Carbotech repair

[rajurama]

I am asking for a friend , can this be repaired? Like a buff or a polish? Anyone ever got this sorted with Panerai?

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[sp006]

Ouch. That looks like an expensive fix.


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[Dan2010]

Don't think so and the risk of this happening is why I've stayed away from Carbotech. Carbotech, while it sounds innovative, seems like an answer to a question nobody asked.

[Ravager135]

Originally Posted by Dan2010

Don't think so and the risk of this happening is why I've stayed away from Carbotech. Carbotech, while it sounds innovative, seems like an answer to a question nobody asked.

I couldn't have authored a better take on some of the novel materials Panerai is choosing to work with. There's a lot of different ways to give watches a "blacked out" look. Each has their pros and cons. Panerai as experimented with composite, DLC, ceramic, Carbotech; you name it. Ceramic seems to be material that routinely rises to the top to accomplish this look (albeit still with its own limitations).

The Carbotech looks great. This sort of accident could theoretically occur with almost any material used. The repair could be tricky.

[enjoythemusic]

Ouch, send an email with pic to Panerai and I look forward to hearing the fix / cost.

[sp006]

Makes me think of all the carbon fiber splitters that end up getting scraped in driveways and low curbs. Have to replace the whole thing.


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[77T]

Originally Posted by sp006

Makes me think of all the carbon fiber splitters that end up getting scraped in driveways and low curbs. Have to replace the whole thing.


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There is a resin that’s been used for years to repair the scrapes. The surface is a pretty thick layer of epoxy coating on top of the actual carbon fiber weave. A small example for a ding is in this YT - the shallow scrapes are also easy to do…




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[thsiao]

I do not think there’s a way to repair that and a new case sounds expensive.

[Cru Jones]

Eeeeek. :-( Luckily, the mark is really small.

[rajurama]

How about adding epoxy resin and then file and smoothen ? Like we laser weld steel or gold. Just thinking aloud.

[sinkholeninja]

Sorry this happened, but how? I was interested in getting a carbotech myself because a few posts I read on here indicated that the material is extremely tough. Doesn’t look like it based on your pic.

[Blunt Instrument]

I'm might be in the minority here but I don't think the ding is too bad. It's also kind of impressive to ding Carbotech (if you choose to look at it that way). Life is party about memories, and that's definitely a memory.

With that said, totally agree with the assessment of sending Panerai a photo. It's always good to know the cost if you want to try and fix.

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by Blunt Instrument

I'm might be in the minority here but I don't think the ding is too bad. It's also kind of impressive to ding Carbotech (if you choose to look at it that way). Life is party about memories, and that's definitely a memory.

With that said, totally agree with the assessment of sending Panerai a photo. It's always good to know the cost if you want to try and fix.

GMC tried selling this idea a few years back and it always comes up here. When I was building my house I had a beater Ford and it was a work truck with whatever damage that came with the work...I didn't care about damage. I didn't go out and buy a brand new F150 Platinum to haul gravel and lumber. I don't see my more expensive watches as something to not care about. I get not babying a watch and not obsessing over every scratch but if I buy nice stuff I prefer to and take pride in keeping it nice. If my nicer cars/trucks get dents or major paint damage...I get it fixed. Here's my "Gshock" truck and my "Rolex" truck....just a Lariat so maybe my "Stainless Datejust" truck.

https://youtu.be/8hP5x0hnXq4

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[waterman1]

I have a carbotech and because the watch wears so easily, being extremely light weight, I wear it constantly. Result is I have bumped into things and banged it severely but there is not a mark on the watch. I am very interested to know how this damage occurred. It looks like it was scraped across concrete with a good force. Maybe a fall?

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by waterman1

I have a carbotech and because the watch wears so easily, being extremely light weight, I wear it constantly. Result is I have bumped into things and banged it severely but there is not a mark on the watch. I am very interested to know how this damage occurred. It looks like it was scraped across concrete with a good force. Maybe a fall?

Same here, how did it happen?

I recently scraped the 1118 TRON bezel across our home's concrete siding by accident. Some of the concrete was actually 'sticking' to the bezel!!!!!! i panicked there for a few seconds, then wiped it off. I swear you can't even see a scratch.

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[77T]

Given its location I’d suppose some carefully applied epoxy would seal the surface. I don’t believe a DIY is in the cards to fill the small void I see.

While Carbotech from Panerai is based upon carbon fiber, it appears to be the chopped and powdered pressure infused version. Laid up in layers then cut at various angles to produce the final case. To avoid continued sloughing of debris during ownership I think they must coat it somehow.

So a little epoxy and tiny brushes should be enough to wear it safely. A total restoral may be difficult except by Panerai.


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[mjm700]

Originally Posted by 77T

Given its location I’d suppose some carefully applied epoxy would seal the surface. I don’t believe a DIY is in the cards to fill the small void I see.

While Carbotech from Panerai is based upon carbon fiber, it appears to be the chopped and powdered pressure infused version. Laid up in layers then cut at various angles to produce the final case. To avoid continued sloughing of debris during ownership I think they must coat it somehow.

So a little epoxy and tiny brushes should be enough to wear it safely. A total restoral may be difficult except by Panerai.


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I agree - I dont think I would personal consider taking on a repair myself of a carbon or ceramic case. Seems like too much going to on with the manufacturing process - either love the “experience” on the watch or send to Panerai for a fix. I have two ceramics but dont have a carbon. I suppose each has their pros and cons but I’ve always assumed if anything went wrong it was going to be more expensive than SS. Good luck.

[Blunt Instrument]

Totally valid opinion, as well. Thanks for sharing.

I think it’s just a different strokes thing, and how you wish to value/see a “tool watch”. One of my favorite posts on this forum was of a father’s gmt. (https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=609890) He would garden with it everyday, I believe. The thing was beaten 5 ways to Sunday, and when it was cleaned, you could really see how this person’s life physically changed the watch. In my eyes, that’s just beautiful.

If you take the monetary component out, which I completely understand is difficult, a watch is just a thing. And when we have children or family, it probably has its second best function and that’s being a memory or momento. I think about this a lot and how if I were to inherent a watch, would I rather have it like new and in store bought condition, or lived in/dinged up and full of memories of a loved one.

When I started collecting I would’ve said like new. Now, I’m more in the dinged up camp.

[214270Explorer]

Most likely a new case would be needed?
Bad material for a watch case, IMHO.

[2Redbulls]

Geez, pretty small damage in the grand scheme of things. I’m actually considering a carbon tech watch now, so I’d be curious as to how it happened and what Panerai says about the repair.

[enjoythemusic]

Did the OP leave, as am waiting to hear what Panerai says.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Did the OP leave, as am waiting to hear what Panerai says.

I’m very interested too

[roger.bolton]

I hope the OP comes back. Very interested.

I have a Carbotech watch, I wacked it against a door and door was damaged, with bits of the door paint attached to the watch which peeled off, leaving no mark whatsoever.

I am sure a steel watch would have had scratches.

So I think Carbotech is a good material for some, but if you take a chunk out your options are limited.

Also my 1661 survived going through the post without proper packaging!

[rajurama]

Hi guys , still awaiting a response from Panerai hence No Update... I have a feeling we won't get a solution via Email.. Since it's not my watch , I am not directly in contact Panerai but am keeping a check on any update via the watch owner.

[sinkholeninja]

Originally Posted by rajurama

Hi guys , still awaiting a response from Panerai hence No Update... I have a feeling we won't get a solution via Email.. Since it's not my watch , I am not directly in contact Panerai but am keeping a check on any update via the watch owner.

Could you please ask your friend how the damage occurred? A lot of folks on the thread, myself included, are interested to know because carbotech is supposed to be extremely tough according to Panerai. Thanks in advance.

[IGotId]

Originally Posted by sinkholeninja

Could you please ask your friend how the damage occurred? A lot of folks on the thread, myself included, are interested to know because carbotech is supposed to be extremely tough according to Panerai. Thanks in advance.

I'd be interested in knowing as well as I'm very interested in this specific watch. Thanks.

[IGotId]

Originally Posted by IGotId

I'd be interested in knowing as well as I'm very interested in this specific watch. Thanks.

?

[rambo99]

Originally Posted by sinkholeninja

Could you please ask your friend how the damage occurred? A lot of folks on the thread, myself included, are interested to know because carbotech is supposed to be extremely tough according to Panerai. Thanks in advance.

may be OP hit it with a hammer, lol.

[Mystro]

Amazing, it’s not that bad of a mark on the end of the lugs. I don’t believe it’s even visible on the wrist from the top or sides so not sure anything really has to be done to maintain the integrity or strength of the watch. Ceramic would have surely shattered or cracked. The watch lugs held up and remained a functional watch.

How did this even happen as I have hit my 661 Carbotech against a bridge pier under water on a dive. It has no marks where a metal watch would have been damaged enough for it to be severely dented. Certainly no material is indestructible but Carbotech is by far the toughest being used to make the ultimate big black luxury watch out of. It’s the ultimate genuine luxury “tools watch” if there ever was one but if you go down on a motorcycle at speed the watch is wearing you.

[rambo99]

how much does it cost to replace rhe whole case?