BjoernM21
122
Micro Laser Welding can help enthusiasts not enjoying a mangled case
Jul 02, 2019,01:00 AM
I had the same problem with a Svend Andersen Worldtime Chronograph. The deep scar on a lug was "inherited" when I bought the watch. This damage did not deter me because I knew that local repairs by laser welding are easy when a specialist handles it. This welding is possible with most materials (gold, stainless steel etc.). Buying a watch in this condition was thus preferred to getting one prepared for sale with extensive polishing.
Theoretically, over-polished cases could be restored by this method. The excess weld material is polished off by traditional methods (lapping grinder machine, e.g.), which means the specialist must also master these techniques and have an eye for the original features of a case. In my experience it is far too risky to entrust big brands with such restoration work, not the least because the communication is too complicated (via AD etc.) to keep it under control as customer. For me, it is important that such repair/restoration work is limited to the essentials. Otherwise I could end up with a watch where the "patina" from use and age of different parts is no longer matching.
I am happy with the repair work on my Andersen and enjoy the sympathetically refreshed watch much more than looking at a scarred one.
Björn
Comments:
view entire thread
I know you know it's there, but fortunately it is on the 12 o'clock side of the stem and it is low, near the case back, making it seldom seen. Personally, it would bother me too, until I
By: Thomas_3 : July 1st, 2019-20:58
realized it is minor, down low, on the 12 side of the stem and seldom seen. In other words, let it go, you're going to get another ding at some point. Sorry for your ding though.
+1 [nt]
By: Brandon Skinner : July 1st, 2019-22:10
+2! [nt]
By: FabR : July 2nd, 2019-00:49
Suggest u leave it.. 🙂
By: KC74 : July 1st, 2019-23:05
Only bothersome for a short period of time I should show u how “beaten” my Sub is Cheers
Micro Laser Welding can help enthusiasts not enjoying a mangled case
By: BjoernM21 : July 2nd, 2019-01:00
I had the same problem with a Svend Andersen Worldtime Chronograph. The deep scar on a lug was "inherited" when I bought the watch. This damage did not deter me because I knew that local repairs by laser welding are easy when a specialist handles it. This...
IMHO
By: MTR : July 2nd, 2019-01:28
1. Let it be, if it’s not too visible. Yes, it perhaps hurts at the beginning. But the case is made for protecting the movement. It’s natural that it will get scratches and dents. 2. If you can’t stand it: try it with laser treatment. I got a very remarka...