QuestionQUESTION: I bought an 18K dress Rolex that has had the movement replaced. The jeweler who replaced the movement with a quartz movement used glue to hold things in place. What would be the best method to try to remove the glue from inside the back of the case? Thank you.
ANSWER: Carol, removing the cement all depends on the type of glue used. Generally a better method watch makers will use is a putty like material which hardens. A movement of the same shape is pressed into the putty with thin plastic or another release agent so the movement may be removed when the substance cures hard. Then, the new movement may be place in the form, holding all in place.
If cement is on the movement, I honestly cannot recommend a solvent to use which will not damage the movement. Some have plastic parts and coated circuits which will be damaged. If the movement only fits onto and is not actually cemented in place, take the movement out or have someone do that for you. Try acetone first to soak the cement. If that doesn't work, you might be left to prying and gently working the material away, piece by piece.
Glued together does not sound like the way the work should have been done. Not at all. Please use the follow-up if you need more info. Please keep in mind, I am not an expert in any form of watch repair, only in jewelry. However, I am quite familiar with cements used in many work situations.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas. March 28, 2008 6:42pm
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi:
Thank you for the answer, but I think I wasn't clear with the question I asked.
The movement is junk and will be thrown away. The glue I'm concerned about is inside the back of the 18K case. The case and watch can be used like this, but lowers the value(we will be restoring the watch by putting in an original 1940s movement.) I was hoping to find some type of solvent that might soften the glue but won't harm the gold.
AnswerFollow up-------ahh..the movement is junk----------------
Considering how the movement was put in, I suspect it is junk or can be junked. Basic movements are not very costly in the first place.
First, try acetone, from a hardware or paint store. Soak in a sealed jar for a few hours. This will dissolve or loosen most adhesives.
The jar should be glass since the solvent will attack some plastics and with a lid since you don't want the flammable and nasty fumes around. Set outside if you can.
If that does not work, try first peeling off the cement. Some crafts types cements will peel away once one edge is lifted. I know you will be careful not to damage the case while doing this!
If not that, you will have to check the hardware for solvents for cements and for cured paint, etc. It is tough to say which to use since we have no clue what cement was used.
I do wish I knew the cement used but neither of us do. That is unfortunate.
Best wishes with restoration of this very nice old Rolex.
God Bless. Thomas. March 28, 2008 9:19pm
