Under the Loupe/Case restoring

Case Restoring

The following are some case restoration techniques. They concern a modern technique (laser welding) coupled with older techniques (lapping, grinding, and polishing). The welding is used to add material where the case has been dented, in deep scratches, and in areas that may have been ruined by polishers that were are not equipped with appropriate tools. The excess weld (stainless steel on stainless steel, 18k gold on 18k gold, or titanium on titanium) is then removed to bring the case to its original form.

Examples

These are some examples of what can be achieved with these techniques as executed by Davide and Alessandro

Speedmaster Ck2998-4

Case with material added using a laser welder

View of the Speedmaster case from the back

A view of the lugs after adding material and refinishing the case

Another view of the restored case

The restored Speedmaster case with crystal, bezel, and caseback installed

The back of the Speedmaster case after restoration

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch that needs to be refinished following a motorcycle accident

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak case with material laser welded into deep scratches and dents

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak case fully restored after adding material, lapping and polishing

Rolex 1680

A Rolex 1680 case before laser welding, after welding and after refinishing

A Rolex 1680 case before laser welding, after welding and after refinishing

A Rolex 1680 case before laser welding, after welding and after refinishing

Omega Mark 2

Omega Mark II case before laser welding and refinishing

Omega Mark II case before laser welding and refinishing

Omega Mark II case before laser welding and refinishing

Omega Mark II case after laser welding and refinishing

Omega Mark II case after laser welding and refinishing

Omega Mark II case after laser welding and refinishing