How is case corrosion fixed/stabilized?

[vintagewaferthin]

Hi, I am bringing my 5500 AK to be overhauled next week at Central Watch. The watch has some corrosion on the case frame(where the case back gasket joins the rest of the case). I was told that this can be fixed in a service. How is it done? Hoping CW doesn't charge an arm and a leg.

[SearChart]

It is a welding technique where new material is filled into the corroded 'holes'.

[vintagewaferthin]

Originally Posted by SearChart

It is a welding technique where new material is filled into the corroded 'holes'.

That can't be cheap..

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by vintagewaferthin

That can't be cheap..

If you want cheap you're on the wrong forums my friend...

[vintagewaferthin]

Originally Posted by SearChart

If you want cheap you're on the wrong forums my friend...

Haha..indeed your right. I meant cheap in relation to the worth of the watch itself.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by vintagewaferthin

Haha..indeed your right. I meant cheap in relation to the worth of the watch itself.

Don't think it'll be that much though, 50-100 would be my guess.

I would only have it fixed if the pitting compromises the water-resistance.

[vintagewaferthin]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Don't think it'll be that much though, 50-100 would be my guess.

I would only have it fixed if the pitting compromises the water-resistance.

I agree. Hopefully it doesn't affect its ability to seal.

[Passionata]

Originally Posted by SearChart

It is a welding technique where new material is filled into the corroded 'holes'.

technical question ,
-if condensation appears on the inside of the crystal it s necessarily means that water got into the case or just servicing(or just opening/closing) in a humid enviroment is enough to experience such a thing later

-if water got into the case then condensation will appear for sure or could such a damage remain "silent" until next service -obviously we talk about a small amount of fresh water not a massive seawater intrusion.

thanks

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Passionata

technical question ,
-if condensation appears on the inside of the crystal it s necessarily means that water got into the case or just servicing(or just opening/closing) in a humid enviroment is enough to experience such a thing later

-if water got into the case then condensation will appear for sure or could such a damage remain "silent" until next service -obviously we talk about a small amount of fresh water not a massive seawater intrusion.

thanks

A small amount of moisture can remain silent for a while. All exposed steel movement parts start corroding and maybe some slight bubbling in the dial paint.

[Passionata]

Originally Posted by SearChart

A small amount of moisture can remain silent for a while. All exposed steel movement parts start corroding and maybe some slight bubbling in the dial paint.

Thanks

[dmac001]

Originally Posted by vintagewaferthin

That can't be cheap..

I had a non-rolex watch bracelet repaired by welding the broken clasp -- as I recall it was under $100. Bracelet has been as good as new ever since - and - unless I study it, I can't find the weld.

[Vicc]

Ive done work like this. Depending on the extent of the damage it can be as little as $50 but could also cost hundreds of dollars.

[dysondiver]

welding i dont have any issues with , but how does it become smooth afterwards ,,,
thats where id be getting curious

[Vicc]

Easiest way to explain the excess metal is polished off and as a result you get a smooth surface.
Here's an AP we did last month. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc8lByLh...tchcentral_nyc

[dysondiver]

Originally Posted by Vicc

Easiest way to explain the excess metal is polished off and as a result you get a smooth surface.
Here's an AP we did last month. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc8lByLh...tchcentral_nyc

spectacular results ,,, but its in the skill of the man re finishing ,,,
roughly what did that transformation cost , ball park.

[Vicc]

Well a company doing mediocre polishing wouldn't bother laser welding haha

This job was around $700.

To clarify, its $350 for refinish, and $350 for the laser repair.

[dysondiver]

Originally Posted by Vicc

Well a company doing mediocre polishing wouldn't bother laser welding haha

This job was around $700.

To clarify, its $350 for refinish, and $350 for the laser repair.

good grief ,,, thats very reasonable for such a transformation , i didnt mean that to turn into an advert ....

[Vicc]

I don't mind if the mods don't mind haha.

[RonSwanson]

Originally Posted by Vicc

Easiest way to explain the excess metal is polished off and as a result you get a smooth surface.
Here's an AP we did last month. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc8lByLh...tchcentral_nyc

Wouldn't you have to match the steel/PM alloy pretty closely? How do you achieve that? I don't imagine the brands will share that with you? Very cool, thanks!

[roadie1]

Wow! Amazing work!

[sawhornsoff]

Outstanding work!

[Passionata]

Originally Posted by SearChart

A small amount of moisture can remain silent for a while. All exposed steel movement parts start corroding and maybe some slight bubbling in the dial paint.

Bas , you as watchmaker considering a cleaned watch movement (after water damage or slight corrosion ) equal to one which never had such an impact , if the balance and escapment is intact (or replaced) such a watch could have the same accuracy as the other?

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Passionata

Bas , you as watchmaker considering a cleaned watch movement (after water damage or slight corrosion ) equal to one which never had such an impact , if the balance and escapment is intact (or replaced) such a watch could have the same accuracy as the other?

Yes I would say they are equal after a good service.
As a matter of fact, I bought a vintage Omega a few years ago with water damage, serviced it and all is good