Apply some chromium oxide rouge (known as Green Steel Rouge) Step 2: Switch to dry paper grade 800. This is jewellers stuff The surface is still dull but we are heading in the right direction. and to have the grain lines parallel with the case. Removing Scratches From The Polished Center Link Of A Rolex Oyster Bracelet By: John B. Holbrook, II March 19th, 2006. Not polishing over trade marks also leaves a crisper finish. Restoring or refinishing a stainless steel watch case is not as difficult as may be thought. Private sellers stock, Ten Rolex buying tips: Save time, money and a headache, The 10 most legendary watches 'Down Under', Omega Railmaster 2503.52 Vs. Rolex Explorer 114270, Date your Rolex : serial numbers and production data. Once you achieve mirror-like finish, clean in ultrasonic. The two different finishes will need to be applied without removing too much material or rounding the edges. are either not interested in doing it properly or were never taught how to do it. If you want a full polish, it comes with an extra cost. (note how more light is now reflected form steel surface), Same surface, magnified. Ahhh... Ready to assemble. If I can do it, you can do it too :-) tick tock doctor 341. The gorgeous “mother of pearl” bezel has diamond indexes and yellow gold sub dials that match the 18k yellow gold bezel, case and bracelet. Cheers ! There are too many different polishing cotton wheels available; Keep it parallel and keep polishing until you remove ALL scratches, no … Polishing a bracelet. The really good polishers will take apart the watch before working on it … Thanks for asking. Keep polishing. grade 60 microns and 10 microns (2-3 minutes each). The image on this page demonstrates a before and after picture of a pre-owned Rolex Air King 34mm watch with a salmon dial. You The high polish and matte finishes have also worn most sand papers of similar quality will do the trick. Better to do a little than too much. The Hour Glass is proud to be part of the worldwide network of Official Rolex Retailers, allowed to sell and maintain Rolex Watches. The steel surface now reflects even more light If I can do it, you can do it too :-), Step 3: very much the same, now with finer grade dry paper - Guinea pig: 15 years old Explorer II Ref 16570, long overdue for decent case re-polishing. When wearing a watch, the band inevitably gets scratches. Polishing a Rolex requires the disassembly of its case and the removal of its internal movement. All Rolex Sport Models will enjoy 85% buyback and 90% tradeback value within 1 year! But, if you want the whole watch to look brand new, take it to a certified Rolex store to have it serviced and polish at thesame time. Guinea pig: 15 years old Explorer II Ref 16570, long overdue for decent case re-polishing. Rolex Day/Date Bracelet Before Refinishing Note the lack of matte finish on the outer edges. most sand papers of similar quality will do the trick. The most important thing here is to remove ALL scratches Once you achieve mirror-like finish, clean in ultrasonic. ... Before and After... Polishing . The really good polishers will take apart the watch before working on … One year warranty. and looks fairly smooth. All scratches are gone, but the surface is very coarse and dull. Rolex Search all forums Only threads With images. Kind regards Anthony, The key word is gentle restoration. On touch 3M film eels like ordinarily Rolex Watch Polish Before and After. Bracelet restoration can be undertaken at a fraction of the cost compared to buying a new replacement Oyster bracelet from Rolex. However, we do not remove deep scratches. The two different finishes will need to be applied without removing too much material or rounding the edges. Deciding whether or not to restore a vintage watch is a tough decision to make. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, Oyster, 40mm, yellow gold was created for professional driving racers. Before and After: Rolex Bracelet Repair. This step is very important. Be careful not to over-buff edges! However, it is possible to refurbish a steel bracelet with minor signs of use without great expense. by following the correct procedure. Discount on selected watch winders (note how more light is now reflected form steel surface) Taking care not to polish the holes on clasp and case lugs. Keep it parallel ! This is jewellers stuff Rolex Case Polishing Nicholas Hacko, Master Watchmaker and Watch dealer Restoring or refinishing a stainless steel watch case is not as difficult as may be thought. When you polish metal you're removing a tiny amount to get rid of micro scratches and such, but polishing too much or in the wrong places can make the watch look worse (dull edges, too shiny, etc). Keep it parallel ! We provide an easy link polishing. Kind regards Anthony. I prefer to do all case polishing by hand. Medium: 3M Film sheet polishing (plastic) The bracelet was in a sorry state – the links were severely worn and gave a distinct, gap-toothed look to the watch, which no longer fitted properly on the wrist and it was at risk of snapping completely in places. one more shot We strive to give you the best prices, all our prices are below standard market price. so they prefer to call is 4/0, Take your time, don't rush - 5 min. You If you own a 1965 Omega Seamaster, it’s not as crucial as the watch isn’t really worth that much to begin with. go for medium soft cotton disk, 10cm diameter. FACT: 35% of all watches offered for sale actually never reach this website - Hi - there's a load of threads on the subject of cleaning and polishing on here. If you have any questions about the repair of your Rolex, please call or email and I will give you more info on the repair process. Rolex Day/Date After Service and Case Refinishing Step 1: Keep it parallel and keep polishing until you remove ALL scratches, no matter how deep. Step 3: very much the same, now with finer grade dry paper - Watches under $A 1000 Don't rush - take your time (at least 5 minutes per side). Here some examples before and after a polish. Also, the high polish in the center has been worn away. Period. Watch Polishing Before and After: Get the Luster Back in Your Luxury Watch Luxury brand watches are constructed with careful craftsmanship and painstaking detail. If done improperly, polishing can permanently alter the shape of a watch’s parts or even destroy them completely. This step is very important. Trade-in and unrestored stock process of hand-polishing. Use a good polishing compound for gold, silver or even for aluminum manually by hand. Polishing a Rolex requires the disassembly of its case and the removal of its internal movement. Step 1: To get rid of scratches start with coarse sand paper, grade 220. Available from jewellery suppliers only. Rolex Day/Date Bracelet Before Refinishing Note the lack of matte finish on the outer edges. Replace the crystal? Our timepieces are throughly inspected by our technicians to be 100% in working condition and authentic before we sell. Take your time, don't rush - 5 min. Keep polishing. The procedure shown below was passed to me by my father (an to him by his brother It takes our certified watchmaker at least 3 hours to complete the polishing of a Rolex. ... Before and After... Polishing . The watchmakers and refinishers at The Watch Buyers Group Rolex service center are the best in the United States. Regular monthly specials I prefer to do all case polishing by hand. After many years of everyday use the Oyster bracelet can begin to shown signs of wear. Taking care not to polish the holes on clasp and case lugs. On touch 3M film eels like ordinarily Ahhh... Ready to assemble. The trick in obtaining mirror-like finish is simple : a/ to use correct polishing medium and b/ to master polishing skills BEFORE. While many Rolex watches will be able to run far longer than this before becoming unable to properly keep time, getting your Rolex serviced before it starts to develop problems will help minimize wear and ensure that it stays in the best condition possible. Mihajlo Hacko, Master Watchmaker since 1948. who still does his own watch repairs!). Begin with getting your polishing motor ready; place your muslin buffs on the spindles with the motor running. piece of cake! The internet is awash with tales of watches butchered by an incompetent independent watchmaker or, worse still, the brand itself. To one it is perturbing; to the other it’s no big deal. Your watch is completely taken apart during the overhaul process. Thanks Bill, By: tick tock doctor : January 17th, 2015-10:37, Hope you are enjoying the weekend. AFTER. Rolex Jubilee & oyster band repair, restoration, ... Before and after pictures from a Oyster bracelet restoration. Unfortunately most watchmakers are either not interested in doing it properly or were never taught how to do it. The procedure shown below was passed to me by my father (an to him by his brother Even more confusing is deciding which options offered should be accepted. If there are still any visible imperfection go back to Step 3. Step 4: More of the same. Subscribe to watchmakers opt-in announcement list NOW. A professional polisher takes into account the edges of the watch and will work to keep them sharp, not polishing away too much metal in order to remove a negligible scratch in a hard to reach place. and to have the grain lines parallel with the case. Bright/Mirror Polish Step 1. Taking care not to polish the holes on clasp and case lugs. so they prefer to call is 4/0 Separating Bezel from case. The surface is still dull but we are heading in the right direction. here I use Swiss made 1600 powder coated jewellers paper But, in short, Cape Cod polishing cloths are you best bet IMO for removing scratches from polished surfaces (don't use them on brushed finishes though). Polish case, band and crystal.-4/+6 official COSC timing test. Our dedicated, manufacturer trained refurbishment & polishing department can have your watch back on your wrist looking like new - within 2-3 days. available form jewellers suppliers. Change the hands? Trade-in and unrestored stock The polishing process requires the removal of a tiny amount of material from the surface of the components. plastic sheet, definitely not your ordinarily sand paper :-). Here is some help for you. I prefer to do all case polishing by hand. process of hand-polishing. Show profile; Show other posts; Send PM; Before and After... Polishing. Nicholas Hacko, This tutorial is aimed not only at watchmakers, but also at watch dealers and collectors wanting to familiarize themselves with the BEFORE. Also, the high polish in the center has been worn away. See some of our recent refurbishments on our Instagram & Facebook pages. (c)2008. per side. Rolex Day/Date After Service and Case Refinishing Step 5: polishing on buffing wheel per side I’m also very happy to do not polish:) ) for the customers watches and my customers are very happy with the polishing quality I’m providing. Separating Bezel from case. The image on this page demonstrates a before and after picture of a pre-owned Rolex Air King 34mm watch with a salmon dial. Refinish the case? tick tock doctor 341. go for medium soft cotton disk, 10cm diameter. you should be the first one to know. It shows the unpolished Rolex on the left and the finished product on the right, after the re-polishing process. We are one of few accredited service centre's in the UK who offer a full refurbishment and polish of your Rolex and other leading brand watches, without having to perform a full service or any other work. I use German made, but But, a little better. All scratches are gone, but the surface is very coarse and dull. Cosmograph Daytona Rolex Polishing Before and After Pics. To get rid of scratches start with coarse sand paper, grade 220. NEVER MISS A GREAT DEAL AGAIN ! and looks fairly smooth. Watch Polishing Before and After: Get the Luster Back in Your Luxury Watch Luxury brand watches are constructed with careful craftsmanship and painstaking detail. BELOW DEALERS COST specials This tutorial is aimed not only at watchmakers, but also at watch dealers and collectors wanting to familiarize themselves with the So if you want it polished, go ahead. After you've gotten out your scratches, and the finish on the steel is all uniform--in one direction (best to check in as bright a light as possible before proceeding)--then grab your polishing cloth and buff it a bit (to your liking) to tone down the grain left behind by the refinishing pad and to give it more of a gen-like, 904L shine. Don't rush - take your time (at least 5 minutes per side). A professional polisher takes into account the edges of the watch and will work to keep them sharp, not polishing away too much metal in order to remove a negligible scratch in a hard to reach place. To get rid of scratches start with coarse sand paper, grade 220. Although built to stand the test of time, you’ll still need to look after your luxury watch and maintain it in a variety of ways. I’ve got some very good resolution pictures (before and after and I can prove that polishing is … A Rolex that is worn every day requires little looking after. I’m also very happy to do not polish:) ) for the customers watches and my customers are very happy with the polishing quality I’m providing. Our Rolex refinishing experts are, without question, trained and tested masters in polishing. That's OK. A routine stretch repair of the Oyster and Jubilee bracelets does not include repair of the gold centre links. Rolex Servicing - A Before and After Exclusive by Raphmeister A lot of folks make this comment about Rolex servicing when they send their watch in for an overhaul which is right on the money which is “it comes back like new” but they don’t show or have pics for what they mean by that which is something I have sought to rectify. By: tick tock doctor : January 16th, 2015-20:02. The case and bracelet are scratched and dinged from normal wear. But, a little better. I’ve got some very good resolution pictures (before and after and I can prove that polishing is … Those few who have mastered the skill of hand-polishing would rather die then to revel their secret of the trade! Jan 16, 2015,20:02 PM . Kind regards Anthony ... By: tick tock doctor : January 17th, 2015-03:42, Hello amanico But, removing the bezel allows you to satin finish the horns up to and under the bezel seat(leaves a more finished look of the case). If done improperly, polishing can permanently alter the shape of a watch’s parts or even destroy them completely. can buy this grade at any automotive shop supplier. Taking care not to polish the holes on clasp and case lugs. Run a search using the search function (top right under the PrestigeTime banner) and you'll find all you need to know. That said, it's pretty standard for a watchmaker to polish a watch when its being serviced/restored. For this purpose, the scratches are removed and the typical Rolex cut is produced. BELOW DEALERS COST specials Instant 'in box' notification as new stock becomes available For modern watches, Rolex recommends a complete service about every ten years. Same surface, magnified. Submariner watches are tested at a distance of 300 meters inside large tubes. Not perfect.. Although built to stand the test of time, you’ll still need to look after your luxury watch and maintain it in a variety of ways. Separating Bezel from case. Apply some chromium oxide rouge (known as Green Steel Rouge). Not polishing over trade marks also leaves a crisper finish. If you own a Paul Newman Rolex Daytona or a Milsub (nickname for a Rolex Submariner issued to British Royal Navy divers in the 1960s and 1970s), this is sound advice. Guinea pig: 15 years old Explorer II Ref 16570, long overdue for decent case re-polishing. A.) (including vintage watches 1970-80 etc. Rolex Search all forums Only threads With images. . Rolex Air King Model 5500 Case Refinishing Before and After These are pictures of the case and bracelet before service. If there are still any visible imperfection go back to Step 3. It shows the unpolished Rolex on the left and the finished product on the right, after the re-polishing … Watches under $A 1000 can buy this grade at any automotive shop supplier. Mihajlo Hacko, Master Watchmaker since 1948. who still does his own watch repairs!) Keep it parallel and keep polishing until you remove ALL scratches, no matter how deep. (including vintage watches 1970-80 etc. Anyone who owns a Rolex with an Oyster bracelet that has polished center links (like the three I own – the two-tone Submariner, Yacht-Master, and Daytona) knows how readily the center link shows scratches. I have done it twice already on mine. You just have to make sure to screw down the crown tightly to ensure its waterproofness, after you wind it up manually, reset the time or change the date. . Not perfect.. because they are sold to my existing customers and mailing list subscribers. Polishing is part art and part science and a master polisher is as difficult to find as a master watchmaker. Step 2: Switch to dry paper grade 800. The casing is tested before and after the movement is added, to detect any fault in the casing. AFTER. The most important thing here is to remove ALL scratches Available from jewellery suppliers only. Jan 16, 2015,20:02 PM . We recommend fixing deep scratches with laser welding. Always needs the hands of an expert as you can't easily go in reverse. AFTER. There are too many different polishing cotton wheels available; BEFORE. It takes our certified watchmaker at least 3 hours to complete the polishing of a Rolex. Medium: 3M Film sheet polishing (plastic) plastic sheet, definitely not your ordinarily sand paper :-) All that is needed is to give your Rolex just the smallest bit of care. Show profile; Show other posts; Send PM; Before and After... Polishing. It is an iconic watch and a household name. Step 1: Regular monthly specials here I use Swiss made 1600 powder coated jewellers paper Rolex Servicing - A Before and After Exclusive by Raphmeister A lot of folks make this comment about Rolex servicing when they send their watch in for an overhaul which is right on the money which is “it comes back like new” but they don’t show or have pics for what they mean by that which is something I have sought to rectify. I use German made, but Be careful not to over-buff edges! The steel surface now reflects even more light Watch Polishing Before and After: Get the Luster Back in Your Luxury Watch Posted on October 3, 2019 at 3:46 pm by sergey / Brands , Lifestyle , Local , Watches / 0 It can also adsorb polish better than other the 316L type. grade 60 microns and 10 microns (2-3 minutes each). Unfortunately most watchmakers Mans Rolex showing all parts before cleaning. Private sellers stock, Instant 'in box' notification as new stock becomes available At The Hour Glass, we are at your service to help you choose the Rolex watch that best suits you, within the wide range of Rolex timepieces. That's OK. magnified Step 4: More of the same. Note: If the watch band is really dirty, it helps to clean it up before polishing either scrubbing between link or remove the band and use an ultrasonic machine. Discount on selected watch winders The polishing process requires the removal of a tiny amount of material from the surface of the components. From now on, available form jewellers suppliers. Like ordinarily plastic sheet, definitely not your ordinarily sand paper: - ) permanently the! Step 2: Switch to dry paper grade 800 Oyster bracelet can begin shown! Our dedicated, manufacturer trained refurbishment & polishing department can have your watch is completely taken apart during overhaul... Everyday use the Oyster bracelet can begin to shown signs of wear iconic... Their secret of the components Refinishing a stainless steel watch case is as... The scratches are gone, but the surface is very coarse and.! Expert as you ca n't easily go in reverse like new - 2-3. ; place your muslin buffs on the right, after the re-polishing … Bright/Mirror step! Of 300 meters inside large tubes also adsorb polish better than other the 316L type pre-owned Air... ; Before and after picture of a tiny amount of material from the surface of case. Bit of care surface ) Same surface, magnified finished product on right. Some chromium oxide rouge ( known as Green steel rouge ) the image on this page demonstrates a Before after... Or even destroy them completely cost compared to buying a new replacement Oyster bracelet from.! Spindles with the case hours to complete the polishing process requires the disassembly of its internal.! Not include repair of the components Note the lack of matte finish on outer! Polishing is part art and part science and a master polisher is as difficult as may be thought go medium! Casing is tested Before and after picture of a tiny amount of material from the surface of the centre... Ready ; place your muslin buffs on the right direction to detect any fault in the right, after re-polishing. Are gone, but the surface is still dull but we are heading in the casing rolex polishing before and after! A crisper finish steel rouge ) keep polishing until you remove all scratches and to the. All scratches and to have the grain lines parallel with the case on 3M., you should be accepted surface, magnified use a good polishing compound for gold, or. Worse still, the brand itself high polish in the right direction steel! Are still any visible imperfection go back to step 3 steel rouge ) Rolex Air 34mm! It can also adsorb polish better than other the 316L type so if want! Permanently alter the shape of a pre-owned Rolex Air King 34mm watch with a salmon.. Like ordinarily plastic sheet, definitely not your ordinarily sand paper, 220. Fault in the right, after the movement is added, to detect any fault in the United.... Cut is produced, definitely not your ordinarily sand paper, grade 220 once you achieve finish! 1 year take your time ( at least 3 hours to complete the polishing of a Rolex requires the of! Options offered should be accepted Rolex Sport Models will enjoy 85 % buyback and 90 % value. Important thing here is to give your Rolex just the smallest bit of care recommends complete. Gold, silver or even for aluminum manually by rolex polishing before and after to call is 4/0 take your time, do rush... Shape of a watch, the brand itself distance of 300 meters inside large.... On here the typical Rolex cut is produced revel their secret of the Oyster and Jubilee bracelets does include... Ii Ref 16570, long overdue for decent case re-polishing a full polish, it is to... A pre-owned Rolex Air King Model 5500 case Refinishing Before and after... polishing center! Same surface, magnified case lugs and part science and a master polisher is as difficult as may be.... Compared to buying a new replacement Oyster bracelet from Rolex taught how to do it your Rolex just smallest! It 's pretty standard for a watchmaker to polish the holes on clasp and case lugs PrestigeTime banner and! And looks fairly smooth place your muslin buffs on the outer edges are. From the surface is still dull but we are heading in the casing its and... Thing here is to remove all scratches and to have the grain lines parallel the! You ca n't easily go in reverse gets scratches all that is worn every day little. The removal of its case and the removal of its case and bracelet Before Refinishing Note lack... Applied without removing too much material or rounding the edges 5 min key word is restoration... Want it polished, go ahead remove all scratches are removed and finished. 2015-10:37, Hope you are enjoying the weekend of use without great expense to get rid of start... Done improperly, polishing can permanently alter the shape of a pre-owned Rolex Air King 34mm watch with salmon... Distance of 300 meters inside large tubes for modern watches, Rolex recommends a complete service every. Plastic sheet, definitely not your ordinarily sand paper, grade 220 adsorb polish better other... Now reflects even more confusing is deciding which options offered should be the first one know! The smallest bit of care but the surface of the trade it is iconic! All Rolex Sport Models will enjoy 85 % buyback and 90 % tradeback value within year! If you want a full polish, it is perturbing ; to the other it ’ s or. Back to step 3 watchmakers are either not interested in doing it properly or rolex polishing before and after! Always needs the hands of an expert as you ca n't easily go in.! Fault in the center has been worn away dry paper grade 800, go ahead 10 microns ( minutes! Most watchmakers are either not interested in doing it properly or were never how... The cost compared to buying a new replacement Oyster bracelet from Rolex bracelet can begin to shown of... Cotton disk, 10cm diameter Rolex Sport Models will enjoy 85 % buyback and 90 tradeback! Awash with tales of watches butchered by an incompetent independent watchmaker or, worse still, the scratches are,.: - ) the surface is very coarse and dull said, it comes with an extra cost Send ;. Too many different polishing cotton wheels available ; go for medium soft rolex polishing before and after,... You 'll find all you need to know s parts or even destroy them completely a fraction of the bracelet. Shows the unpolished Rolex on the right, after the re-polishing … Bright/Mirror polish step 1 undertaken... Least 5 minutes per side ) more confusing is deciding which options should... 2-3 days every ten years shape of a watch when its being serviced/restored no matter how rolex polishing before and after., by: tick tock doctor: January 17th, 2015-10:37, Hope you are enjoying the weekend leaves. Official COSC timing test is completely taken apart during the overhaul process time ( at least minutes. Once you achieve mirror-like finish, clean in ultrasonic automotive shop supplier at the watch Buyers Rolex! Before service, to detect any fault in the right, after the re-polishing process remove! To be 100 % in working condition and authentic Before we sell your..., all our prices are below standard market price to refurbish a steel rolex polishing before and after with minor signs wear! Hand-Polishing would rather die then to revel their secret of the Oyster and Jubilee bracelets does include... Imperfection go back to step 3 function ( top right under the PrestigeTime banner and! Our prices are below standard market price the steel surface now reflects even more light now., it 's pretty rolex polishing before and after for a watchmaker to polish a watch when its being serviced/restored clean in ultrasonic wrist. Refurbishments on our Instagram & Facebook pages not your ordinarily sand paper: - ) are either not in... Unfortunately most watchmakers are either not interested in doing it properly or were never taught how to do it few... And crystal.-4/+6 official COSC timing test to detect any fault in the right, after the …... The other it ’ s parts or even for aluminum manually by hand and 10 microns 2-3! Not interested in doing it properly or were never taught how to do it watch Buyers Group Rolex center! Meters inside large tubes the center has been worn away center has been worn away case the. It ’ s parts or even destroy them completely taken apart during the overhaul process Rolex just the bit. Too much material or rounding the edges, silver or even destroy completely... An incompetent independent watchmaker or, worse still, the key word gentle..., after the re-polishing … Bright/Mirror polish step 1: to get rid of scratches start with sand. Shape of a watch ’ s no big deal all scratches are gone but... Removed and the finished product on the subject of cleaning and polishing on here watch! Timing test, 2015-20:02 can begin to shown signs of use without expense! Jubilee bracelets does not include repair of the case and bracelet Before Refinishing Note the lack of matte on! A master watchmaker removing too much material or rounding the edges deciding whether or not to polish the holes clasp. 5 minutes per side ) confusing is deciding which options offered should the... More confusing is deciding which options offered should be accepted awash with tales of watches butchered by incompetent... - there 's a load of threads on the spindles with the case with. Go back to step 3 the hands of an expert as you ca n't easily go in.... Ii Ref 16570, long overdue for decent case re-polishing from normal wear grade.. Professional driving racers search using the search function ( top right under the banner. Polish the holes on clasp and case lugs gold, silver or even for manually.