Ovalized lug holes on 18K case: unfortunately, yes…

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This 18K Day-Date wore these spring bars for most of its life:



When I removed the strap, there was no grit or debris on the bars, so cleaning or replacement probably wouldn’t have made a difference. Here’s what the lug holes look like:



I’m thinking it was years of friction by the harder steel bars on the softer gold case. Or, possibly, the vibration caused by years of seasonal lawn mowing?
 
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Drilled through holes?
I guess matching the gold alloy will be the tough part.
Coin edges look beautiful, please show us more!
 
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Drilled through holes?
I guess matching the gold alloy will be the tough part.
Coin edges look beautiful, please show us more!
 
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Lovely … well worth some case work. Fill and drill?
 
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Lovely … well worth some case work. Fill and drill?
Anyone with a good reputation for this kind of work?
 
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Zimmerman in PA is getting a lot of good feedback for Rolex repairs and case refinishing from people that I know. I haven’t used them yet but based on referrals I will certainly give them a try.
 
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Zimmerman in PA is getting a lot of good feedback for Rolex repairs and case refinishing from people that I know. I haven’t used them yet but based on referrals I will certainly give them a try.
Thanks.