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Old 14 November 2023, 11:58 PM   #1
Calatrava r
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Polish Question

I bought a 18kt gold piece which has been polished, and the lugs side angles have been softened/rounded a bit. To the untrained eye it's probably not even noticeable, but, still, they are not as sharp as they should be.

Is this something that can be fixed without taking off more metal? Who would you recommend doing this?
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Old 15 November 2023, 12:24 AM   #2
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We need pictures!

Why buy a watch with ugly lugs in the first place??
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Old 15 November 2023, 12:30 AM   #3
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Yes, let's see some pics.
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Old 15 November 2023, 01:28 AM   #4
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Is that something Rolliworks could do by building up the metal with laser welding and then re-profiling the lugs back to what it would've been originally?

Seems like something an RSC may not do, but Rolliworks may. Take a look at their website and google/yelp images, they have some incredible capabilities when it comes to lug restoration.
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Old 15 November 2023, 01:48 AM   #5
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Old 15 November 2023, 01:50 AM   #6
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No, not Rolliworks or anyone else will do that. You can laser weld dents and nicks but you cannot add material with a view to re-profiling a lug.
If it's like a used bar of soap it's finished.

I have asked Rolliworks before to fix a 16613 lug, they said as much.
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Old 15 November 2023, 01:56 AM   #7
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I thought this thread was going to be about people that live in Poland !!!
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Old 15 November 2023, 02:00 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thesharkfactor View Post
No, not Rolliworks or anyone else will do that. You can laser weld dents and nicks but you cannot add material with a view to re-profiling a lug.
If it's like a used bar of soap it's finished.

I have asked Rolliworks before to fix a 16613 lug, they said as much.
Interesting to know
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Old 15 November 2023, 02:29 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thesharkfactor View Post
No, not Rolliworks or anyone else will do that. You can laser weld dents and nicks but you cannot add material with a view to re-profiling a lug.
If it's like a used bar of soap it's finished.

I have asked Rolliworks before to fix a 16613 lug, they said as much.
Maybe Rolliworks won't but there are watchmakers who will. Check out Zimmermanwatchrepair or Watchesspa on Instagram.
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Old 15 November 2023, 02:59 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thesharkfactor View Post
No, not Rolliworks or anyone else will do that. You can laser weld dents and nicks but you cannot add material with a view to re-profiling a lug.
If it's like a used bar of soap it's finished.

I have asked Rolliworks before to fix a 16613 lug, they said as much.
You absolutely can add material to reprofile a lug. Its done the same way that you fix dents and nicks.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CoVS_...RlODBiNWFlZA==
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Old 15 November 2023, 03:04 AM   #11
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Interesting to know
And quite incorrect Brian

Rolliworks may not do it but others will. Without being unkind to anyone at Rolliworks, they may nit have the ultimate skill, machinery or time

(Its also easier to do on 18ct cases than SS as the melting point is lower and the material is softer)

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Old 15 November 2023, 03:05 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Calatrava r View Post
I bought a 18kt gold piece which has been polished, and the lugs side angles have been softened/rounded a bit. To the untrained eye it's probably not even noticeable, but, still, they are not as sharp as they should be.

Is this something that can be fixed without taking off more metal? Who would you recommend doing this?
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CoMU3...RlODBiNWFlZA==
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Old 15 November 2023, 03:56 AM   #13
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And quite incorrect Brian

Rolliworks may not do it but others will. Without being unkind to anyone at Rolliworks, they may nit have the ultimate skill, machinery or time

(Its also easier to do on 18ct cases than SS as the melting point is lower and the material is softer)


Interesting Scott. Obviously I’ve never looked into this before so always eager to learn what’s what so to speak.


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Old 15 November 2023, 05:05 AM   #14
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You absolutely can add material to reprofile a lug. Its done the same way that you fix dents and nicks.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CoVS_...RlODBiNWFlZA==
Well done! Rolliworks explained to me why they wouldn't do it and why it wasn't feasible. It's good to know there is someone who will try.
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Old 15 November 2023, 05:17 AM   #15
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Polish Question

Quote:
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Well done! Rolliworks explained to me why they wouldn't do it and why it wasn't feasible. It's good to know there is someone who will try.

Yeah. It’s good to know basically anything can be fixed. And even better for those of us in the UK (I think we’re both in Scotland?) that there’s a guy in London who does it

And does it well. His work looks incredible.




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Old 15 November 2023, 05:20 AM   #16
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It can be done….albeit this was on steel but it was indicated to me at the time it can be done with gold too.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=914812
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Old 15 November 2023, 05:40 AM   #17
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It can be done….albeit this was on steel but it was indicated to me at the time it can be done with gold too.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=914812
outstanding!
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Old 15 November 2023, 05:42 AM   #18
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Well done! Rolliworks explained to me why they wouldn't do it and why it wasn't feasible. It's good to know there is someone who will try.
What was the reason Rolliworks couldn't/wouldn't do it?
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Old 15 November 2023, 08:32 AM   #19
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I thought this thread was going to be about people that live in Poland !!!
Me too! Or a killer kielbasa or pierogi recipe!!
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Old 15 November 2023, 08:39 AM   #20
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What did you mean by Polish question?
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Old 15 November 2023, 08:43 AM   #21
Calatrava r
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What did you mean by Polish question?
It is more like a restoration question.

Thanks everyone for the replies.
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Old 15 November 2023, 01:24 PM   #22
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Pendulum Laboratorio in Italy seems specialize in exactly this. Look them up
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Old 15 November 2023, 07:24 PM   #23
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Steven Hale has done some excellent laser welding for me in the past on a badly damaged Sub case. They’re also a fully accredited Rolex service centre (they pick up a lot of the vintage work from RSC Mayfair) so they have a full parts account too.

shwr.co.uk
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Old 15 November 2023, 09:17 PM   #24
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All these replies with no real information to go, on a picture paint a thousand words.
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Old 15 November 2023, 09:29 PM   #25
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Of course it can be fixed. You might not want to pay it. If you go this route make sure they melt down links from the correct watch so the gold chemistry matches.

Rolex can also replace the case and might offer a 15% credit like they do with other bracelet and clasps.

Or sell it and buy one you like.
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Old 15 November 2023, 11:59 PM   #26
Calatrava r
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All these replies with no real information to go, on a picture paint a thousand words.
My watch has been through enough. No reason to cause it further embarrassment on something it did not cause. LOL
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