This is really stressing me out. Please advise

[FL2024]

why them as apposed to RSC?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by FL2024

I have this little flea bite on the lug edge. Pretty small but it's there. If I send to RSC would they be able to blend/file/buff this out through polishing?

OR does this absolutely need laser welding?

I only go through RSC for repairs and service. I know there are reputable 3rd party repair and service places but this is a personal preference. However, I understand RSC in the United States does not do laser weld..

I assume these lug edges are a very common place for these flea bites/ nicks to occur. I imagine RSC refinishes tons of watches like this and they come back looking pristine again with their shape retained.

When I service, can I have confidence that RSC won't butcher this?

If you had seen my working tool 16600 SD after 5 tears working as a real tool watch underwater judging by that miniscule ding on your watch think you would of had a heart attack. That little ding easily remedied at normal routine RSC afraid little dings scratches are a fact of wearing, just wear your watch in good health for many years to come,now thats far more importyant.

[geoach]

it's a watch I mean a watch come on were talking about a wrist watch..........how do wear a watch without hitting things.............come on it's a watch

[FL2024]

Would this be something that could be blended in and polished out. I really do not want to laser weld for something so so tiny.

Are these tiny lug edge dings common or unusual???

If so can RSC just polish them out without distorting the case shape. If not, can I request the they do not polish the the lug edges but refinish elsewhere on the case?

I'm sure there has been success with things like this but we just do not hear about it. Can anyone share their experience or tell me what to expect? I am terrified of laser welding and using non-rsc repairs. If nothing can be done I will sell the watch.


Thank you

[subtona]

It’s an explorer … wear it everyday and everywhere and beat the snot out of it.

After you get enough of those marks you’ll find even more joy in it.

[77T]

What happened in the last 48 hours that changed your mind about RSC? (in the other almost identical request in the general forum)
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=952237
You said you'd probably go that route

Now I'm not advocating laser welding for those tiny spots.

I would have said "leave it alone until service time


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[daysky1]

A couple of my Rolexs have dings on them much deeper than I think can be taken care of except by laser welding. Fortunately one of them is on the underside of the lug as it got the ding on the way down and the watch was facing up so I'm pretty happy that that's not noticeable unless I take the watch off and turn it over. I have another ding that I thought would be a major problem even some of the metals seem to be pushed up on the edge I took a Cape Cod polishing cloth and worked on it for a while and for some reason it seems as if it's going away I'm not sure that would happen with yours being on the edge like that it can be something nearly impossible to maintain the edge and work the ding out. You may want to try using a Cape Cod polishing cloth on the high polish side and keeping the edge in mind don't roll the cloth over the edge just keep it straight, for the underside of the lug in the past I've used a Scotch-Brite to follow suit with the already scuffed look of the non-high polished Edge it works pretty well. Ultimately since I'm not one to sell any watches I live with all of the scratches and try to make sure I don't have any major dings but things happen and I live with whatever happens and I eventually get over it and enjoy my watch anyway. ? However ultimately it's your watch and you need to be happy with it so if you don't feel like you can live with it then I wish you well in your trying to figure out how to get it fixed or if you try to sell it I hope you can get all the money you paid for it back but with a ding I don't know that's possible.

[FL2024]

Originally Posted by 77T

What happened in the last 48 hours that changed your mind about RSC? (in the other almost identical request in the general forum)
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=952237
You said you'd probably go that route

Now I'm not advocating laser welding for those tiny spots.

I would have said "leave it alone until service time


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Nothing at all. I’m all for RSC since they Rolex. I’m skeptical of 3rd party repairs who don’t have the same equipment or Rolex trained watchmakers. My biggest concern is just the lug getting completely butchered and distorted because of this nick

[padi56]

Originally Posted by FL2024

Nothing at all. I’m all for RSC since they Rolex. I’m skeptical of 3rd party repairs who don’t have the same equipment or Rolex trained watchmakers. My biggest concern is just the lug getting completely butchered and distorted because of this nick

There are more important things to worry about in life that those very very miniscule dings, that will all be rectified at normal routine RSC service. Might I suggest you forget about those tiny dings which will always happen and are a fact of wearing any watch. If you are going to get upset every time you see the tiniest ding on your watch just leave it in its box.

[huba01]

This, relax , looks great

Originally Posted by subtona

It’s an explorer … wear it everyday and everywhere and beat the snot out of it.

After you get enough of those marks you’ll find even more joy in it.

[bp1000]

Your language is quite alarming, "really stressing me out", "terrified"....

With the greatest respect (I am not trying to be antagonistic) it's just a watch, you need to get over it. These dents, dings are scratches are normal. There is no point fixing them, they will just come back.

Rolex service are great, it will come back like new every 10 years or so.

Zero point to laser welding. I'd understand if you had a major case deformity from coming off your motorbike say, but these are small desk dents.

You could pick up an old explorer or sub, with wear and life on it and literally not care 1 bit for new scratches and dents it gets.

[brandrea]

Not much to add from the above

[Harry-57]

Didn't we just have this?

I don't wish to seem harsh but I'm wondering if the watch is the least of your problems.

[L8r]

Most true explorers will develop a bit of character over their lifetime. Maybe try to appreciate the character and the memories or lessons that come with it.

[77T]

Originally Posted by FL2024

Nothing at all. I’m all for RSC since they Rolex. I’m skeptical of 3rd party repairs who don’t have the same equipment or Rolex trained watchmakers. My biggest concern is just the lug getting completely butchered and distorted because of this nick

OK - I get that. This is why I advocate waiting until it is time for a full overhaul. By that time you may have acquired more marks and gouges.

I see you have other models, too. And the clasp on another is acquiring some normal scuffs and scrapes. This will undoubtedly happen with the Explorer, too.

I've never had the RSC butcher a watch. If other members posting horror stories have set this worry chain in motion, I'd say they are in the small minority of RSC experiences.

When do you plan on servicing your watches? That is, 5 year intervals, 10 years? Or wait until the watch shows poor performance?


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[Sublovin]

If it’s really stressing you out, you should probably stop wearing watches

[geoach]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

If it’s really stressing you out, you should probably stop wearing watches

this

[stevestil]

if you must fix that, I would not go the RSC route. This can easily be repaired by laser welding. Some experienced companies show watches that have been in motorcycle accidents and they are beat to hell but they're able to repair them with welding.

this tiny nick will be a walk in the park for them.

[jgottsman11]

Like i said on the last post that you got butthurt about, send it to Zimmerman watch repair and they will make it look like it never happened. I'm sure RSC would do that too but i trust independent specialists for repairs that may require some material to be added back

[travisb]

Originally Posted by subtona

It’s an explorer … wear it everyday and everywhere and beat the snot out of it.

After you get enough of those marks you’ll find even more joy in it.

Best advice right here.

[goldboy]

I can't even see it. People who wear their Rolex collection have these all over their watches, it comes with the hobby.

[Brich436]

Originally Posted by subtona

It’s an explorer … wear it everyday and everywhere and beat the snot out of it.

After you get enough of those marks you’ll find even more joy in it.

You beat me to the punch! Dude its an Explorer! It looks better with battle scars on it. You would pass out if you saw mine - its been my daily for 3 years and it has the scrapes, scratches and kinks to prove it. My Explorer 2 is even more heavily patinaed up after 14 years of beating! Both look better used.

Are you buying watches to wear / use or keep in a safe as a collectable?

[Calatrava r]

Watches are made of metal, and they will pick up dings and scratches if worn. You need to accept that reality. Old watches look so neat because of the patina they picked up over the years.

[Neil McCauley]

Originally Posted by FL2024

Would this be something that could be blended in and polished out. I really do not want to laser weld for something so so tiny.

Are these tiny lug edge dings common or unusual???

If so can RSC just polish them out without distorting the case shape. If not, can I request the they do not polish the the lug edges but refinish elsewhere on the case?

I'm sure there has been success with things like this but we just do not hear about it. Can anyone share their experience or tell me what to expect? I am terrified of laser welding and using non-rsc repairs. If nothing can be done I will sell the watch.


Thank you

Sounds like the words of someone who cannot afford to wear their watch in peace.

I'd hate to be this tortured by a dink or a scratch. I'd rather not own any watches at all if I felt that way.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

OP, once you get it repaired be sure to keep it in the safe and never wear it that way it will stay perfect forever.

[acb5456]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Watches are made of metal, and they will pick up dings and scratches if worn. You need to accept that reality. Old watches look so neat because of the patina they picked up over the years.

I'm in this boat as well---I prefer my watch the have the patina of scars from use and memories (which I'm looking forward to making with my new Date)! Not to mention, the fear and discomfort of worrying about scratching/denting would be too much to handle for my fragile psyche

[123Blueface]

Originally Posted by padi56

There are more important things to worry about in life that those very very miniscule dings, that will all be rectified at normal routine RSC service. Might I suggest you forget about those tiny dings which will always happen and are a fact of wearing any watch. If you are going to get upset every time you see the tiniest ding on your watch just leave it in its box.

I would throw all my Rolex against a wall a few times and then gladly wear them that way if I could get my rotten removed kidney back healthy. specially when the remaining one is not 100%.

[KatGirl]

Maybe a G shock is a better choice for a daily, for you. Wear your Rolex only for special events, and be VERY careful when you do. Don’t bump into anything! Perhaps keep your hand in your pocket. (Jk) Come on, man! It’s just a watch, albeit a pricey one. It is meant to be enjoyed. If a tiny ding is truly stressing you out, this hobby is NOT for you.

Kat


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[Soultime]

Agree with everyone else.....
Honestly, it's just a watch.
Its not worth stressing about.

If its issues with you or your loved ones health (which we all have to deal with as we go through life) that is worth some concern.

But I mean this in the nicest way......if that tiny ding on your Rolex is your biggest problem, go out and celebrate as you are very very fortunate.

[garyk]

Sell it and start over. If it bugs you that much, it will always bug you! Kat suggested a GShock. I totally agree and I have those for difficult and wilderness trail hiking!