case wear

[ayres]

any idea what causes the pitting and wear found between the lugs? been curious about this for a while. can the hollow end links do this? at times, you see an immaculate vintage case with all the stamping preserved.

at other times, you see those stampings severely worn. what are some owners doing that others are not?

[MoBe]

The pitting is the result of corrosive elements contained in body oils and the wear is from bracelet end link abrasion.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by MoBe

The pitting is the result of corrosive elements contained in body oils and the wear is from bracelet end link abrasion.

X2

Swiming in salt water could cause this, if your not making sure you clean it properly afterwards.

Either way it's always best to clean your watch regularly.

Warm water, soap, and soft toothbrush.

Some stampings have become worn on older watches because the nature of how the endlinks rubbed on the case of the watch.

[ayres]

i hear ya on cleaning/rinsing regularly. i'm curious though how the endlinks can rub off the stampings in some instances and not others.

[Rikki]

Well mainly because the spring bars get worn as well as the link itself and it starts to rotate up and down pivoting on the springbar causes abraision on the case. Also a lot of people never take off their watches or bathe regularly and dirt and skin and junk gets jammed into the end link and as it moves up an down that junk works like sandpaper and body acid wear the numbers off. I have seen some cases and bands that would make a maggot gag. So enough of the visuals that's what usually wears the numbers off. Rikki

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Rikki

Well mainly because the spring bars get worn as well as the link itself and it starts to rotate up and down pivoting on the springbar causes abraision on the case. Also a lot of people never take off their watches or bathe regularly and dirt and skin and junk gets jammed into the end link and as it moves up an down that junk works like sandpaper and body acid wear the numbers off. I have seen some cases and bands that would make a maggot gag. So enough of the visuals that's what usually wears the numbers off. Rikki

Thanks for the info Rikki.

Rather descriptive but I totally get it now.

[zeuloa]

Originally Posted by Rikki

Well mainly because the spring bars get worn as well as the link itself and it starts to rotate up and down pivoting on the springbar causes abraision on the case. Also a lot of people never take off their watches or bathe regularly and dirt and skin and junk gets jammed into the end link and as it moves up an down that junk works like sandpaper and body acid wear the numbers off. I have seen some cases and bands that would make a maggot gag. So enough of the visuals that's what usually wears the numbers off. Rikki

Rikki - I rarely take my watch off and shower with it every day. Would you say this is a good practice long term or would you suggest skipping the showers and just washing it every few weeks?

[Rikki]

What happens is the soap gets in all the nooks and crannies and then attracts dirt and stuff. Best is to clean in dish of dishwashing soap and ammonium with a toothbrush.Rikki

[zeuloa]

Originally Posted by Rikki

Well mainly because the spring bars get worn as well as the link itself and it starts to rotate up and down pivoting on the springbar causes abraision on the case. Also a lot of people never take off their watches or bathe regularly and dirt and skin and junk gets jammed into the end link and as it moves up an down that junk works like sandpaper and body acid wear the numbers off. I have seen some cases and bands that would make a maggot gag. So enough of the visuals that's what usually wears the numbers off. Rikki

If the serial number is scrapped off by this, is there somewhere inside the case that has the number is as well?

I guess my question is how can you verify the serial number if worn out between the lugs?

Thanks for all your great answers!

[Rikki]

Once the numbers are gone only acid etching can make them come back then it's up to you to keep track of them for parts ordering and stuff. There are no serial numbers on the case back for most modern Rolexes the new ones have them in the rehaut under the crystal. Rikki