Rust Removal Question on Tudor 79090

[Thegr8one]

Hey Guys,

I'm looking to possibly purchase the Tudor 79090 in the pictures below. The case appears to be unpolished and in relatively good condition, along with the dial and hands. I do however have some concerns with some rust in what looks to be the bezel ring. Obviously rust is an indication of moisture at some point so I am not sure how else the watch might be impacted.

I also noticed some rusting/pitting on the case between the lugs. I'm not as concerned about this as I am the rust under the bezel ring.

Can something like this be easily removed by RSC? Or are these spots permanently damaged? As an FYI, I'm in Toronto so I don't have the luxury of independents like ABC and LA Watchworks. It would likely need to go to the RSC in Toronto.

These are the best pics I could get....

Thanks in advance. Appreciate any feedback before I decide to move forward.

[sutats]

I don't know about rust treatment on watches and I'm no expert on authenticity but the case, the bezel, the datewheel, and the caseback are very likely not original Tudor/Rolex products. That saves dealing with the issue of rust on the watch unless you still want to purchase it.

[Lgear080]

Passssss there are far better examples out there

[Thegr8one]

Originally Posted by sutats

I don't know about rust treatment on watches and I'm no expert on authenticity but the case, the bezel, the datewheel, and the caseback are very likely not original Tudor/Rolex products. That saves dealing with the issue of rust on the watch unless you still want to purchase it.

Could you elaborate? Are you absolutely certain? The watch comes with original box, booklets, card holder, just no original paperwork.

[tamiya]

Looks rough.

[harry in montreal]

Looks rough.... Big lol!!!

It gets that rust from swimming with it. Mine have that and i have never had an issue cleaning that sort of thing before a new crystal and a pressure test. PM me!

[harry in montreal]

I forgot to Address authenticity. Ignore my esteemed colleague above. It's a legit Tudor shield sub. I never understand posting public 'fake' comments that are baseless.

[Thegr8one]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

I forgot to Address authenticity. Ignore my esteemed colleague above. It's a legit Tudor shield sub. I never understand posting public 'fake' comments that are baseless.

Thanks Harry. I just sent you a PM as well. Appreciate any feedback.

[machob55]

I had a similar issue with my Tudor with a bit of moisture getting in around the bezel. Since I had not had it service from the the time I purchased it in 2000, it was definitely due. A got a brand new looking watch back from the RSC,albeit expensive, but worth it. By the way the acrylic crystal replacement is automatically done when you get the watch serviced at RSC. Good luck.

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[chessebj]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

I forgot to Address authenticity. Ignore my esteemed colleague above. It's a legit Tudor shield sub. I never understand posting public 'fake' comments that are baseless.

People like to look important.

[southtexas]

I'm looking at this on an iPhone so maybe I'm wrong, but I think I've had rust on my 1680 like that. It wasn't actually under the crystal; rather, it was the retaining ring that was rusting.

Tommy Taylor cleaned it for me during a repair, if he sees this maybe he can comment.


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[R.W.T.]

I did and I remember doing it...but I don't remember what I did exactly in that case or it being a real issue. It wasn't corrosion more just red rusty stain on the surface. Rodico will often take it off or it might come off in the ultrasonic or with some case clean solution and a toothbrush. If not you might have to use a fiberglass pen. I'm not sure what causes it but it does show sometimes. There was no moisture intrusion on your watch. I know it pulled a full test in the water tester with no issues.

Watches...are weird.

[PVR]

The stain you see is corrosion/rust on the inside of the retaining ring. The way I remove it is first to get the retaining ring out of the watch.

Then I use some scotch brite pads, the same ones we all see listed for refinishing a bracelet, and turn the retaining ring around while holding the scotch pad agains the interior of the ring.

This refinishes the inside of the ring and at the same time removes the corrosion. Often the steel has been eaten away and you will see porosity but, that isnt visible or as visible as the corrosion/rust stains.

clean it off with soap and water, dry it and reinstall.

[Thegr8one]

Thanks to all for the feedback and advice. I decided to move forward with the purchase and will show some before and after pics once the RSC service is complete.

[stockegsix]

That Tudor sub looks good to me. Well done on the purchase.

[japenney]

I am the seller so no need to worry. Buyer just doing his DD. It is a great example. One of the nicer ones I have sold. Cheers

[SAAS]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

Looks rough.... Big lol!!!

It gets that rust from swimming with it. Mine have that and i have never had an issue cleaning that sort of thing before a new crystal and a pressure test. PM me!

Harry this gave me a laugh as well.

To the OP a rusty rehaut proves its an authentic 79090 :) that will clean nicely

[Thegr8one]

I just wanted to pop back in and thank all who contributed accurate info to help me with the purchase. I received the watch today and it's more beautiful in person. Very pronounced lug chamfers, gorgeous matte dial, flawless, matching egg shell patina on the markers and hands and a virtually new, what looks to be unsized bracelet. Very happy with the purchase.

I will be dropping the watch off at RSC Toronto tomorrow for a full service and cleaning of the rust stain. In person the stain is not as near as visible as in the pictures but I'd still like to get it cleaned up and ensure the seals are good and it's waterproof. Even though its not an expensive vintage piece, I will be sure to specify with RSC that I want it all kept original.

Here are the before pics and I will post back in once the service is complete as a follow up for anyone interested.

All the best.

Steve

[theflywrist]

Congrats on the pick up! That is a beautiful example.
That rust should be very easy for a watchmaker to clean off!!

[Nikoicon]

Congtats it looks great ! How did the service go ? 8 am actually getting from crown and caliber this week that doesn't seem to have any corrosion on the retaining ring but a slight bit in the hands.

[linesiders]

The rust in the crystal? That is not rust just grime under crystal and retaining ring that gets magnified coming up edge of crystal

[Thegr8one]

Thanks for bumping the thread. The watch has been with the RSC since Oct 12th so I should be getting it back anytime now. Once I have it in hand I will update with the "after" pics.

[Thegr8one]

Just to close the loop on this thread, I finally received my watch back after nearly 10 weeks with RSC Toronto. I know this particular watch is not of high value but I love it a lot and still like to keep my watches unpolished and as original as possible.

So I requested the following from the RSC:

- No case or bracelet polishing/refinishing
- No replacement of bezel
- No replacement of insert
- No replacement of PIP
- No replacement of Dial
- No replacement of Hands
- No replacement of date wheel
- No replacement of bracelet or clasp

- Movement service
- Seal changes to ensure waterproofness
- Crown/stem change if required
- Stabilize the hands if possible
- Remove rust from inner flange

They honoured all of my requests, including the stabilization of the hands, which I was surprised they would actually do. The team in Toronto is great to work with, a shout out to Monica for all the help.

For anyone interested, the final cost of this service was $520 for the service, $100 for "additional parts" for a total of $620 pre tax. All in Canadian dollars. So roughly $100 USD ;)

Without further ado, here are the after pics from the service.

[Styles Bitchley]

Looks great! Nice to hear RSC Toronto is still doing good work and honoured your requests faithfully. I’ve had good experiences in the past.


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[Luckyl]

Happened to mine before. I send it to my watchmaker. He took off the crystal and do some sand paper to the case and the crystal. Only took 5 minutes and the rust is gone. No charges... So I just tipped him.

Before and after

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[mineral]

Originally Posted by Luckyl

Happened to mine before. I send it to my watchmaker. He took off the crystal and do some sand paper to the case and the crystal. Only took 5 minutes and the rust is gone. No charges... So I just tipped him.

Before and after

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Nice work done. Very beautiful watch.


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[Thegr8one]

Originally Posted by mineral

Nice work done. Very beautiful watch.


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Agreed. Beautiful example. Looks NOS.

[Luckyl]

Hi Mineral & Thegr8one,

Thanks for the compliment. I bought this one around 1 year ago for $2k, watch only. Minus is It got a hole on the hour hand and polished. The rest are all good, sharp and shine..


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[RonnieA]

Similar question about rust/corrosion. Had my red submariner, a recent gift and my first watch, serviced by an authorized Rolex service center and have had it back for two weeks. To my surprise, noticed this today. Can't believe it has gotten wet. Am planning to bring it back to the service center but am perplexed and would be grateful for input.

[harry in montreal]

My Tudor subs have this. I wear them to swim all the time. Any sweat or humidity can do this. If you had a Rolex overhaul, I would show it to them. If it passed a pressure test, I would not be concerned. IF it failed the test, I would beware