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SPARTAN2161 · 12 September 2012, 01:05 AM

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 · 12 September 2012, 01:14 AM

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 · 12 September 2012, 05:05 AM

Thanks Rikki!

blue92 · 16 September 2012, 06:48 AM

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.

12 September 2012, 01:05 AM	#1
SPARTAN2161 Banned Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Nick H. Location: Amherst, NY Watch: me flip Posts: 1,901	Polishing and case restoration help 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

12 September 2012, 01:14 AM	#2
Rikki TechXpert Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Rik Dietel Location: Seminole Fla Watch: 5512 s/s Sub Posts: 1,818	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 __________________ Century 21 Certified watchmaker Omega Service Provider Trained Omega OWME Certified. Rolex Parts Account Holder.

12 September 2012, 05:05 AM	#3
SPARTAN2161 Banned Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Nick H. Location: Amherst, NY Watch: me flip Posts: 1,901	Thanks Rikki!

16 September 2012, 06:48 AM	#4
blue92 Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Arlington, tx. Posts: 35	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.

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