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Old 15 June 2020, 04:24 PM   #1
SearChart
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Icon17 1675 case restoration

Trying to 'restore' this 1675 GMT master, which was badly polished in the past.

Obviously not even close to the level that LAWW or other can go, but I'm pretty happy with the result. Can't get much better than this on RSC equipment.

Small laser treatment on the crown guard because of the big dent there











Will post the finished watch.... once it is finished

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Rolex uses rare elves to polish the platinum. They have a union deal and make like $90 per hour and get time and half on weekends.
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Old 15 June 2020, 04:38 PM   #2
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I always appreciate these posts from you!


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Old 15 June 2020, 04:40 PM   #3
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I always appreciate these posts from you!


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Very kind, thank you
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Rolex uses rare elves to polish the platinum. They have a union deal and make like $90 per hour and get time and half on weekends.
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Old 15 June 2020, 04:44 PM   #4
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You’re being too humble. That’s fantastic work
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Old 15 June 2020, 05:04 PM   #5
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Looks great, I never miss your interesting posts, and appreciate your contribution to the forum.
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Old 15 June 2020, 05:19 PM   #6
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That is amazing, you have great dexterity in your trade.
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Old 15 June 2020, 05:24 PM   #7
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Wow.

I’m no expert but dang that looks good. Specially that crown guard that was previously banged up!

Now I’m really gonna wear my watch hard hahaha

(Now that I see laser welding is becoming more and more common)


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Old 15 June 2020, 06:54 PM   #8
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You’re being too humble. That’s fantastic work
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Looks great, I never miss your interesting posts, and appreciate your contribution to the forum.
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That is amazing, you have great dexterity in your trade.
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Wow.

I’m no expert but dang that looks good. Specially that crown guard that was previously banged up!

Now I’m really gonna wear my watch hard hahaha

(Now that I see laser welding is becoming more and more common)


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Thank you, Gentlemen
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Rolex uses rare elves to polish the platinum. They have a union deal and make like $90 per hour and get time and half on weekends.
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Old 15 June 2020, 07:15 PM   #9
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Very cool.
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Old 15 June 2020, 09:11 PM   #10
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Keep them coming Bas!
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Old 15 June 2020, 09:46 PM   #11
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Good job. Must be nice to have the skill and patience to do this kind of work. A gift.
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Old 15 June 2020, 10:13 PM   #12
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Awesome!!!


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Old 15 June 2020, 11:12 PM   #13
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That's nice
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Old 15 June 2020, 11:28 PM   #14
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Very nice! What tools do you use for this? Do you have a lapping machine?
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Old 16 June 2020, 03:28 AM   #15
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Looks good.

50+ year old watches aren't expected to look like they just came off the assembly line. Any old case that can be brought back to 90% or more has got to be considered an amazing feat and a plus for the watch community.
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Old 16 June 2020, 03:45 AM   #16
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1675 case restoration

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
Looks good.



50+ year old watches aren't expected to look like they just came off the assembly line. Any old case that can be brought back to 90% or more has got to be considered an amazing feat and a plus for the watch community.

I agree. Beautiful work


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Old 16 June 2020, 03:56 AM   #17
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Love these posts, looks awesome!
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Old 16 June 2020, 04:47 AM   #18
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Beautiful work. Looks great
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Old 16 June 2020, 04:53 AM   #19
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You’ve done that watch a huge favor brother! Love these posts!


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Old 16 June 2020, 04:58 AM   #20
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Looks great so far! Love the 1675’s.
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Old 16 June 2020, 05:04 AM   #21
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Great job!

What exactly was badly polished, the shape/case design was still there?
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Old 16 June 2020, 05:18 AM   #22
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Bas, you do good work there with what you have.

My question is this:
How does RSC decide when laser welding or other techniques won’t be used and the old case is too damaged? Thereby requiring a new midcase from the inventory must be used.



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Old 16 June 2020, 05:35 AM   #23
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Are you kidding me, Next time I might have to send you a case. Great job.

Who needs LAWW Bas!!!
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Old 16 June 2020, 05:44 AM   #24
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Top notch quality work there. Absolutely superb
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Old 16 June 2020, 07:21 AM   #25
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thanks for sharing
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Old 16 June 2020, 07:35 AM   #26
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Correct me if I am wrong, I thought the lapping machine LAWW uses was an old Rolex machine.




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Old 17 June 2020, 04:23 AM   #27
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Thanks everyone!


Quote:
Originally Posted by FrenchBigCrown View Post
Very cool.
Quote:
Originally Posted by fskywalker View Post
Keep them coming Bas!
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1William View Post
Good job. Must be nice to have the skill and patience to do this kind of work. A gift.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Euge View Post
Awesome!!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Piguette View Post
That's nice
Quote:
Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley View Post
Very nice! What tools do you use for this? Do you have a lapping machine?
Lapping machine, belt grinder and polishing machine.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
Looks good.

50+ year old watches aren't expected to look like they just came off the assembly line. Any old case that can be brought back to 90% or more has got to be considered an amazing feat and a plus for the watch community.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tekno View Post
I agree. Beautiful work
Quote:
Originally Posted by shaunylw View Post
Love these posts, looks awesome!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dontknow View Post
Beautiful work. Looks great
Quote:
Originally Posted by Heff View Post
You’ve done that watch a huge favor brother! Love these posts!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wahlberg View Post
Great job!

What exactly was badly polished, the shape/case design was still there?
It definitely lost it's crispness over the years.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Deep18 View Post
Looks great so far! Love the 1675’s.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 77T View Post
Bas, you do good work there with what you have.

My question is this:
How does RSC decide when laser welding or other techniques won’t be used and the old case is too damaged? Thereby requiring a new midcase from the inventory must be used.
Just for small dents like the one shown. If you have major damage or pitting it will be a new case.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BigBlue1 View Post
Are you kidding me, Next time I might have to send you a case. Great job.

Who needs LAWW Bas!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by dan993 View Post
Top notch quality work there. Absolutely superb
Quote:
Originally Posted by antelope View Post
thanks for sharing
Quote:
Originally Posted by tekno View Post
Correct me if I am wrong, I thought the lapping machine LAWW uses was an old Rolex machine.
I don't know which machine they use exactly, but they do use ones with tin disks which can high shine polish without losing the sharp edge. They also have a very complex handle for the lapping machine. Both of those things are not on the Rolex one.
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Rolex uses rare elves to polish the platinum. They have a union deal and make like $90 per hour and get time and half on weekends.
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Old 17 June 2020, 05:18 AM   #28
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Great job!
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Old 17 June 2020, 05:24 AM   #29
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Really interesting thread and great craftsmanship
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Old 17 June 2020, 06:24 AM   #30
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Very nice indeed
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