A Dent in my Batman :(

[jmn231]

Well, folks. After all the years of meticulously caring for my watches, I finally had an unfortunate accident, and with my favorite watch, no less. Now I'm seeking advice on how to handle.

Long story short, the watch took a fall from about 2.5 feet on to a tile floor, landing right on the 9 o'clock edge. As you can see, the impact was pretty direct and has caused a deformation of the shape of the case. What would you do here?

[Cmmatthews]

Short of polishing your whole watch to oblivion or getting it recased, there isn't much you can do. I'd just live with it...I guess now at least you can have no fear with it.

[ZOOK]

Install carpeting ASAP!!

[chemistryde]

Looks pretty bad, sorry man. I think this needs to be laser welded, which the Rolex service centers won't do. Rolex only recases badly damaged watches like this one. People on here often recommend "Rikki" (http://www.timecareinc.com/) to deal with similar damages. Give it a try!

[REFZ]

Leave it as it is.

[And1dre]

Ouch! I would leave it alone unless the watch is not keeping time correct.

[tbonesteak]

I can live with scratches and whatnot from daily wear, but this, personally, I'd prob sell at a loss and buy a good condition used one.

[sensui]

You learn to live with it.....stop lookin @ it and it'll become natural. Sorry it happened but there isn't a good option right now worth pursuing IMO.

[mtgjr]

I had a very similar ding on my Explorer (that's right where they like to land). I took it to Rik Dietel and he made it substantially disappear in about 90 seconds. Just "pushed some metal around" (his words)....no laser welding required. I think I threw him forty bucks.

[OgSnowflake]

List in for sale section for 7300 bucks and take the first 7k that runs your way...money back in your pocket and chop up the loss as operating costs over a few yrs time and go buy something new with stickers. You might have to add a lil cash but that’s life. Wipe your hands clean of a massive headache for a minimal funds.

[watchwatcher]

I would contact Rik or ABC watchworks and see if they could lessen the appearance of the damage somewhat...doesn't hurt to ask. I'm looking at doing the same with Rik for one of my watches.

Is the mechanical aspect of the watch still functioning correctly?

[2807]

I would enjoy the watch and never look back.

This reminds me of the first scratch on a Harley.
Oh, it is so painful..

Then, you get over it.
No one notices.

[Onikage]

Just say no to tiles. Personally I'd live with it, if grudgingly at first. Can you actually see it when on the wrist? I'd count myself lucky it wasn't a front corner on the lug or flattened crownguard.

[faz]

Sorry to see this! Can you share some wrist pics with it on you? perhaps a few full body pics?

I don't think the dent would be that noticeable, given it is on the underside and all. The first few days are the most amount of pain, after which you get used to the look and perhaps learn to live with it.

[Chronomatic]

I know it sucks, but it just adds to the character and the story of the watch.

[Loevhagen]

The thread title "A Dent in my Batman" could actualy be a nice inspiration for a new hiphop hit and a viral Youtube post. :)

[jmn231]

Thanks for the input, all. If only I could get rid of the tile! Can post more pics later. I grapple with the idea of getting it laser welded as in my mind it wouldn't feel "natural," but the optics of it drive me crazy and the cost appears to be fairly reasonable. Thinking about giving it a week, and then re-assessing. Was shocked the damage was as bad as it was, but I guess it hit just right.

[hoppes-no9]

LA Watch Works laser welding for a few hundred bucks will make it look 100% new.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by jmn231

Thanks for the input, all. If only I could get rid of the tile! Can post more pics later. I grapple with the idea of getting it laser welded as in my mind it wouldn't feel "natural," but the optics of it drive me crazy and the cost appears to be fairly reasonable. Thinking about giving it a week, and then re-assessing. Was shocked the damage was as bad as it was, but I guess it hit just right.

If the case was 18K gold, there would really be serious damage!
I would monitor timekeeping to see if movement is fine. These things don't do tile floors well.

[droptopman]

Sorry for the accident. Since you did not mention it, I assume the watch is still keeping time and functioning correctly. If that is the case, I would probably just wear it as is. I would think it is barely noticeable on the wrist especially on that side of the case.

However, if it bothers you, they can do some amazing work with laser welding and make it look perfect.

[andyxxx]

Originally Posted by OgSnowflake

List in for sale section for 7300 bucks and take the first 7k that runs your way...money back in your pocket and chop up the loss as operating costs over a few yrs time and go buy something new with stickers. You might have to add a lil cash but that’s life. Wipe your hands clean of a massive headache for a minimal funds.

I agree - unless you have an emotional tie to the watch - use it as an excuse to swap it.

[Mystro]

Live with it and install a area rug. How did it fall??

[JnmEaton]

Looks like Batman after running into Bane........ sucks, sorry.

[GB-man]

You don't look at that part anyways! Could have been a shattered bezel, crystal and damaged movement. You're good

[SWISSAHOLICS]

Rolex and their cheap quality steel

On a serious note, I would leave it unless it really really (REALLY) bothers you!!

[JBoone]

I have same ding on tag from tile. Broke my dial. No more messing with watch near tile for me

[herts9]

Another vote to leave it. You're the only one that will ever really notice.

If you need to flip/sell later, deal with it then

[stockae92]

Originally Posted by hoppes-no9

LA Watch Works laser welding for a few hundred bucks will make it look 100% new.

they can even fix a dent like that? Not just small ding?

[JManuel]

I'd use it as if nothing happened, it is part of that watch life now, like getting its personality.

[Turpentine]

Live with it -- you will not see it while on your wrist.