Fixing a Ding on a Case?

namor · 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....

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

https://www.rolliworks.com/ can handle this.

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

https://www.rolliworks.com/post/904l-la ... ea-dweller

This reviews how its done.

Ryeguy · 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.

BacoNoir · 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.

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

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

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

My two recommendations are already mentioned in this thread!

JP Chestnut · 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.

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.

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

Life happens. He should just embrace the ding baby!

Bob1035 · 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 · Post by **smellody** » Fri Jun 02, 2023 5:18 pm

Ouch!!

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

Hoppy loves big dings

Edit: dongs

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

JB Weld

HapaHapa · 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.

JP Chestnut · 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

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

BBK357 wrote:Hoppy loves big dings

Edit: dongs

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

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

FYI Rolex will NOT laser weld.

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.

hoppyjr · 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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