Is this normal to have rusting on the soldered joints?

[S``]

The 26300st on this picture is from 2012. Today,I was doing some cleaning with a cloth, when I saw signs of rusting on a couple of soldered joints on the bracelet (pic 1).

Could anyone please advise if this is normal? The other joints/sides of the bracelet are fine... Furthermore, a similar 2012 5711 bracelet has no such issues.

Pardon the bad lighting. Thanks in advance.

[VogelPhoenix]

I would get that looked at.

[S``]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

I would get that looked at.

Managed to get it looked at without a prior appt. SA tried cleaning it up with alcohol (isopropyl?), Managed to remove some of "rust stain", but there's still rust I could spot from the joints involved.

SA also claimed that it might be sea water / chemical.... Being a desk jockey, chemical is unlikely... Never took the watch anywhere close to the sea shore as well..

The boutique got me a "small intervention" added in for free. Not looking good from the "vibe" given out, because it feels like trying to shift "fault" to me, but it maybe me being overly sensitive from having a shock of my life in regards to SS having a major discoloration/stain.

Wish me all the best

[GB-man]

Hmm we’ve seen a 5711 with rust here before. I don’t know enough about metallurgy to know how or why.

[S``]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Hmm we’ve seen a 5711 with rust here before. I don’t know enough about metallurgy to know how or why.

I recall that thread, it was on a relatively newer 5711. In this case, the 26300st and 5711 I have are relatively close in age, circa 2011-2012. Strange to see something pop so late here...

Just hoping it's something not too painful (ex needing a deep polish) etc.

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by S``

I recall that thread, it was on a relatively newer 5711. In this case, the 26300st and 5711 I have are relatively close in age, circa 2011-2012. Strange to see something pop so late here...

Just hoping it's something not too painful (ex needing a deep polish) etc.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=680120

If it's on the sides only it could be the same or similar?

[S``]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=680120

If it's on the sides only it could be the same or similar?

Thanks for the link. I'll send this over to the boutique. This was the thread!

Yes, my "rust stains" are only on the sides, albeit on fewer links, and located where the soldered joints are located.

[fsprow]

As I said in the 5711 “case” I’m pretty sure this results from inadequate removal of the highly corrosive flux used in soldering stainless steel. It could be removed by pretty deep polishing but not by any chemical.

[S``]

Got a bill instead. A huge one. Tried to look for an explanation. NADA.

Not a good start IMHO. Please note my earlier statement that I was totally expected this shift of responsibility

[S``]

If anyone knows any AP personnel I could move up the chain with.

Also, if anyone knows of any great independent craftsman who works on these steel AP. That would be much appreciated.

Feel free to DM me. Thanks in advance

[S``]

The response to the "No" to polishing and service is met by what I felt is a standard template to "not our fault".

I've given the links and some screenshot to this forum and the 5711 issues but it didn't seem like they even bothered to check it. Here's the reply.

Do note that polishing is only temporary per fsprow and the 5711 thread.

I am quite livid because I waited to find no solution, and just a shifting at the end of a bill shouldn't have expected any better

[sookainian]

Possibility of body sweat could have cause it too... Otherwise could be your watch case/box.. they have chemical residual in them which we wont know...

Did u clean/wash it before storing? Environment and humidity does play a part too...

Then again, your watch is 10yrs+.. it's about time to send it in for a full servicing to freshen it up

Even my rolex yellow gold tarnish sitting inside the safebox.. I never wear it before. I heard u have to wear it so the gold wont tarnish..

Well...