OP41 - chipped the surface. Rust or corrosion concerns?

[Rahul718]

Hi all,

I have a OP41 which was purchased new. Not sure how it managed to the steel managed to get chipped, but I’d like to get the group’s thoughts. Reference the two images below - I circled one of them to show the chip.

To be clear, I’m fine with scratches and even dings, and this particular chip doesn’t bother me. However, I’m curious if this predisposes the steel to corrosion or rust in the future. I know with cars, once the paint is chipped, it’s best to correct it right away to prevent rust. Is that the same with Rolex 904L?

Does Rolex use 904L steel all the way through or is it just surface level? Would rust be a concern in my situation? I would assume not, since refinishing actually removes material, and that surface would otherwise then be susceptible to rust. But just thought I’d ask here for confirmation.

Thanks

[fsprow]

Like all stainless steel alloys used in watches, the 904 is solid. This area is no more likely to be subject to corrosion than any other part of the watch. And corrosion would only take place if the watch was subject to strong corrosive chemicals or salt water over an extended period.

[daysky1]

that looks more like an impact Ding and scrape more than anything.There are some watchmakers that can do what's called laser welding to fill in the ding I spoke with my ad about it and it's not exactly 904l steel that they use but they can fill it with a higher quality steel and then refinish that side or both sides and it will look as good as new.

[996marty]

I wouldn’t be overly concerned with it but as mentioned you can always have it laser welded if it annoys you

[ArtNouveau]

Did you drop it or something? That seems like an odd place to take a blow while wearing it.
Anyway, your watch is safe, I wouldn’t mess with it.

[928ktgold]

Originally Posted by daysky1

that looks more like an impact Ding and scrape more than anything.There are some watchmakers that can do what's called laser welding to fill in the ding I spoke with my ad about it and it's not exactly 904l steel that they use but they can fill it with a higher quality steel and then refinish that side or both sides and it will look as good as new.

Another AD told me so and so. ADs don’t what an independent laser welder knows. They do use 904L steel, 18K yellow or white gold, or platinum. They match the metal

[padi56]

Originally Posted by fsprow

Like all stainless steel alloys used in watches, the 904 is solid. This area is no more likely to be subject to corrosion than any other part of the watch. And corrosion would only take place if the watch was subject to strong corrosive chemicals or salt water over an extended period.

Exactly that.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by fsprow

Like all stainless steel alloys used in watches, the 904 is solid. This area is no more likely to be subject to corrosion than any other part of the watch. And corrosion would only take place if the watch was subject to strong corrosive chemicals or salt water over an extended period.

X3

[Rahul718]

Thank you all!