ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
6 December 2018, 05:08 PM | #271 |
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When we first started laser welding we started with a single spool of 0.035 316L. Over time we now find ourselves with several gauges of steel different alloys 316L and 904L flat and round fill wire.
All work done in the good ol’ U.S. of A. |
7 December 2018, 10:34 AM | #272 |
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This "N" shaped spring is the heart of all Stretch Bands such as the 6636 Rivet Oyster. Unfortunately these do break and/or get worn and lose their spring action.
Here is what they look like when broken. |
7 December 2018, 10:35 AM | #273 |
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These cannot be welded back together and must be replaced. Here is what a good spring looks like.
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7 December 2018, 10:36 AM | #274 |
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Luckily we have lots to go around!
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7 December 2018, 10:39 AM | #275 |
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I really mean lots and lots
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7 December 2018, 05:14 PM | #276 |
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Watch: Rolex Datejust
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Do you manufacture your own springs, or do you have a private source who makes them for you? (or a public source, i admit i've never tried very hard to lock down a source for these springs before). Would be nice to have a source for these if i need them...though as you know, most of the stretchy oyster bracelets are long gone by now.
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8 December 2018, 07:56 AM | #277 |
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@R.G.Bramlett, CW21 send us a PM if you ever need any. We can help you out with some.
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8 December 2018, 05:57 PM | #278 |
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Good to know, Rolli! thanks!
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13 December 2018, 08:19 PM | #279 |
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Yuck.
All work done in the good ol’ U.S. of A. |
15 December 2018, 06:21 PM | #280 |
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Watch: Rolex Datejust
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umm...gonna guess that one hasn't been cleaned yet.
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15 December 2018, 08:15 PM | #281 |
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15 December 2018, 10:00 PM | #282 |
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Good stuff!!! If my bracelet needs refurbishing, I will definitely contact you guys!
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18 December 2018, 06:55 AM | #283 |
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18 December 2018, 02:51 PM | #284 |
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C'mon, I check this thread to see the amazing work you guys do. More pics pls.
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27 December 2018, 06:39 AM | #285 |
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Here is a before and after that Mike
did for my brother. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
27 December 2018, 08:23 AM | #286 |
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Craftsmanship !!!
__________________
“The display of actual intelligence terrifies much of mankind” Rolex "some" Tudor "some" Damasko "some" Misc Pieces "some" Marathon "some" GS Spring Drive "some" Hamilton "some" Findeisen "some" |
31 December 2018, 12:01 PM | #287 |
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Just went through and read all 10 pages. Very nice work and really enjoyed the pictures to go along with the stories. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy days to explain what it is your doing to each project.
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31 December 2018, 02:01 PM | #288 |
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wow.
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17 January 2019, 08:20 PM | #289 |
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Real Name: Michael H
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Tube rivets. More tricky than the solid rivets but getting them made better and quicker with practice.
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23 January 2019, 07:53 AM | #290 |
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What are your turnaround times looking like on a two tone oyster from a 1675 gmt? would you mind sending me a pm on instructions on having a bracelet repaired?
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26 January 2019, 04:17 PM | #291 |
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Spent a good part of last week taking this 9315 Folded Oyster back to its former glory. Sometimes we like a challenge.
Virtually every link was dented or creased. Better view of how badly creased the link were. |
26 January 2019, 04:19 PM | #292 |
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We also noticed the clasp wasn't snapping as it should. Close inspection revealed both tabs were very torn. We will need to repair this. If you look closely the rivet that hold the flip lock is also in bad shape. We will need to make a new rivet as well.
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26 January 2019, 04:25 PM | #293 |
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Dents are repaired the old fashion way. Dapping, ball peen hammer, and an a steel block. For pieces that are very thin we use other metal forming tools that we have made along the way.
Each link is carefully unfolded. |
26 January 2019, 04:25 PM | #294 |
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After first round of dapping and forming
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26 January 2019, 04:27 PM | #295 |
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Forgot to take photos along the way but after a few round of forming and a bit of smoothing on an abrasive wheel we are left with this!
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26 January 2019, 04:33 PM | #296 |
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Here is what this piece look like in our tray next to all the remaining pieces awaiting smoothing on an abrasive wheel. Each piece has been professionally formed to minimize the time on the abrasive wheel. More time on the workbench, less time in the polishing room, leaving more metal left on this 40+ year old band. These pieces often arrive foil thin and generally unworkable. The last thing we want is for that to on our clock.
Notice the slight curve on the top of each piece. This curve often gets lost over the years. They often arrive flattened and dented. |
26 January 2019, 04:34 PM | #297 |
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26 January 2019, 04:35 PM | #298 |
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after some light smoothing to disguise our tool marks.
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26 January 2019, 04:43 PM | #299 |
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Partially assembled, we are looking fairly good. This isn't the final finish, just the finish left from our abrasive wheel
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26 January 2019, 04:45 PM | #300 |
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Remember the tears on the clasp? After some laser welding, smoothing, and a new rivet...
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