Changing the lugs of a watch

[dori]

Is it possible to change a watches lug/lugs due to damage or over polishing? I heard it’s possible in patek Philippe and also look here at 9:57 https://youtu.be/bhRqIhHZkmk

Does Rolex do the same during service?
Just out of interest





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[77T]

Routine services wouldn’t include replacing a lug. The RSC would typically recommend a new service midcase to replace one with a badly damaged lug.

Now it it was an important, historical or sentimental watch then the work could be done in Rolex’s special restoration center in Geneva...but the cost is well beyond that of a new service midcase.

Let’s be real - a modern Rolex damaged beyond restoration prolly deserves a new midcase.


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[Bozack90]

if only Rolex would re-engrave original serial numbers into replacement cases I feel most of the hesitation around case replacement would be removed....well that and the cost is a bigger issue.

[THC]

Paging, Bas?

[SearChart]

No, lugs will never be replaced, they're part of the case.

[faimag]

OP, do you mean to restore overpolished/thin lugs back to original state? I guess it can be done with laser welding or some similar technique? I presume the only other option is to replace the whole case.

[Jmbarrack]

You can have the lugs restored back to their original condition... Check out Rolli Works on Instagram. They do some incredible restorations of cases, bracelets and bezels.

[zewill]

Do have a look at this page. It's in frech, on another forum (great btw if you understand french), but scroll down and the pics will speak for themselves.
You can 'fill in steel' and then polish it back down. Result looks amazing. The cost was around 300eur/280usd per lug.
This procedure gives better and better results... Now, the danger... People can pretend to sell completely destroyed vintage watches as NOS !

http://forumamontres.forumactif.com/...e-1675-de-1964

[T.Mas]

New lugs made me laugh. It will never have the same structural integrity as replacing the entire case.

[zewill]

Originally Posted by T.Mas

New lugs made me laugh. It will never have the same structural integrity as replacing the entire case.

Technically true. But who cares. Your lugs are not meant to support unbearable weight We're not building a dam or skyscraper with lugs. If it manages to restore a watch that would have need a recase (or when recase is not possible)... This is a solution to embrace!

[finestdealer]

Lugs cant be replaced

[JohnGingerwood]

How could you replace a lug??

[zewill]

People just seem to post one-liners without reading it seems...
Did you have a look at what i posted?
http://forumamontres.forumactif.com/...e-1675-de-1964

[nicon]

Laser welding or new case.

[77T]

Originally Posted by zewill

People just seem to post one-liners without reading it seems...
Did you have a look at what i posted?
http://forumamontres.forumactif.com/...e-1675-de-1964

To be fair, that link requires joining a forum in French that the other poster clearly doesn’t speak. If you want to add clarity to the discussion, would you translate it and share it?

Originally Posted by JohnGingerwood

How could you replace a lug??

By laser welding a roughly shaped bit of material and fashioning it to match the other three...


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[Richard Carver]

Originally Posted by zewill

People just seem to post one-liners without reading it seems...
Did you have a look at what i posted?
http://forumamontres.forumactif.com/...e-1675-de-1964

They require registration to view.

[Mr.Rolex1]

Depends on the watch

Post a pic