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  1. Perrier Jul 21, 2016

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    Hi all

    I have an 18k Omega and I've noticed it has a little brown stain.

    You can see it in the photos below.

    Is this 'normal' in old gold watches? From what I've read online it seems the mix of other metals in the gold can cause this.

    Is there any way to remove these sort of stains?
     
    IMG_7104.JPG IMG_7103.JPG IMG_7102.JPG IMG_7101.JPG
  2. rshroff Jul 21, 2016

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    Try using a Q-tip in mild dishwashing soap. Soak the Q-tip and apply carefully around the area. Or a gold polishing cloth should work.
     
    Perrier likes this.
  3. JimInOz Melbourne Australia Jul 21, 2016

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    Some people like to retain the patina, it shows the watch hasn't been overly polished.

    If you do want to remove it then gently with a gold polish and a soft cloth.
     
    Waltesefalcon, Dr.K and Perrier like this.
  4. Darlinboy Pratts! Will I B******S!!! Jul 21, 2016

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    Just a bit of tarnish... Gold is reactive, though much less so than most base metals. I'd leave it alone.
     
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  5. mac_omega Jul 21, 2016

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    I would keep this "stain" as it is real patina and a proof that the case has not been polished for a looooong time!

    Hard core collectors like this kinda stuff - me too...
     
    Waltesefalcon, airansun, dsio and 2 others like this.
  6. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Jul 21, 2016

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    ^ This, its like dust on a rare wine bottle you leave that stuff where it is, its a great sign of an unpolished (or at least not recently polished) watch.
     
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  7. Tubber Jul 21, 2016

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    +1
    I have the same on an 18K Constellation and have left it as the case is pretty much unpolished.
    Connie4.jpeg
     
  8. Tubber Jul 21, 2016

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    If you remove the tarnish on one area it will stick out like a sore thumb. You would probably have to polish the whole case and ruin any nice patina that has accumulated over the years.
     
  9. ulackfocus Jul 21, 2016

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    That's not actually a stain, It looks like leftover rouge from a previous cleaning / polishing.
     
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  10. MSNWatch Vintage Omega Aficionado Staff Member Jul 21, 2016

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    These brown spots you keep:

    [​IMG]
     
  11. Perrier Jul 21, 2016

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    Can you explain this further? I'm new to all this, sorry.
     
  12. cristos71 Jul 21, 2016

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    Personally I don't see the attraction to tarnish on a vintage gold watch. Maybe it depends on whether one is going to wear the watch or just look at it. I always wear mine so when I receive a heavily tarnished watch, part of the `making mine` ritual is to give it a clean. If gold, then that will mean bringing back some kind of lustre to the case. I love this part of the whole hunting/buying/waiting/arrival process, although I can understand the appeal of tarnish to others.

    This Deluxe hadn´t been touched in at least 25 years before I bought it and is the most extreme gold tarnish I have encountered, a vivid metallic pinky purple colour over pretty much the whole case. It was a pleasure to reveal the bright 18kt gold underneath :D

    20150912_142018-1.jpg
    20150912_133929-1.jpg
     
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  13. Peemacgee Purrrr-veyor of luxury cat box loungers Jul 21, 2016

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    After pics please !
     
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  14. Davidt Jul 21, 2016

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    Rouge is used as a polishing compound on gold, usually with a buffing wheel.

    If you don't like the tarnishing that's present, a quick hand polish with a gold polishing cloth with remove it is seconds.

    In the uk Town Talk are the main brand. I assume Cape Cod or similar make these in the US. They cost a couple of quid, come impregnated with polish and can be stored and reused.
     
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  15. cristos71 Jul 21, 2016

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    This is post service with a correct replacement crown, although there was nothing done to the case during service and there still a little tarnish on the top right lug.

    065.JPG
     
  16. repoman Jul 21, 2016

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    One size does not fit all. I have a gold Speedy that had quite a bit of tarnish (aka patina), and I found it quite unattractive. It was spotty/blotchy and inconsistent. The collector in me said "don't polish". The enthusiast in me said "polish it and bring it back to its original 18k yellow gold lustre". Well, in the end, I found someone I trust to refinish the case and it came out AMAZING. I'm convinced that, for me, it was the right decision. I'm also realistic, the tarnish will return (hopefully more even and attractive next time), and that polishing in the future is not a good option as the case will start to look overpolished and lose too much value.
     
  17. Fritz genuflects before the mighty quartzophobe Jul 21, 2016

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    patina on a gold watch = dirt.

    it can be cleaned off without overpolishing so why put up with it.

    (my Dad always said" there's a difference between scratching and tearing holes boy")

    To each his own but I always figured I bought the gold watch (a '55 Tresor) because I wanted a gold watch, not brown or grungy, I was after class!

    I've likely ruined it with my Q-Tip!
     
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  18. Interstellar Jul 21, 2016

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    What is the best way or method to clean tarnish as the before pix really looks heavily tarnished? Do you use a jeweler's cleaning cloth alone or do you apply something? Thanks in advance.
     
  19. cristos71 Jul 21, 2016

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    Just a jeweler´s cloth, it comes off very easily with a gentle rub.
     
  20. gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Jul 21, 2016

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