Comments:
Scratched case - how to fix?
Hi there,
I neglected to put my Patek Calatrava in a safe place out of reach of my toddler, and I found him running around with it, placing the case in his mouth etc etc.
On closer examination, there are some abrasions to the white gold case that weren't there previously. Nothing deep into the metal, but certainly a scar on the case that I notice. I want the scar gone!
Can anyone recommend a technique or method to get a top class Patek back to good shape through polishing or restoration?
White gold... Maybe it is rodhied white gold.
You should indeed send it to PP to polish it for you. One advice: Enjoy your watch as it is, first, as hairlines are unavaoidable, and dings, too.
Then, when you service it, it will be polished. It is never too good to over polish a watch.
Best.
Nicolas
This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-09-10 23:39:31+1 Try to...
Hi,
Try to ignore the scratches... I know this is hard in the beginning!
And have it polished when it is serviced next.
If you send it in just for polishing it will be waste of money!
regards
Erich
Wait
in a few years when your toddler is grown up you will probably cherish the memory of this incident and will post asking how to send the watch in for polishing but leave the marks made when he was a toddler.
Never polish
The best advice is to never ever polish a watch case. There are hallmarks which get buffed off but beyond that the look of a well worn watch is a tribute to it character. I know PP ofters polishing but it is for the fussy who immediate scratch the piece again if they wear it. I do not know but have always felt the polished surfaces seem to scratch easier than the factory new finish as the metal is softened with each polishing.
You've gotten a lot of advice and without seeing
the type of scratches, it's hard to determine if a quick fix is even an option.
The first thing to realize is polishing removes metal... period. Frequent or heavy polishing can reek havoc on a case.
Your white gold case may be rhodium plated and if so, any aggressive polishing may remove the plating leaving bright and darker areas on the surface of the case.
Proper polishing is considered an art within the industry and requires a very skilled individual with the proper equipment and the results can be truly impressive. Sharp edges and original details can retained at the hands of a master.
Your local jeweler typically does not have such an individual who can achieve those kind of results and many pieces have lost their original details.
Slight surface blemishes can be removed fairly easily, more substantial or deeper scratches require a professional hand which I would leave to Patek.
The first thing to realize is polishing removes metal... period. Frequent or heavy polishing can reek havoc on a case.
Your white gold case may be rhodium plated and if so, any aggressive polishing may remove the plating leaving bright and darker areas on the surface of the case.
Proper polishing is considered an art within the industry and requires a very skilled individual with the proper equipment and the results can be truly impressive. Sharp edges and original details can retained at the hands of a master.
Your local jeweler typically does not have such an individual who can achieve those kind of results and many pieces have lost their original details.
Slight surface blemishes can be removed fairly easily, more substantial or deeper scratches require a professional hand which I would leave to Patek.
Thank you to all for advice
There have been two suggestions of note:
1. Send to Patek Philippe for servicing and a polish.
2. Accept the fact that you have a scratch, and with it, a story to go with the watch.
In both cases, excellent advice. Thank you all.