On pitting and corrosion in general

[DateJust74]

For those here to know about pitting and corrosion in general, will a good daily rinse in distilled water be enough to avoid pitting on Rolexes, specially the 304L and 316L models?

[Tools]

It's unlikely that distilled water would have any benefit, but cleaning regularly could help.

The case back corrosion is caused by the movement of the case-back gasket, which rub away the Stainless Steel self-healing film that it develops. This exposes the unprotected steel to the effects of the environment. Sweat and body oils are also toxic when they contact the unprotected steel surfaces.

If folks had their watches serviced more regularly, which would have cleaned off any beginning corrosion that was taking a foothold, and fresh, greased gaskets installed, they would likely still be in excellent shape.

[DateJust74]

Originally Posted by Tools

It's unlikely that distilled water would have any benefit, but cleaning regularly could help.

The case back corrosion is caused by the movement of the case-back gasket, which rub away the Stainless Steel self-healing film that it develops. This exposes the unprotected steel to the effects of the environment. Sweat and body oils are also toxic when they contact the unprotected steel surfaces.

If folks had their watches serviced more regularly, which would have cleaned off any beginning corrosion that was taking a foothold, and fresh, greased gaskets installed, they would likely still be in excellent shape.

So, if I have the tools to open and close it, new gaskets, and some silicone grease, is this initial corrosion cleaning an easy process to do? What products should I use to clean it?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by DateJust74

So, if I have the tools to open and close it, new gaskets, and some silicone grease, is this initial corrosion cleaning an easy process to do? What products should I use to clean it?

Depends..

If corrosion is not visible, or is slight, then many of the scratch-pads/pens, or stainless steel wool, can clean things up where the SS can, once again, form it's protective chromium oxide. If corrosion is started, it needs to be stopped.

If it is severe, then phosphoric acid will dissolve the iron oxide without damaging the other SS components.

Serious corrosion can be laser welded and a lathe can resurface the parts.

Ideally, you just want to clean off the oils and acidic debris that can start the process. Regular dish soap can do this.

[gunhose]

thanks tools i didn't know the reason