rOmega
Omega
"As long as the same method is used to reproduce the finish then the metalwork will be indistinguishable from new"
Here is an iconic omega sea master bond. Often these particular models loose sharpness as they are extremely difficult to polish without correct machinery and expertise.
These are all photos of the one watch, the left column shows the watch being poorly and incorrectly polished at some stage. On the right shows the watch after being expertly refinished by us. You can clearly see that before, all the grained sides of the watch were softened and not sharp as they once were as well as the bezel.
A special machine called a conical grinder is used to achieve this unique finish.
The same machine would have been used to apply the finish to the case during the production process. As long as the same method is used to re-produce the finish then the metalwork will be indistinguishable from new.
In this scenario we used laser welding to build up the case to make sure that the proportions and dimensions of the case were as close as possible to original factory specifications.
rBreitling
Breiting Chronomat Day Date Refinish.
“After some laser welding and careful refinishing the watch looks like brand new again”.
Here we have a before and after of a popular Breitling Chronomat. On the left you can clearly see some heavy marks and dings in the case and bezel. After some laser welding and careful refinishing, the watch looks like brand new again. To achieve this, every screw in the bezel and all case components have to be dismantled and given individual attention using different methods of finishing.
This ensures that the same process is used as the manufacturer when finishing the watch. This way it will be indistinguishable from new once complete and by using laser welding we can fire the same composition of metal at problem areas to ensure the case is as close to factory specifications as possible.
rRolex Submariner
Rolex Submariner
"Watches are a form of engineering and art that are visual objects of desire. The exterior cosmetic originality and quality of finish can very much so affect a watches value in the future."
Here we have some before-andafter photos of the iconic Rolex Submariner which at some point was incorrectly polished. Notice that all bezel edges, flat graining on lugs and signature bevels ar now gone and softened.
In the second row you can clearly see the rounding-off in the bezel from over polishing using incorrect equipment. In the photo beside, it appears perfectly sharp just like it did when it was done at the factory.
The lugs are finished originally at the factory using a unique machine specially calibrated for each model. We use the exact same machinery and techniques to recreate the finish on all our Rolex pieces.
You can now see how the flat properly machined graining refracts light much better and replicates the Rolex factory finish.
The beveled shoulders in the case lugs have been a part of the Submariner’s design since the early 1950s. When done properly, they frame the case beautifully, but are easily lost when incorrectly polished.
These comparisons really illustrate the importance of maintaining the cosmetic integrity of your watch.
Watches are an object of engineering and art that are visual objects of desire. The exterior cosmetic originality and quality of finish can greatly affect a watch’s collectability and value in future.
pPatek Philippe
Patek Nautilus 5711/1A
"There is a clear distinction between average restoration and factory refinishing"
In figure 1 you can see what this Iconic Patek Nautilus 5711/1A once looked like. It has some harsh marks in its sharp beveled octagonal bezel.
Figure 2 demostrates an average level of restoration performed on the same watch. The sharp beveled edges that are a key characteristic of the wathc are now softened and not as prominent as they once were. Also the vertical graining on the top side is overlapping onto the polished surface.
Figure 3 depicts the same watch after it has been re-grained and beveled to the same specifications as the factory. The polished edges are sharp and octagonal in nature as they should be and the polished and grained surfaces meet perfectly with no overlap.
rRolex Submariner 1680 Re-Finishing
Rolex Submariner Reference: 1680 Re-Finishing
"These details are some of the important factors to consider when buying a Rolex timepiece.. "
The Rolex Factory Finish is one of the most difficult to replicate. We here at Watch Collector have spent years refining our re-finishing techniques to the point where we are able to return the finishing back to Rolex Factory standards. The photo, above left, shows a Rolex Submariner which has been poorly polished. The left side lug shows a curvature that doesn’t match the corresponding lug on the right. Through the use of laser welding the technicians at Watch Collector were able to build up the left lug thus bringing it in line with the lug on the right, resulting in perfect symmetry. Notice too the top edge of the lug has a coarse finish that looks like its been done with sand paper. It is adequate but it is not how the watch is meant to look. We were able to re-engineer this section of the case and also re-finish the edge of the lug and reapply its signature beveled edge as seen in the photo, above right.
These details are some of the important factors to consider when buying a Rolex timepiece.
rRolex
Rolex Yachtmaster Reference: 168622
"Flawless Factory Refinishing On One Of The Most Difficult Models In The Business"
The Rolex Yacht-Master is a watch with a very unique finish. It has a paltinum bezel that is very delicate to work with and restore and it is by far one of the most difficult watches to refinish in the industry.
In Fig.1 you can clearly see the damage done to the bezel and the lugs. The lugs in this case were very lightly laser welded with the same quality steel in order to minimise material loss during refinishing.
Figure 2 shows the watch after it has been completed.
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