Why isn't laser welding to fix dull edges a common practice?

Jul 15, 2017,17:55 PM
 

I would think that the edges on APs could be easily restored through laser welding. However, as far as I know, it's not something AP does. Why not?

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I am not familiar with laser welding

 
 By: MichaelC : July 16th, 2017-08:03
I have also never needed a case restoration on an AP. If I did, I fully trust the experts at the Audemars Piguet Service Center in Clearwater, Florida to handle the work using their preferred methods.

As a comparison

 
 By: jayeyedoubleemmwhy : July 16th, 2017-09:58
I've seen some IWC repairs where the service center will do a "laser intervention" on the case. However, it's hard to say what exactly qualifies a watch for this (big dent, crack, specific location?). I believe Rolex will also do laser work on portions of... 

Lange goldsmiths

 
 By: sery.vlk : July 23rd, 2017-01:34
also use this method, as far as I heard, in order to refinish indents and deep scratches. - While it is easy to polish the case off, it makes more sense to me to refill the missing material instead. petr

My "Timepiece life & Care" states the following

 
 By: TomasEriksson : July 25th, 2017-01:32
"certain deep marks and scratches in the metal are laser-treated to add material and recover a shine similar to the original". I have no experience with it however. Cheers, Tomas ...  

Interesting....

 
 By: kennygfunk : July 27th, 2017-19:36
Only 3 to 5 restorations??? Yikes? What do you do after that with the timepiece? Enjoy the scratches? Round out the angles?

I would call it good advice

 
 By: TomasEriksson : July 28th, 2017-05:14
Any watch polished 3 or more times will most likely lost it's shape. A rolex polished that many times doesn't look nice. To me scratches are better than rounded edges. I for example have a ding on the side of the case on my steel diver, it stays.

here is a laser welded RO

 
 By: TomasEriksson : July 29th, 2017-06:24
...  

Because it might be cheaper just to recase the watch...?

 
 By: Velociphile - No longer in the building : July 29th, 2017-07:24
it would be actually more practical just to offer a recase or a new bezel. The actual 'cost' of these parts in non precious form is very low. However the actual purchase price for the customer is 'high' but needn't be under the right circumstances. Veloci...