Hairline cracks in case

[dpa94114]

This looks pretty bad to me. One of my pals always asks my thoughts (since I kinda got him into these vintage beauties) - but I’m not an expert.

Thoughts? I just figure that there would be minimal resale value with this damage.

[zapokee]

Not sure how this would happen. The case looks like it's been re-detailed, so perhaps it was put in a vice too tightly at some point...

I'm not a fan of replacement cases, but the integrity of this one has been compromised to the extent that it can't be helped.

[SearChart]

I've seen this happen on links before, very uncommon and most likely a fault when the metal for this was forged. This is not fixable.

[18078pres]

I thought Rolex pounches out their cases from stock then cnc the cases to size . Patek punches out a case then cold forge cases using dies to shape the case. This from Patek web site. Patek also mentions they are last one using this old time consuming process. I do know when mental is forged its stronger than cast and milled.

[jedly1]

That’s what a case looks like that’s been laser welded , filled and polished poorly

[fmc000]

Originally Posted by jedly1

That’s what a case looks like that’s been laser welded , filled and polished poorly

FWIW, my thoughts exactly.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by jedly1

That’s what a case looks like that’s been laser welded , filled and polished poorly

Does that mean that simply the process of laser-welding (say, for the repair of gouges, or other bad damage) will promote cracking in the case? And is it possible cracks can occur naturally?

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I've seen this happen on links before, very uncommon and most likely a fault when the metal for this was forged. This is not fixable.

So a rare factory defect?

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Does that mean that simply the process of laser-welding (say, for the repair of gouges, or other bad damage) will promote cracking in the case? And is it possible cracks can occur naturally?

You see that in welding as well if you dont get the proper heat penetration. The repair could have been done by someone who didnt know how to use the equipment properly.

Those pics look like there was come corrosion on the case. Maybe they didnt prepare the case properly for the fill metal to stick.

[circles]

Unfortunately that case is done for.

[214270Explorer]

Thank you for sharing the photos. This is at least interesting, and I have never before seen this sort of issue.

[Dan S]

This 1019 is being sold by Matthew Bain on eBay, and the damage is disclosed. Obviously, I would stay away, but people are bidding.

[Macnavara]

What the hell

[JustinK]

I assume these cracks could be properly repaired by laser welding?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by JustinK

I assume these cracks could be properly repaired by laser welding?

The could be (temporarily) hidden by laser welding.

[Tom1675]

Originally Posted by circles

Unfortunately that case is done for.

No! This is a rare "spider case". Demands a real premium. I have also heard it referred to as "San Andreas" or "corduroy" through the years.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by JustinK

I assume these cracks could be properly repaired by laser welding?

The cracking is extensive and appears to be quite deep. The amount of work needed to grind and fill all of these cracks, then recontour the case to spec would be considerable.

This would have to be an extremely rare case to warrant such work, and even then repairs would likely be superficial. This watch needs a replacement case.

These look like stress cracks from crushing, then a rebuild and refinish without addressing the structural issues.

[SunTzu]

Originally Posted by GoingPlaces

So a rare factory defect?

Yes and worth 10 fold what a normal one sells for. And if it has the elusive "snow" dial??

Fuhgettaboutit!

[Trog]

The combination of tensile stress and a specific corrosive environment can crack stainless steels. This mode of attack is termed stress corrosion cracking (SCC). The most common environmental exposure condition responsible for SCC of stainless steels is the presence of chlorides.

https://www.ssina.com/education/corr...sion-cracking/

Stay out of the pool!

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Trog

https://www.ssina.com/education/corr...sion-cracking/

It was my understanding that there would be no math ...

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Trog

The combination of tensile stress and a specific corrosive environment can crack stainless steels. This mode of attack is termed stress corrosion cracking (SCC). The most common environmental exposure condition responsible for SCC of stainless steels is the presence of chlorides.

Good knowledge. So it requires the application of considerable stress AND something that's made the steel brittle first. You'd probably have to spend an awful lot of time in the pool...

But why would anybody buy that? Parts, I guess.

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

It was my understanding that there would be no math ...

Like


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[dpa94114]

But why would anybody buy that? Parts, I guess.[/QUOTE]

Right now, someone is willing to pay almost $13K for parts



Great information - chlorine idea is quite scary... i had assumed that it would be a major untaking or completely not worth the trouble.

Thanks

[Dan S]

Some people may be gambling that the case can be repaired.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Some people may be gambling that the case can be repaired.

Right. That's a crazy gamble, though. That case is toast.

[dpa94114]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Some people may be gambling that the case can be repaired.

I have never worked directly with Rolex on repairs (SF has a Rolex wizard Giovanni that used to be an official "affiliated" shop), but I seem to recall that they have little to no interest in dealing with vintage problems.... especially when they make current versions of the old model.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Right. That's a crazy gamble, though. That case is toast.

Agreed. Not a good bet. Plan B would be a service case and the hope that Rolex will agree to preserve the rest.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by dpa94114

I have never worked directly with Rolex on repairs (SF has a Rolex wizard Giovanni that used to be an official "affiliated" shop), but I seem to recall that they have little to no interest in dealing with vintage problems.... especially when they make current versions of the old model.

Rolex would not try to repair the case. They would replace it with a service case, as mentioned previously.

[pablofields]

I think the "bet" is that at the right purchase price + full RSC movement service, service replacement case, service replacement dial, and service replacement hands (say 4k USD?) = a brand new 1019 that is eminently enjoyable in its own right or might fetch more than enough to recoup the outlays plus some profit.

Ending up with something like this.



https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/milgauss--id13686290.htm

[1665fan]

Pass with all service parts...unless it was cheap