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Remove corrosion from watch case?

Davidt
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A recent acquisition has some unfortunate pitting between the lugs. I was aware of this before purchase and as the dial combo is so wonderful I’m happy to accept it. However, I would like to stop it spreading.

My first thought was having it laser welded but I’ve been advised that laser welding doesn’t work very well with pitting so that’s not an option.

What’s the best way of stopping this from causing further deterioration in the comings years?
Is it possible to remove the actual oxidised parts (using either chemicals or abrasion) to get back to good metal, without compromising the overall case finish and the serial no?
C9D78410-4FC7-4334-A281-27D017D1FBF4.jpeg 2058161D-20EB-49C8-8C08-84377FA04B4F.jpeg
 
Untame
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I would use an ultrasonic cleaner to get the cavities completely clean. After that, I'm not sure what you should do to plug the holes.
 
Davidt
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Untame Untame
I would use an ultrasonic cleaner to get the cavities completely clean. After that, I'm not sure what you should do to plug the holes.

I’m not too concerned with filling the pits that will be left, after talking it through with my watchmaker it seems most options for that come with a degree of risk.

I would like to remove the corroded material however as I assume this will halt further degradation? Unfortunately I don’t think a basic ultrasonic will remove the corrosion here though. It will need more.
 
MtV
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Wouldn’t the whole part of the case that’s corroded be grinded off by a laser wielder before reapplying metal and refinishing it? Only thing is: I assume it’d look very strange to have this part of the case in literally as-new condition while the rest is nicely aged…
 
Dan S
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If you are careful to keep it dry, I don't think it will keep corroding significantly. The problem was probably that the area was covered by an end link, so moisture was retained.
 
Untame
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You might consider sealing the pits with something like epoxy or clear nail polish to prevent moisture and dirt from getting back in there. Of course, first I would clean them and thoroughly dry the case.
 
Canuck
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RePlateit is who you want to talk to. They were inQuebec (Canada), but have recently moved. They are now in Roseville, California. I can vouch for the quality of their work. See images, before, and after. Maybe send them a picture of what you want fixed.

https://www.replateit.com/

39EB4354-ECBF-4582-BD5D-CD3251784F7A.jpeg FAA25030-DCF0-4511-9B7E-2E7E5F2D55F2.jpeg
 
JwRosenthal
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Canuck Canuck
RePlateit is who you want to talk to. They were inQuebec (Canada), but have recently moved. I can vouch for the quality of their work. See images, before, and after. Maybe send the a picture of what you want fixed.

https://www.replateit.com/

39EB4354-ECBF-4582-BD5D-CD3251784F7A.jpeg FAA25030-DCF0-4511-9B7E-2E7E5F2D55F2.jpeg
Holy shit!! 😲🥰
 
Canuck
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
Holy shit!! 😲🥰

Or as they say in La belle province (Quebec), holy merde! The watch shown belongs to O B regular @Duracuir1 . It is his favourite watch.
 
JwRosenthal
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Canuck Canuck
Or as they say in La belle province (Quebec), holy merde! The watch shown belongs to O B regular @Duracuir1 . It is his favourite watch.
How did they deal with the extreme pitting and surface irregularities prepping for the replating? I get the process of plating, but it’s all in the prep (like anything in life), and those edges are crisp and surfaces perfectly smooth.
 
Canuck
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
How did they deal with the extreme pitting and surface irregularities prepping for the replating? I get the process of plating, but it’s all in the prep (like anything in life), and those edges are crisp and surfaces perfectly smooth.

I wish I knew how they did it! It was @Duracuir1 (a brother Canuck) who chose the case finisher. I have no idea how he found them. I did the work on the watch, but the case went to RePlateit while they were still in La belle province. I had no idea what to expect, but I was gobsmacked when the case came back. I expected it to come back looking as though it had been machined to a smaller size, to get rid of the pitting. But it came back looking just as you see it in the after image. I am totally impressed with their work!
 
vintage hab
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Davidt Davidt
I would like to remove the corroded material however as I assume this will halt further degradation?
Corrosion doesn't spread like a rash. Three things are needed for corrosion to occur: a metallic surface, an electrolyte (most often water or heavy moisture), and oxygen. Keep it dry and you'll be fine.
 
Dan S
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
How did they deal with the extreme pitting and surface irregularities prepping for the replating? I get the process of plating, but it’s all in the prep (like anything in life), and those edges are crisp and surfaces perfectly smooth.

Bondo?
 
Duracuir1
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Dan S Dan S
Bondo?
Botox for watches Dan. Here are more pics. And Canuck is being humble. The watch was horrible inside too. He is a magician.
35891B3B-0A3B-41DC-A83F-DE032136CBB0.jpeg 1B4EE80A-84A6-476D-9E7B-8EB53FD7C82C.jpeg 6E71ABA6-E1C2-4658-999D-B16A36B6EBF8.png 938F1482-54BA-48AD-8453-8208911F0C6A.jpeg
 
Canuck
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That indeed is an iconic case restoration. @Duracuir1 is justifiably proud of his Skyrocket. His pictures illustrate the quality of the case work better than the single one I posted.
 
JwRosenthal
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Back to @Davidt ‘s sad pitting, even though I know it won’t spread anymore if kept dry, that pitting would bug me even though it’s covered by a bracelet or strap- just the idea of it being a crud collector. I understand David’s hesitance to have it cut out and laser welded as he would lose the case reference #. Since it’s not in a clearly visible area, would it be possible to simply had it filled with silver solder or even laser welded just in the holes and simply shaped back down to be flush with the case? Wouldn’t matter if it doesn’t look perfect, just filled.
 
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