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Patek Philippe

Chlorine is my other guess.

 

One picture is not all that helpful, but please check if it stamped 18KT or 750? If it is not, it could be plated. The only other explanation I can think of is this is a form of chlorine corrosion that is attacking the alloy. It looks like a chemical reaction as a clear copper line can be seen. Has the original poster been handling bleach? A drop of bleach will destroy most gold alloys.

If it is a 2497 and it is a chlorine reaction, you're going to have to send it back to Patek to be re-cased as that is an expensive timepiece and the damage done to the case could have affected the gasket under the crystal, as well.

As a warning to everyone: Take off all gold alloys when using bleach, wear gloves or wash all jewelry thoroughly if it does come in contact with harsh chemicals.

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10 Comments view entire thread 

Tarnished gold cases

 
By: Thurmond Von Ripper : November 19th, 2013-06:13
It's not uncommon to see a vintage piece have some tarnish, as shown below. I'm not sure what to make of this. None of my watches exhibit this. Most are worn with some regularity. Some sit for years (I hate to admit it but true). Is tarnishing an indicati...  

Good point ...

 
By: nilomis : November 19th, 2013-06:53
Even considering that I'm not a gold person, I already took pictures of gold watches with this issue. Your point #3 is very important and not only to gold cases. I have a picture of an ex white dialed watch that got contaminated by the red dye of the watc... 

Pics ...

 
By: nilomis : November 19th, 2013-08:08
Sorry, not a Patek but they illustrate my previous post: 1) First case: I believe that this is a box contamination: 2) Weird effect caused by a red box where the watch was located: Cheers, Nilo ...  

There is a reason for this.

 
By: andren : November 19th, 2013-12:55
The reason this is occurring is because the case isn't solid gold. It looks to be heavily plated gold on steel. My guess would be that there was a flaw in the plating or abrasion of the finish allowing water and oxygen to attack the steel. This produced a... 

Chlorine is my other guess.

 
By: andren : November 19th, 2013-20:03
One picture is not all that helpful, but please check if it stamped 18KT or 750? If it is not, it could be plated. The only other explanation I can think of is this is a form of chlorine corrosion that is attacking the alloy. It looks like a chemical reac... 

Thank you Andren

 
By: bsodmike : November 19th, 2013-21:18
For the info to all about Karat gold (gold alloys) and their reaction to bleach/chlorine. Yes, I too feel the image posted by the OP looks to be of a 'plated' watch, unless it has had direct bleach or so contact. Otherwise, it's hard to image what caused ... 

Please allow me to clarify several points

 
By: Thurmond Von Ripper : November 20th, 2013-08:04
The reason that I have not provided more detailed photos are: - The watch is not mine nor in my possession ... yet. :) - The watch is lot #366 in an upcoming auction. I'm hesitant to be referencing this lot in any more detail or reposting pictures for fea... 

I always assumed,

 
By: drphileasfogg : November 19th, 2013-23:23
that tarnishing means not 18 carat gold and I am suspicious when I see a vintage piece tarnished: means fake to me. Although some pieces that look legit can be tarnished around the crown from time to time. Some cheap watch boxes from China can be made of ... 

Don't bid on it

 
By: andren : November 20th, 2013-11:38
This is potentially a six figure watch. This condition is unacceptable. Don't buy it. For the amount of vintage watches I've seen, this is not common whatsoever.