Polishing and case restoration help

[SPARTAN2161]

Hello all,

I am looking into doing my own case restoration and polishing. I have been using cape cod clothes for polishing (mirror finish) and 500 grit sand paper for brushed parts along with the green scrub pads.

I am asking what professional watch techs use i.e. name brands for the polishing and the brushing of parts? I would like to have the finishes close to Rolex as possible. Right now i am using 500 grit auto sand paper for the brushed parts. It comes out looking good but tends to be "smother" and less brushed than Rolex. I also use the green scrubby pads but kind of comes out the same.

Thanks for any help. It greatly appreciated!

NH

[Rikki]

Well the process for case and band detailing is quite involved and takes a lot of practice to get that factory look. We use multiple satin wheels 3 different rouges used at different speeds on the buffer. Also use a lapping machine to get perfect bevels and champhers on the lugs. Rikki

[SPARTAN2161]

Thanks Rikki!

[blue92]

If your not an experienced watchmaker I wouldn't touch it. Rolex removes the case tubes on every watch (ones that have a screw on crowns) for polishing, they can because the case tubes cost them pennies and they have plenty in stock. You can't properly refinish that case without removing the movement from the case, removing the bezel, crystal, and band. You have to have a bezel remover and a bezel press to put it back on, not to mention a water tester to make sure it's water tight.