Laser welding…anyone?

[Gearjockey]

I recently had excellent results with laser welding to repair a user error on one of my lugs.
Now I’m considering taking the next step to add thickness to one of the lug sides to even it out.

I’m curious if anyone else has attempted to do this? How much did it cost, etc.

Yes I know it may have been discussed previously, but I think this process is becoming more mainstream and, hopefully, more cost effective. I’m just looking for current experiences with this process. This picture is not the thin lug.

Thanks


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[Gearjockey]

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[HK_Expat]

Here’s a thread on my DJ I had laser welded and refinished


https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=914812

[Gearjockey]

Originally Posted by Xyza0722

Here’s a thread on my DJ I had laser welded and refinished


https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=914812

Just saw your restoration.
Looks fabulous!
Thanks

[Calatrava r]

Check out Zimmerman Watch repair. I just used them. Excellent repair to polished lugs restoring the angles by laser welding.

[Hollie_Rollie]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Check out Zimmerman Watch repair. I just used them. Excellent repair to polished lugs restoring the angles by laser welding.

I was just on his instagram. He does amazing work!


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[Gearjockey]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Check out Zimmerman Watch repair. I just used them. Excellent repair to polished lugs restoring the angles by laser welding.

Any chance you may show your results please?

If not here, I would love see as DM.

Thanks.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Gearjockey

Any chance you may show your results please?

If not here, I would love see as DM.

Thanks.

Just posted photos.

[Gearjockey]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Just posted photos.

Thanks!
looks outstanding

No need to get into specifics, but are we talking less than $2k for this type of operation?

I suppose gold is a little more of an apple versus an orange

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Gearjockey

Thanks!
looks outstanding

No need to get into specifics, but are we talking less than $2k for this type of operation?

I suppose gold is a little more of an apple versus an orange

I would think every job is different and needs an actual quote, but the cost is reasonable to have a new looking watch. Another thing to know is laser welding takes some time and is not an overnight deal.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Check out Zimmerman Watch repair. I just used them. Excellent repair to polished lugs restoring the angles by laser welding.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

I also had the dial changed out.

[EvelynWaugh]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

I also had the dial changed out.

wow I've never seen the 116238 with the white lumed index dial. How do you like it? Kindly post more pictures

[CHRONOLEX]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Wow!

[HK_Expat]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Looks great!

[dardeca]

LA Watch Works is also supposed to be very good with laser welding.

[yngrshr]

I have a Tudor Sub at Rolliworks right now.

[kieselguhr]

I have had excellent results with laser welding work from LA Watchworks. Deep gouge to lugs and bezel on a Tudor Prince Oyster Date. Came back looking factory

[GrailTime]

What kind of price does Zimmerman cost for case repair / refinish?

[MRBolton]

I've heard that the RSC will do laser welding. With that being the case, why do they always come back with thinner lugs?

OP, if I had to guess, you're probably looking at $1k-$1.5k to sort your lugs out and fix that damage. Rolliworks or Zimmerman should do a fine job.

[Gearjockey]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

I've heard that the RSC will do laser welding. With that being the case, why do they always come back with thinner lugs?

OP, if I had to guess, you're probably looking at $1k-$1.5k to sort your lugs out and fix that damage. Rolliworks or Zimmerman should do a fine job.

Thank you

[goldfixer21]

I am rebuilding a couple of cases right now. One is an old TT Datejust that had toothpick like lugs when I got it. I have added over 5 feet of 316L wire to it so far, and not done yet. Using the laser isn't really "hard", just time consuming. The real work is reshaping , and polishing the case when it's done with the laser work. I only do it for my personal watches, and for a couple of good buddies. I honestly don't know how Michael Y and Rolliworks can do it for the prices they charge. It's a TON of work to do a complete rebuild.

[Gearjockey]

Originally Posted by goldfixer21

I am rebuilding a couple of cases right now. One is an old TT Datejust that had toothpick like lugs when I got it. I have added over 5 feet of 316L wire to it so far, and not done yet. Using the laser isn't really "hard", just time consuming. The real work is reshaping , and polishing the case when it's done with the laser work. I only do it for my personal watches, and for a couple of good buddies. I honestly don't know how Michael Y and Rolliworks can do it for the prices they charge. It's a TON of work to do a complete rebuild.

How much is 904 compared to 316 by the foot?
Is it exorbitant to purchase from Rolex?

[goldfixer21]

Originally Posted by Gearjockey

How much is 904 compared to 316 by the foot?
Is it exorbitant to purchase from Rolex?

316L is pretty cheap to buy, less than $20 for a 100 ft. roll. I haven't bought any 904, so I don't know what it costs. Rolex isn't going to sell you stainless steel wire.

[EvelynWaugh]

Love that it is a full PM 6 digit reference. Its the ultimate DJ. White dials are so clean on YG