Refurbishing a Rolex: removing scratches and polishing rolex submariner replica

Since many of you are also interested in the technical background of a mechanical wristwatch, I would like to show you the complete process of an overhaul in the ChronoRestore rolex submariner replica workshop today. This process is described using a Rolex Milgauss as an example. The article is divided into two parts: In part 1 we deal with the case refurbishment and the removal of scratches. We dedicate part 2 to the revision of the work (to follow at the beginning of October). So let’s start with the first steps and the case refurbishment…

Rolex: Preparations for the case preparation

The customer journey begins on our ChronoRestore.com website. Here the customer has requested a secure shipping box. After the Rolex Milgauss has arrived safely packed, we analyze the watch, record visible and functional damage or errors in our system and send the customer a confirmation of receipt. Based on these points determined during the incoming inspection and the customer’s wishes, we create an individual cost estimate.

In the case of the Rolex, the customer opted for a complete overhaul with case refurbishment. Here you can see a few more pictures from the incoming inspection (Figure 1).

After the estimate is confirmed, we start disassembling the bracelet into its component parts. Next, the watch case is clamped into the case opener and screwed onto the typical corrugation on the case back using the special Rolex stamp (Figure 2).

After removing the case back, there’s not much to see except another nice cover with a “B” and an arrow on it (Figure 3).

That is what is special about this watch: With the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss, Rolex wanted to create a watch for scientists and engineers. Since the fine spiral spring of the oscillating system and all other components of the watch are influenced by magnetism and change the rate of the watch, it is not advisable for engineers who like to experiment to wear a mechanical wristwatch. This second floor is, so to speak, a protective shield against magnetic radiation. That’s why the “B” with the arrow above it is also shown there – the physical symbol for the magnetic field strength. If you now also unscrew this back, the fine mechanical work of art, the clockwork, finally comes to light (Figure 4).

Next, all that remains is to remove the winding stem and carefully turn the case over. Then you can simply lift off the case and the movement with the dial and hands remains on the mounting pad. Only the bezel ring then needs to be lifted off the middle part of the case – the case is now disassembled into its individual parts.

All parts are now sorted into our service box and prepared for the next work steps, such as the housing refurbishment (Figure 5).

For the time being, however, we will stay with the housing: the tube is now unscrewed with a special tool to make it easier for us to polish the flank. The tube is a small tube through which the winding stem is inserted through the case into the movement and on which the thread for the screw-down crown is located. In addition, there are also other crown seals placed in it, so that water cannot penetrate the watch under any circumstances.

Once the tube has been removed, the entire case including the strap (but without the case back) goes into the ultrasonic bath for pre-cleaning. The bottom of the case may only be brushed gently with a soft toothbrush, otherwise the lacquer on the engraved writing would come off. The case has no particularly deep scratches or impacts, which is why we can do without the pre-grinding. Once all the parts are clean, you can start masking (Figure 6).

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The masking is so important, for example, so that the matt surfaces are not pointlessly polished before they are matted again and on the other hand so that the edges always remain sharp and the original housing shape is preserved. It’s hard to believe, but such a soft rotating cotton disc with a bit of polishing wax can remove an incredible amount of material in a very short time.

It is therefore particularly important to always be highly concentrated when polishing, since the case can lose its shape if you move it incorrectly or if you polish poorly. Some of you may know this as “sucking around the edges of the case”. As a good polisher, you always have to weigh up whether you can grind out or polish these scratches without making major changes to the shape of the case. It is “only” a case refurbishment and not a case renewal!

Polishing the case of a Rolex and removing scratches – that’s how it’s done

When polishing, you proceed as follows: Since – as I said – there are no deeper scratches or impacts, I was able to save myself the pre-grinding. That’s why it went straight to the polishing machine after masking. I then have three different polishing waxes available for this. Green for pre-polishing with your own cotton buff. This consists of many layers of cotton cloths that have been sewn together. The white polishing wax is used for gloss polishing (with its own cotton buff) and the yellow polishing wax for high-gloss polishing (also with its own cotton buff in combination with a cotton wheel).

For each polished area on the watch, I go through all three polishing waxes from green to white and finally the yellow wax with the respective polishing discs (Figure 7).

Depending on the case, it has to be taped again and again so that all polished surfaces are reached, but the case edges are not rounded. When all intended parts of the case and the strap have been perfectly polished to a mirror finish,

they are properly double-taped so that dull areas cannot appear again when matting. You have to work very neatly here, since the glossy surfaces can also be destroyed by particles flying around from the frosting screen.

Removing additional scratches on the Rolex Milgauss case and strap

Round cuts, such as on the case back or the bottom of the case, are reworked with sandpaper or sanding fleece on the lathe. The line finishes are created by clamping the floor in a holder and pulling it along a stop over sandpaper or sanding fleece. If all cuts and polished areas are perfect again after a check under artificial and natural light, all parts are properly cleaned in an ultrasonic bath and under running water. All parts are then properly dried on the fan heater.

Finally, the case tube can be screwed back in, the seals re-greased and the bezel pressed on again. All individual parts are then sorted back into the service box.

That’s it for the case refurbishment. Here are a few more pictures of the result.😊(Figure 8)

There is a special reason why I love my job and my self-employment! And that is the satisfaction of my customers. Below you can read an email that the customer sent me after receiving his Rolex. He gave me both the Rolex presented and a Grand Seiko with clear signs of opening for the case to be refurbished. I was very happy about this praise!

“Hello Leon, everything went really well. UPS was in a good mood and brought me the package an hour ago. Best regards and a heartfelt thank you to you and your team.

I’m only an interested layman and not an expert, so here are some personal impressions: I bought the Rolex in 2012 for my 60th birthday, wore it in the office and at home for years. I’ve always liked the watch but never really cared for it. In the course of time there was a scratch here and there, some dirt, which was then washed off.

The watch always did what it was supposed to do … and I soon forgot the delivery status. Other watches have come and gone, but the Milgauss has stayed and aged with me. For the 70th, I resolved to Replica Omega put the watch box in order and deal with it more. Hence the revision. I’ve already written briefly about the decision to give you the job and I have to say I don’t regret it. The first impression was that of a new watch, really great – fine work I think, which I like very much; I hope to be able to enjoy them for another 10 years.

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Grand Seiko is not without controversy, but I’ve always liked being an outsider and find most GS attractive, appealing, and good value for money. I have the well-known “Snowflake”,

some quartzes that fascinate me with absolute precision and tomorrow comes the last one for the time being, with a hi-beat movement, then I’ll have all the drive concepts complete. Of course, it’s difficult to say what’s to come in these times…

I was very annoyed about the damage I caused myself and therefore asked if you could fix something there. I like the result very much. In my opinion, it’s a good compromise between restoring and avoiding round polishing and smoothing out. The overall impression is very good again, I can still see very small traces under the magnifying glass, but that doesn’t bother me in this sense.

In summary: I am very satisfied, also with the very careful packaging for the return, I would be happy to contact you again with an order and would also be happy to recommend you.”