Butchered Seamaster

Roger F · Aug 4, 2020

Although my question is about a vintage Omega it could well apply to any make or model so I’m appealing to all watch lovers for help.

Now I know there is plenty of debate about engraving and inscriptions in much the same way as with tattoos but .........

someone, somewhere decided to make a real mess on the side of my little 50 year old Seamasters in its life.

I would love to clean it up as I really like the rose gold contrasting with the black face but it’s clearly a specialist job to tackle particularly with a filled case.

Would anyone be able to help or know a crafts person who can?

Thanks

Roger F · Aug 4, 2020

Although my question is about a vintage Omega it could well apply to any make or model so I’m appealing to all watch lovers for help.

Now I know there is plenty of debate about engraving and inscriptions in much the same way as with tattoos but .........

someone, somewhere decided to make a real mess on the side of my little 50 year old Seamasters in its life.

I would love to clean it up as I really like the rose gold contrasting with the black face but it’s clearly a specialist job to tackle particularly with a filled case.

Would anyone be able to help or know a crafts person who can?

Thanks

sonicosa · Aug 4, 2020

I don't have any useful advice, but in the tattoo world, people who do tattoos similar in quality to that engraving are called "scratchers".

What the hell is that even supposed to say? "K.B. U-Packin' Yaya"?

janice&fred · Aug 4, 2020

I would think you're gonna need the kind of jewelry/metal specialists found on 47th st in NYC. They would be the most likely to do it properly and economically as possible, as it's going to involve laser welding, resurfacing and color matching the gold with re-plating afterwards.

super70 · Aug 4, 2020

Tattoo Nightmare ::facepalm1::

Personally, I would uncase the movement and take the case to a goldsmith to check if it can be saved

High Hope · Aug 4, 2020

It was found at Area 51. I suggest keeping it as-is, it is certainly unique and a good conversation starter.

gatorcpa · Aug 4, 2020

You are going to need someone experienced in laser welding for gold plated or capped cases. It is a more difficult (read expensive) procedure than for a steel case, since solid gold will need to be added to the case.

Since I have never had this type of work done on one of my watches, I cannot recommend anyone in particular. Here is a video of the process.

Good luck with your project.
gatorcpa

janice&fred · Aug 4, 2020

High Hope
It was found at Area 51. I suggest keeping it as-is, it is certainly unique and a good conversation starter.

I have to admit I would wear it as is and not give it a second thought.

janice&fred · Aug 4, 2020

gatorcpa
You are going to need someone experienced in laser welding for gold plated or capped cases. It is a more difficult (read expensive) procedure than for a steel case, since solid gold will need to be added to the case.

Since I have never had this type of work done on one of my watches, I cannot recommend anyone in particular. Here is a video of the process.

Good luck with your project.
gatorcpa

As mentioned in his other thread, NYC is where I know that kind of specialist work can be had reasonably. I have seen those guys create missing lugs on gold filled watch cases as well as repair chrome plated pot metal rare military watches. They are in competition with each other in that jewelry district so the prices are great.

SkunkPrince · Aug 4, 2020

janice&fred
I would think you're gonna need the kind of jewelry/metal specialists found on 47th st in NYC. They would be the most likely to do it properly and economically as possible, as it's going to involve laser welding, resurfacing and color matching the gold with re-plating afterwards.

Not necessarily; since it is a gold cap, it's pretty thick and likely all that is needed is to flow new gold into those "pits", which is basically what they are.

Mind you, it will be expensive, as you have surmised, but it's likely that just flowing some 14K rose gold into the pits and resurfacing would be enough.

gatorcpa · Aug 4, 2020

Moved from one of your three posts today that were locked....One post is sufficient.

You are going to need someone experienced in laser welding for gold plated or capped cases. It is a more difficult (read expensive) procedure than for a steel case, since solid gold will need to be added to the case.

Since I have never had this type of work done on one of my watches, I cannot recommend anyone in particular. Here is a video of the process.

Good luck with your project.
gatorcpa

Evitzee · Aug 4, 2020

Unless it has some unique value I wouldn't bother with the effort and cost.-

Back in the 80's and 90's it was the craze to engrave your drivers license number, or phone number, on electronics and other valuable items to aid police in theft recovery. Looks like a prior owner, probably named Bubba, downed a six-pack or two of beer and went to town with the engraving tool his friend had lying around the apartment. It may not be true but that's the story I'd tell when showing it to friends.

watchyouwant · Aug 4, 2020

Not worth the effort. Look at the steel degradation on the case back....find a donor case. Good luck ! Kind regards. Achim

pongster · Aug 4, 2020

Try Michael Young of HK. That would need a laserweld then a polish.

Dan S · Aug 4, 2020

Have you tried asking a jeweler? They frequently use laser welding for extremely delicate repairs, and I don't think this would be too challenging.

Widows Son · Aug 5, 2020

I have a 1969 Mark II Speedmaster with the racing dial. I was looking at the clasp once with a loupe. It actually has the name and SS# of the owner engraved on it!!

Biezmez · Aug 5, 2020

I’ve had a watch replated via a company called Replateit. I’m not sure what the job would entail but you could always contact them with regards to what your options are. I got it done whilst a watch was being serviced by Mitka and I was very pleased with the finish.
Best of luck
Chris

Butchered Seamaster

Roger F

Roger F

sonicosa

janice&fred

super70

High Hope

gatorcpa

janice&fred

janice&fred

SkunkPrince

gatorcpa

Evitzee

watchyouwant

pongster

Dan S

Widows Son

Biezmez

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