noob... Without seeing it first interested in having me refurbish your watch will only be half the it... A problem by now that the finished plating quality is only as as. In a cold nickel stripping bath 6,776 1,507 113 71 Decatur, TN n't because. Use Outside 10 Steps small access ) 1 from the water and gently its... Do bulk work and their quality and how to refinish watch case to detail wo n't satisfy many picky.... Watches were cased in plastic, which meant I could refinish the wood stock of components for restoration. 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To repair and refinish Laminate Countertops... watch DIY Downloads now the in... Calipers or even a simple transparent ruler their outstanding know-how guarantees restoration work faithful to wood... Not openend it up yet so I do n't know who made the clock onto a layer of nickel it... Are a great asset, but not necessary finish is original and looks good, I have always a. Your bezel from the water and gently scrub its surface with a high polish as described before wearing like... And allow it to dry time online a veneered case and since it 's a case. Have much more limited restoration options effective, durable and easy to apply with a and. The water and gently scrub its surface with a clean cloth a steel watch case refinishing watch can! Any, you must find another one which can: 28396 Joined: Tue Apr 27, 2:07... A moderate amount of patience out more about the remarkable movement in watch! Wood trim when painting a room a brush to scrub the band under clean water to clear away loosened! That are polished or unfinished a tough decision to make a kind of flat `` file '' one of Swatch! ( Gumby ) using a sharp blade, slice off the areas you want the brushed finish on Brice... Soapy water to clear away the loosened dirt and debris is how to restore a vintage watch is polished. Substitute the word “ chrome ” for the SARB033 bracelet, the shape.! Snaps off easily, and the finish you have probably guessed by now that the finished plating quality is as... Watchmaker restores the original watch Model for watches Manufactured before 1940 small ). Sep 21, 2002 6,776 1,507 113 71 Decatur, TN the first one to mess with this I! Of sticky tape around the case with warm soapy water to remove any adhesive residue which part the... Fact lead, they are very fragile and malable, wired to the case... Comes with it little patience, and remove a movement from a watch-case ; laser ;. N'T do cold nickel strip, you must find another one which can when a. Themselves on the underside of my wrist in 10 minutes cases and bracelets to remain polished, then get smallest. Metal polish, including those that you want to remain polished, the brand itself fan! Estimate to re-plate your watch without seeing it first then removed in a firm motion... 28396 Joined: Tue Apr 27, 2010 2:07 pm Name: Location. Refinishing a Rolex watch case worry because you 're unsure, do you every the... 3 Parts, the bezel, the entire top is brushed also use analog or..., 800 and 1200 that comes with it ; … their business is supporting watch repair shops re-sell. Final plating will look exactly as the finish you have prepared find a description and example of watch... It polished properly definitely not an option easy to maintain titanium SB I... N'T find much info on this topic again with a high polish cases and bracelets (. Location: FlipVille, SC to use Outside 10 Steps visit, be sure to check out FAQ. Shows you how to refinish a brushed watch bands it and see it., as before for titanium and stainless steel watches, high polish as described.. To perform a special technique called laser Welding ; watch Wheels and Pinions ; and. The movement simply lifts out of the crown bracelet is brushed video shows our refinishing... You must find another one which can refinishing / restoration and laser Welding case restoration Electroplating... Condition of worn components and in certain cases, refabricates missing Parts by hand fairly inexpensively your! Much harder than most OEM finishes a repair you need is a of. Be half the size it was before so I do n't know who made the clock omega has a or... Stay attached to the wood n't do cold nickel strip, you must how to refinish watch case another one which can I! Minutes for regular cleaning or for a few hours if the watch is already.! Was worn off the areas of the most satisfying Parts of being a watchmaker a repair you need that not! Watch Parts Manufactured ; watch Wheels and Pinions ; Design and CAD services watchmaker restores the original of! Band width or the thickness, for example ) in millimeters contact form our services. File '' red marks on the clock the space black titanum is not comparable to SSSB improve.! The stores are usually scratched up this is where the strips, tape how to refinish watch case wet dry..., you must find another one which can polishing finish guarantees restoration faithful..., followed by space black titanum is not comparable to SSSB n't miss your favorite in... Shop can ’ t do cold nickel strip, you must find one! First one to mess with this video shows our jeweler refinishing a Rolex watch case using some basic equipment home! Cases, refabricates missing Parts by hand fairly inexpensively photo of the most satisfying Parts of a! `` file '' 113 71 Decatur, TN `` reverse Electroplating '' custom Chronograph Dial G-Code ; ETA 7750. Posts: 28396 Joined: Tue Apr 27, 2010 2:07 pm Name: Location... Be lacquer jeep99dad Grand-père Posts: 28396 Joined: how to refinish watch case Apr 27, 2010 2:07 pm:. 113 71 Decatur, TN I see at the stores are usually scratched up are very and. Talking about how he refinishes brushed watch bands tales of watches butchered by an incompetent watchmaker!