Platinum watch refinishing?

[k1985]

Hey guys,

Wondering if anyone has had a platinum watch refinished/polished? Specifically thinking of how they might be able to work out deeper scratches and dings, flea bites etc, not just normal surface scratches.

I have had RSC work out a dent on the side of the case of a SS piece before and the result wasn’t perfect, but it was markedly improved.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!



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[returntorolex]

Not yet - but pics would help the pros here evaluate and provide some solid feedback.

[locutus49]

Solid platinum? Rolex platinum? These things matter.

[k1985]

Sorry for the lack of information. Here are some close up pics and it is Rolex platinum, DD40.




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[johnnyjazz]

Flea Bites? on a platinum watch. Are those the fleas that Klaatu brought to Earth?

[HogwldFLTR]

Curious as to what happened to that DD40. Pt usually requires less metal removal during servicing from what I've read. I'd consider talking with LAWW to see what they can do. Ultimately the amount of metal that has to be removed is whatever it takes to remove the defects. LAWW does welding to repair dings in SS; not certain about Pt.

[SearChart]

It is not a nice metal to work with.

[k1985]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Curious as to what happened to that DD40. Pt usually requires less metal removal during servicing from what I've read. I'd consider talking with LAWW to see what they can do. Ultimately the amount of metal that has to be removed is whatever it takes to remove the defects. LAWW does welding to repair dings in SS; not certain about Pt.

I guess that having LAWW do the work would void the Rolex warranty though?

Ultimately, I was presented a pretty good opportunity to acquire this piece and I am trying to force it, despite my better judgment suggesting I need to pass.

I once took a BLNR to RSC to get a dent removed, and they screwed up one of the lugs (it wasn't even the lug on the side that had the dent!), it was quite rounded, not sharp. I pointed it out to the tech when I picked it up and he said he would try to fix it... he made it much better, but it wasn't perfect. There is obviously a human element to polishing, and screw ups do happen. I don't think it's a risk I want to take on a watch of this value.

Thanks for the input guys.

[usling15]

You must remember. The only way to “polish” out gouges is to take the surrounding metal down to the depth of the gouge. This case is in bad shape.

[k1985]

Originally Posted by usling15

You must remember. The only way to “polish” out gouges is to take the surrounding metal down to the depth of the gouge. This case is in bad shape.

I guess I had read that with platinum, material gets moved around as opposed to lost, or something to that effect. So I thought that notwithstanding it being a harder metal to work with, maybe the end result could be better than what you might get with SS - if done properly.

[watchwatcher]

I avoid watches that look like they've been abused...like the plague. Some people don't take care of their things.

Hey, no judgement, but...I'm not buying their watch.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by k1985

I guess that having LAWW do the work would void the Rolex warranty though?

Ultimately, I was presented a pretty good opportunity to acquire this piece and I am trying to force it, despite my better judgment suggesting I need to pass.

I once took a BLNR to RSC to get a dent removed, and they screwed up one of the lugs (it wasn't even the lug on the side that had the dent!), it was quite rounded, not sharp. I pointed it out to the tech when I picked it up and he said he would try to fix it... he made it much better, but it wasn't perfect. There is obviously a human element to polishing, and screw ups do happen. I don't think it's a risk I want to take on a watch of this value.

Thanks for the input guys.

Talk with LAWW and see what the say. I wouldn't make assumptions!!!

[904VT]

Those dings are quite deep. You're going to pay a lot to have someone work on that properly, with them taking the risk of something not being perfect and the metal being as valuable as it is and harder than gold.

[Jim Smyth]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

I avoid watches that look like they've been abused...like the plague. Some people don't take care of their things.

Hey, no judgement, but...I'm not buying their watch.

Me either. thats why I pay even more to peel the stickers myself. I know its origin at that point and all the rest is on me. I could own the watch 30 years and it will still look brand new.

[fskywalker]

As said by others check cost for polishing it before buying (unless buying price is extremely favorable , still being good after spending few thousand dollars in fixing the case)


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[77T]

Originally Posted by k1985

I guess I had read that with platinum, material gets moved around as opposed to lost, or something to that effect. So I thought that notwithstanding it being a harder metal to work with, maybe the end result could be better than what you might get with SS - if done properly.

No, platinum has no magical properties in that regard.

RSC can do the work. If you want a 3rd part to laser weld it and shape it then the work could be done after the warrant expires.


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[sctp39]

Lange NY told me they fill in platinum before polish