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Bracelet Polishing Done Right
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Yep, agree 100%.......imagine if you’d had to teach yourself and work with makeshift equipment to get those results!
I’ll never understand the aversion to refinishing, watches and bracelets should look as the manufacturer intended, the sharper the better.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
walkerwek1958
Yep, agree 100%.......imagine if you’d had to teach yourself and work with makeshift equipment to get those results!
I’ll never understand the aversion to refinishing, watches and bracelets should look as the manufacturer intended, the sharper the better.
Really this work is mostly for deales and the finish is the same a OEM, I can post you some side by side shots if it helps
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...720&fit=bounds
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Those look absolutely amazing.
As Paul says, some level of work involved in bringing those back to how they are now, and I am always in awe of those who possess the skills, confidence, and equipment to achieve this.
Thanks for sharing.
As a side note, did you have to re-tighten any of the bracelets/ links.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mainspring
Those look absolutely amazing.
As Paul says, some level of work involved in bringing those back to how they are now, and I am always in awe of those who possess the skills, confidence, and equipment to achieve this.
Thanks for sharing.
As a side note, did you have to re-tighten any of the bracelets/ links.
I was lucky and didn't have to with this ones
I've repined some before and its really time consuming, so I try and stay away from them if I can LOL
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...720&fit=bounds
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...720&fit=bounds
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Beautiful finishing.
How would it work on something like an Omega double eagle where the brushing is the other way around vs Rolex? Harder to manipulate the bracelet, or just a different masking technique?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mj2k
Beautiful finishing.
How would it work on something like an Omega double eagle where the brushing is the other way around vs Rolex? Harder to manipulate the bracelet, or just a different masking technique?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Easy, but tedious. That’s why I won’t take these jobs on, very time- consuming to get right.
When I refinish bracelets ( or cases) I get the damage out by hand before going near a wheel, that ensures the minimal metal is removed, but it takes too long. I’m not suited to tedious work and that’s why I virtually stopped doing refinishing.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
walkerwek1958
Easy, but tedious. That’s why I won’t take these jobs on, very time- consuming to get right.
When I refinish bracelets ( or cases) I get the damage out by hand before going near a wheel, that ensures the minimal metal is removed, but it takes too long. I’m not suited to tedious work and that’s why I virtually stopped doing refinishing.
Yep I agree takes longer for sure but fully do able , I like to use a felt as that way I can move the metal around more
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V impressive. How long did it take you to master this process, Bazza?
Sent from my Redmi Note 9S using TZ-UK mobile app
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
stefmcd
V impressive. How long did it take you to master this process, Bazza?
Sent from my Redmi Note 9S using
TZ-UK mobile app
There is stay more to learn, we are looking into getting a lapping machine next, I have access to a laser welder
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...720&fit=bounds
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Looks very professional I must say, nothing worse than a beat up bracelet.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
walkerwek1958
Easy, but tedious. That’s why I won’t take these jobs on, very time- consuming to get right.
When I refinish bracelets ( or cases) I get the damage out by hand before going near a wheel, that ensures the minimal metal is removed, but it takes too long. I’m not suited to tedious work and that’s why I virtually stopped doing refinishing.
That is how I’d assumed, it can be done but a ball ache. I’ve done some cheaper ones that are the length of the bracelet and can get on with that, the Omega just annoys me trying
Alas we have 2 in the household & my perpetual seems the worst of them (excluding a 25yr old one that omega seemed to round the edges on the bracelet and before I knew better detail wise)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
bazza.
Laser welding is amazing having seen previous examples.
So are you pro or amateur, but access to the right tools through similar but different work that allows you to have these finishes? The polishing / brushing wheel doesn’t look like a garage toy!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mj2k
Laser welding is amazing having seen previous examples.
So are you pro or amateur, but access to the right tools through similar but different work that allows you to have these finishes? The polishing / brushing wheel doesn’t look like a garage toy!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I'm still studying at University but for the last 8 month I've been working non stop at https://ajwsl.co.uk on both servicing and polishing.
Your right about the polisher its a few thousand pounds bit of kit plus then the 8 bar streamer and all the ultrasonic cleaner and dyer
As for the finishing its all down to speed and compounds, the brushing finishing depends if you working on vintage or not.
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Impressive work, very well done
Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk
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Well, those look absolutely brilliant!
Now I really want my Seamaster bracelet redone.
It was given a mop polish at its last indy service that flattened the polished portions of the bracelet.
It didn't really bother me until I saw the quality of work in the OP 😮
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Fantastic work! There's something so satisfying about a well-worn bracelet being restored to its former charm. Thanks for sharing!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
bazza.
I'm still studying at University but for the last 8 month I've been working non stop at
https://ajwsl.co.uk on both servicing and polishing.
Your right about the polisher its a few thousand pounds bit of kit plus then the 8 bar streamer and all the ultrasonic cleaner and dyer
As for the finishing its all down to speed and compounds, the brushing finishing depends if you working on vintage or not.
Some fantastic examples of your work there,really exceptional.
I've just dropped a message in the ajwsl website there and will hopefully be availing of your services soon.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
bazza.
I'm still studying at University but for the last 8 month I've been working non stop at
https://ajwsl.co.uk on both servicing and polishing.
Your right about the polisher its a few thousand pounds bit of kit plus then the 8 bar streamer and all the ultrasonic cleaner and dyer
As for the finishing its all down to speed and compounds, the brushing finishing depends if you working on vintage or not.
Massive congratulations on that outcome, Bazza... really pleased that you must be "living the dream" now. Lovely to hear.
Can you just clarify whether AJWSL is accredited at all, and also advise whether it has access to genuine/OEM parts for the major brands?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
banie01
Some fantastic examples of your work there,really exceptional.
I've just dropped a message in the ajwsl website there and will hopefully be availing of your services soon.
Cheers Sir
Quote:
Originally Posted by
learningtofly
Massive congratulations on that outcome, Bazza... really pleased that you must be "living the dream" now. Lovely to hear.
Can you just clarify whether AJWSL is accredited at all, and also advise whether it has access to genuine/OEM parts for the major brands?
We aren't accredited but do have access to many genuine parts, so always like to give the option to the customer as there can be a big difference in price but not so in operation.
Vintage models are harder but we do have a good supply parts in already.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...720&fit=bounds
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This thread and the exquisite finish that Bazza has managed to eke out of his compounds, wheels and black magic, inspired me to drop him a line regarding a watch of mine.
I have an Omega 2535.80.00 that is IMHO, one of Omega's best!
I had it serviced by an indy last year and whilst I was very happy with the mechanical aspects of the work.
For some unknown reason?
The watch was given a run over a mop that destroyed the beautiful contrasting polished and brushed facets on the bracelet and watch.
I'd resigned myself to living with the result.
Then I saw this thread and hope sparked anew.
I dropped Bazza a message, arranged to send the watch, and lo and behold!!!
A near miracle has resulted.
Thanks to Bazza and all at AJWSL for their care and attention in reviving the very best aspects of my watch.
Examples below, the ones with a red background are the before pics, the afters, stand out on their own.
I'm a very, very happy customer 👍
https://i.postimg.cc/xCwjjYBM/Screen...hotos-edit.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/tR6CSZV5/Screen...hotos-edit.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/wj2BXCsY/Screen...hotos-edit.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/pLRTnWrB/Screen...hotos-edit.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/BvvnMmxL/Screen...hotos-edit.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/W3FbPtYs/Screen...hotos-edit.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/mr62q7wd/Screen...hotos-edit.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/4ypfmqTM/Screen...hotos-edit.jpg
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That looks amazing now, but who on earth did the prior work to leave it looking like it had been?!
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Always nice to hear a good news story- it wasn’t too long ago that members were desperate to find a top notch refinisher who didn’t have a 12+ month waiting list
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impressive. i would be interested in seeing this.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bazza.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
Berty234
That looks amazing now, but who on earth did the prior work to leave it looking like it had been?!
The previous bodge was acknowledged and restitution was offered.
There was also mention of an over enthusiastic junior who has since been reprimanded.
On that basis, I wouldn't feel comfortable naming them.
It's taken a while, but I'd rather leave it at all's well, that ends well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Suds
Always nice to hear a good news story- it wasn’t too long ago that members were desperate to find a top notch refinisher who didn’t have a 12+ month waiting list
It was a roundabout journey for my watch. The dratted Brexit has nixed sending pieces between Ireland and GB without a CN23 at a minimum and for something being sent over for work, and then returned?
I shudder to think of the admin.
To avoid the complications, I sent from an Northern Ireland address and received the return to the same.
Then had my uncle bring it down south as he was visiting.
The glory days of smuggling and VAT dodging on the rise again LOL.
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I have a Breguet type 20 which is about 65 years old and was badly polished in the late 1990's losing some of its angles. Are there modern techniques to have some of the angles back?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
erics
I have a Breguet type 20 which is about 65 years old and was badly polished in the late 1990's losing some of its angles. Are there modern techniques to have some of the angles back?
Can you PM me some pictures first Erics, thanks
