QuestionMy 18K white gold (fortunately not rhodium plated) watch
fell to the ground when the strap broke, leaving small
(probably a fraction of 1mm deep at most) indentation at
the points of impact on the edge of the case. The
indentations border the smoothly polished case side and the
brushed bezel. I'm wondering how I should go about
repairing it of getting it repaired and what repair
technique is recommended. Also, at what depth of
indentation does it not make sense to repair by buffing or
other abrasive means? The reasons I believe it is not
rhodium plated is because the bezel has a brushed finish,
and because the indentations clearly show the metal under
the surface is the same color as the metal on the surface.
Greg
AnswerGreg, I understand what you are dealing with from the damage to the watch case. Is there any way to attach a photo? Photos of metal like that are about the most difficult to take...
This is to let you know this is not your answer. I will get back with my thoughts on restoration of the watch case tomorrow.
To address one part of your question now: How deep abrasives may be used depends entirely on the thickness of the metal and whether or not the surface form of the original will be distorted by removing metal to the depth of a dent of scratch. You can possibly get an idea of this from viewing the watch case closely.
It is also possible the bezel would need to be removed for refinishing of the case then reinstalled. I will consider all of this and get back with the answer on Sunday. Fair enough?
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
Dear Greg, just to start, rhodium is not really an issue here. As generally used, rhodium is simply a thin plate of that white metal over white gold. The idea is to provide a whiter look to the white gold. Rhodium is also used with other metals to provide a tarnish barrier for silver. With the popularity of white gold today, many ladies are having yellow gold rings rhodium plated to obtain a white look. This is ok until the plate begins to wear away after some time and the original gold shows again.
As for your watch, if 18 white gold, it would not matter if there was or was not a rhodium plate. I don't believe the rhodium is needed since 18k white gold generally is a lovely color as it is.
ABOUT THE DENT ON THE WATCH CASE
There are thee basic means of restoring the case at the damaged area. First is as mentioned using abrasives. This means the surface of the gold must be sanded down to a level as deep as the damaged section. All must be blended into match the shape and form of the rest of the case and finally polished to match. Often, a quite shallow scratch or blemish may be removed this way. If deep, removal by removing metal is not recommended.
A second method depends greatly on the skill of the jeweler. A quite thick case must be repaired by sanding or if that will not do, by filling the blemish with gold by brazing then sanding back to original form. The problem here is getting a perfect match so the repair is not visible..a difficult task at times.
For a thinner case, a third method is to use a tool to hammer the dent out from the inside, leveling the outside surface as much as possible then sanding all to blend and remove any tool marks.
I do not consider this a do-it-yourself project and may indeed be a job for the watch factory, depending on the quality of the watch and availability of service. A factory where the case was manufactured will at least not be surprised by unknowns during the repair work. Otherwise, contact local jewelers and speak directly to the bench jeweler, the one who will be doing the work. Ask directly if they would rather not work on a watch case such as yours. You do not want the case to be a learning event! In any regard, this will require a skilled jeweler who knows metal work well.
I do hope this information will assist you in some way. Best wishes.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
