Patek Philippe

I was taking photos of my 5296 recently and noticed an area of the bezel (between 12 and 3 o’clock) that I had previously hand-polished to get rid of some minor scratches now appears slightly rounded-off at the edges and maybe even lower in height as well...  

Laser welding is the way. Seek out for some reputable specialist. If you don’t find anyone on your side of the world, RO&RO in Austria have tremendous reputation.

I’m already in contact with LA Watchworks in California, who work magic on Rolexes with laser welding and lapping equipment. They are reviewing the photos now but are hesitant because the bezel and middle case are one piece.

I will hear back on Monday what they can do. Are there any other European independents I might turn other than the two Italians mentioned below?

Decide thoughtfully and please keep us updated.

Results were excellent. I have yet to hear/read about bad experience.

Your photos and comments are so helpful for me, as I was tempted to do the same. Better keep those hair scratches than damaging the case. I hope you will be able to fix it, please keep us updated good luck

I have no direct connection / affiliation with any of the two (I am only a humble Italian collector) just try to help but in case my post infringe Forum rules, I kindly allow Moderators to take down, apologizing... Wishing you could solve asap your proble... 

From looking at their IG accounts, both these Italian firms do incredible work! How do they compare to RO&RO in Vienna and Los Angeles Watchworks in California?

I'm not familiar with either company, but I heard positive things about both. (Time Lab was also in the news in Italy in recent weeks because of a pretty big robbery; I very much hope all customers will be fully and swiftly compensated.) Cheers ;-)

Normally a rotating Instrument can do this.

I'm no watchmaker, and I'd advise you to wait on those at HSWA to see our watch and offer you the best course of action, before turning to anyone else, including independent labs. In the very worst case scenario (but it's likely not that serious of an iss... 

However, having dealt with HSWA before, I worry that they will push me toward a standard, full polish. They are reluctant to push watches to Geneva and have told me before that they will not use laser welding to rebuild a rounded edge. Have you had experi... 

I believe that, as normal practice (and also in your interest), HSWA will rather not send a watch to Geneva if the work can be done locally. However, I would advise you to discuss carefully all possibilities in person and with your watch present, as the o... 

I had to look several times at your photos before I could figure out what you were writing about. Now I see it. But really, in the grand scheme of things, I doesn’t seem like a big deal to me unless you had plans to sell it. You over-polished by mistake, ... 

But reason is failing me! I can’t stop looking at it. Ha, I’d rather it go back to being scratched up.

This is why I refuse to polish anything. To my eye, it's always worse. Maybe they can replace the bezel?

They are likely to insist that a full polish is sufficient, even if it takes down metal all over. That’s been my experience. Ironically, they’d be more likely to offer a full re-build or replacement case if I just smashed a lug with a hammer.