It is stainless steel case and I think it is corroded. What can I do? Thanks!

 

Is it corrosion or damage to the case ?

I don't think I see much corrosion but I do see some damage that can only by "fixed" by someone that knows what they're doing in a specialized place.

Visit this link and you'll see what I'm talking about.

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-inside-and-outside-restoration-of-a-doxa-300t-searambler

 

It's pitting caused by corrosion, and quite common on vintage watches.

 

So per the article, I will need to get it 're-beveled'. Any idea what kind of shops I need to check?

 

Was this the 145022-69 from Mexico out of interest?
If it were me on that watch I would consider a re-case as a quick solution. Watchco has a NOS one but it's pricey and the condition would be contrast too much with an otherwise patinated watch, but used ones do come up from time to time. It's only the case middle you're after really.
Anything's repairable of course, so you do have options. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

Possible lazer weld would fix it up? I personally would not consider a new case to me that defeats the point in a vintage timepiece.

 

Wouldn't welding devalue the watch just as much as a recase?

 

Hi

Personally , I would suggest sourcing a donor case.

You could look at finding someone to repair it using laser welding , however that is a specialist technique with a high risk of blowing a hole straight through due to the thickness of the metal in the outer seal area....and then you also will need to have all the excess ' splatter ' material removed too.

Best - Neil

 

I think a new case would devalue more then weld. I would also be happy with what Neil said donor would be ok. But it's my opinion.

 

Ah, you mean replace the case with another vintage one vs with a brand new one... yes, another vintage one would be the way to go IMHO.

 

I am no case maker, however I have seen such damage being repaired in a very nice way in the past.
It involves adding new metal using laser welding and then reshaping the damaged area back to correct shape in a lathe amongst other.
I think a professional repair of the original case would be the best way to go about this.

 

I just pinged Dalton Toledo and got the same answer 'laser welding'. Now need to find someone who does this kind of work.

 

There are some alternatives depending on where the OP is located.

 

Hi

I would be very cautious around the rear seal area & any Case thread area.

I paid several hundred GBP to a well known & highly regarded specialist to carry out some laser repair work & they completely destroyed a CK2913 case....which was then only fit for the bin.

You have been warned !

Best - Neil

 

wow. Thanks for the warning. Then at least there is risk beside $ for this kind of fix. If i do nothing and just leave it as is, I am worried about 1) whether it gets worse, and 2) does it affect the seal. So if there is any solution to stop the deterioration and have a seal, it might be the best for now.. until we have a new technology

 

Hi fz

If the case is cleaned up it shouldn't get any worse IMHO.

Unfortunately , your case does not have a seal (due to the corrosion) and therefore the movement & dial are at risk. Probably best to do something rather than nothing....personally I would track down a donor case.

Best - Neil

 

Not enough information to say if the damage is bad enough to affect the sealing of the case. Since the O-ring sits in the groove on the inside of the visible damage, it's possible that the case will still seal. The corroded lip that is visible is not actually a sealing surface. I have seen cases where this lip has been eaten away to a large extent, yet the surface that the O-ring sits on is fine.

I am guessing you have not had this pressure tested, so the first thing I would do if it were my watch, would be to remove the case back, remove the O-ring, and look at the sealing surfaces of both the case and case back. If there is extensive pitting on the actual sealing surfaces, then it's likely it won't seal as it is. If the pitting does not extend into the actual groove where the O-ring sits, or is light, it may very well seal if all the seals on the watch have been replaced recently.

I would personally investigate seeing if it will seal now before considering either a replacement used (or new) case, or having the case laser welded. You really don't know until you try - I have had watches sent to me from people where Omega told them the case was too far gone to seal, yet when I changed the pushers, crown, case tube, and case back gasket, they cases passed pressure testing. Some I didn't even expect them to seal, but they did.

Cheers, Al

 

If you are successful in having it re-machined, I'd be super interested to see the after pics so remember to share them here if you go down that route.

From the full set of listing photos (which perhaps you could think about posting here? especially the one with the back off), to my eyes fixing that particular case would require a high level of talent, so if you are determined enough to have it reworked, it'd be fascinating to see.

 

This is the listing. It is on the way from Argentina (praying) to me. http://www.ebay.com/itm/391529291115Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
will take pictures once I have it.