3 Discussions and CommentsMember since April 1, 2012
From what I read, watches get sent for polishing to remove dents/scratches. Is it possible to get a entire case replacement instead? Any pros/cons to case replacement as opposed to polishing?
3 Discussions and CommentsMember since April 1, 2012
Nad Zakem Wrote:Why would you even consider replacing the case instead of polish?
I guess my answer is "why not?" but I mean, I probably don't know enough to not consider it. My understanding is that polishing might not get rid of the dents and you are removing very thin layers off the metal.
If replacing the case is possible, is there any reason not to do so?
410 Discussions and CommentsMember since May 9, 2011
Hong Kong
ronin Wrote:From what I read, watches get sent for polishing to remove dents/scratches. Is it possible to get a entire case replacement instead? Any pros/cons to case replacement as opposed to polishing?
Yes, you can do either. Replacing the case would be very costly.
Most people would just go for a polish.
If your leather shoes get dirty, would you throw them out and buy new ones (you could)? or would you polish them? and why?
If you know your answer to my question, you know your answer to your question. :-)
Sincerely, Kelvin Leung _______________________________________________________________________________________ Repeat after me: I don't need another IWC, I really don't need another IWC...
5,035 Discussions and CommentsMember since Aug. 9, 2006
A stupid question relating to this thread. If you were to replace a case, will it retain the original case number to match the archive records for case and movement information?
Most of us have seen amazing results from the Wizards of Schaffhausen after their renovation work in the spa. I would not do it unless it's a situation like the recent ceramic case that was shattered and had to be re-cased.
To my knowledge, a case replacement is not usually available except in extreme circumstances (a lug that's broken, etc.). It is very expensive since IWC cases involve a lot of work and I would guess they'd be 10 to 30 times the cost of polishing --in steel. Also IWC has done some amazing restorations of cases without replacement.
To my knowledge the case gets a new number but there is a special record in the archives of the "transfer".
456 Discussions and CommentsMember since Dec. 18, 2009Northbridge,
Australia
Michael Friedberg Wrote:To my knowledge, a case replacement is not usually available except in extreme circumstances (a lug that's broken, etc.). It is very expensive since IWC cases involve a lot of work and I would guess they'd be 10 to 30 times the cost of polishing --in steel. Also IWC has done some amazing restorations of cases without replacement.
To my knowledge the case gets a new number but there is a special record in the archives of the "transfer".
As Michael has hinted at here, replacing a case is a pretty expensive process - I recently had to have the case on one of mine replaced due to the "extreme circumstances" Michael mentioned.
One way to look at it is this - how much of the complete watch do you consider the case to be? If you take the case, the movement, dial, strap and crystal, then the case if a very large component of the whole. Now place whatever percentage of the whole you have apportioned to the case against the initial purchase price of the watch and you will have a good idea of what it costs to replace the case. From my recent experience, this runs at around 30% of the initial purchase price - keeping in mind that when it is sent back you are not just paying for the case, but also labour, seals, re-testing etc etc etc.
The other thing to keep in mind is that with the majority of cases, IWC put metal back onto the case prior to polishing using and new "fan-dangled" laser process that builds up the material meaning that your net loss after polishing is minimised.
I have had both polishing and replacement performed and I can assure you that given the option, I would always take the polishing approach - you will be amazed at the work that can be done and how good a previously damaged case will come back after a spa treatment and a polish.
Cheers,
Ben
Time is something invented by the Swiss to help sell more watches
158 Discussions and CommentsMember since Aug. 7, 2010Potomac, MD,
United States
I have noticed the more scratches a case has the more I wear and enjoy the watch. The day after you get it polished or replaced you will end up scuffing it again. Just leave it unless there is some major damage.
82 Discussions and CommentsMember since Jan. 27, 2011
Case replacement should be the last option considered and as others have noted, it's going to be far, far more expensive option than a polishing. I know a sister Richemont brand offers case replacements of the "middle-case" either out of necessity or request by the owner but it is very pricey.
3 Discussions and CommentsMember since April 1, 2012
Big thanks to everyone who replied and gave your opinions on this.
I'm very new to all these and glad that this is an avenue to get some advice from the community. Sounds like polishing is a better option and the following point from bendy helps:
bendy Wrote: The other thing to keep in mind is that with the majority of cases, IWC put metal back onto the case prior to polishing using and new "fan-dangled" laser process that builds up the material meaning that your net loss after polishing is minimised.
I was under the impression that polishing meant to wear down the metal to hide the dent. Good to hear that most people have very good experience from polishing.
Last edited: 1 May, 2012 - 17:41
If you can post photos of your case then maybe we can see and offer more comments about your situation.
Btw, welcome with your first post!!!!!
Cheers,
Nad
Last edited: 1 May, 2012 - 17:16
I guess my answer is "why not?" but I mean, I probably don't know enough to not consider it. My understanding is that polishing might not get rid of the dents and you are removing very thin layers off the metal.
If replacing the case is possible, is there any reason not to do so?
Last edited: 1 May, 2012 - 17:42
Whan you remove all scratches (face-lift) or recase (get a new body) you start to bring the "only youth is nice" to the watch-world.
Is this necessary. I try always to keep a watch showing its history, its old dial, its scrateches and its live.
Watches show the time flow, time to watch the watch show.
Last edited: 23 May, 2013 - 23:51
Yes, you can do either. Replacing the case would be very costly.
Most people would just go for a polish.
If your leather shoes get dirty, would you throw them out and buy new ones (you could)? or would you polish them? and why?
If you know your answer to my question, you know your answer to your question. :-)
Sincerely,
Kelvin Leung
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Repeat after me: I don't need another IWC, I really don't need another IWC...
Most of us have seen amazing results from the Wizards of Schaffhausen after their renovation work in the spa. I would not do it unless it's a situation like the recent ceramic case that was shattered and had to be re-cased.
Bill
Last edited: 23 June, 2012 - 20:15
To my knowledge the case gets a new number but there is a special record in the archives of the "transfer".
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
As Michael has hinted at here, replacing a case is a pretty expensive process - I recently had to have the case on one of mine replaced due to the "extreme circumstances" Michael mentioned.
One way to look at it is this - how much of the complete watch do you consider the case to be? If you take the case, the movement, dial, strap and crystal, then the case if a very large component of the whole. Now place whatever percentage of the whole you have apportioned to the case against the initial purchase price of the watch and you will have a good idea of what it costs to replace the case. From my recent experience, this runs at around 30% of the initial purchase price - keeping in mind that when it is sent back you are not just paying for the case, but also labour, seals, re-testing etc etc etc.
The other thing to keep in mind is that with the majority of cases, IWC put metal back onto the case prior to polishing using and new "fan-dangled" laser process that builds up the material meaning that your net loss after polishing is minimised.
I have had both polishing and replacement performed and I can assure you that given the option, I would always take the polishing approach - you will be amazed at the work that can be done and how good a previously damaged case will come back after a spa treatment and a polish.
Cheers,
Ben
Time is something invented by the Swiss to help sell more watches
mae
Last edited: 27 April, 2013 - 11:45
Last edited: 7 January, 2013 - 04:48
I'm very new to all these and glad that this is an avenue to get some advice from the community. Sounds like polishing is a better option and the following point from bendy helps:
I was under the impression that polishing meant to wear down the metal to hide the dent. Good to hear that most people have very good experience from polishing.
Thanks all!