Is it possible to fix a dent in a PP dress watch?

[aa_watch]

Hi all

I’m used to steel sports watches, and I’ve seen impressive steel welding restorations on Instagram, mostly for steel sports watches. I’m now considering purchasing a Patek Philippe dress watch, probably a World Time in white gold or platinum.

I was wondering, in case of a dent, would it be possible to restore the case with welding to avoid over-polishing? Has anyone had experience with this?

[Tools]

Anything can be repaired if you throw enough money at it.

As to repairs on gold, a good repair is not cheap because you want the best craftsman doing the job. Welding is not a pretty operation. The welder needs to take things apart, then glob new material at the site of damage while not ruining everything else. Then a true artist need to grind, measure, and finish that ugly glob back into something that looks original. Nothing worse than an incompetent artisan.

[JorgeCCW]

I don’t know the exact method of polishing Patek would use , but just send it Patek and let them worry about the how .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Calatrava r]

I think the process for steel is the same or similar for gold. If it's a Patek, plan on it spending some money if the dent is not shallow and cannot just be removed by a standard polishing.

[77T]

Originally Posted by aa_watch

I was wondering, in case of a dent, would it be possible to restore the case with welding to avoid over-polishing? Has anyone had experience with this?

Like Larry said, laser welding involves grinding and polishing to get the case contours matching the welded material. The goal is to get very close to the original but there are no guarantees of course.

I wouldn't let any concern about a possible dent deter you from a great Patek.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[wcgreiner]

White gold and platinum can be restored, but welding isn’t as common as with steel...
A good watchmaker can fix dents without over-polishing—best to check with a specialist..

[Andad]

Originally Posted by aa_watch

Hi all

I’m used to steel sports watches, and I’ve seen impressive steel welding restorations on Instagram, mostly for steel sports watches. I’m now considering purchasing a Patek Philippe dress watch, probably a World Time in white gold or platinum.

I was wondering, in case of a dent, would it be possible to restore the case with welding to avoid over-polishing? Has anyone had experience with this?

Why not buy the Patek, enjoy wearing it and worry about the dent if it ever happens?
Matching the amalgam of a white gold would be interesting.
As would welding and polishing Pt.

[jfriedkin]

Patek can laser weld dents. The finished product is PERFECT!

[scurfa]

I’m a world time wearer and after three years I have no dings, relax and enjoy!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tan]

Contrary to popular belief, Patek dress watches aren’t made of chocolate. Unless you are really rough with your watches, I think the likelihood of denting is no diff then any other gold piece.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk