Re-finishing Watch Cases for the International Watch Community.
Service international de re-finition de boitiers de montre.
WHAT WE WILL DO TO REFINISH YOUR WATCH CASE
We will try to remove all scratches and dents from your watch case to the best possible degree and restore the desired finish prior to the plating process. Unless you request otherwise, we will refinish the case as close as possible to its original appearance, or—when appropriate—apply a finish we believe best suits its condition. By sending your watch case for refinishing, you acknowledge and agree to this term. For full details, please see our Terms and Conditions.
After refinishing, we will re‑plate the case in the color of your choice from the available colors. We do not chemically strip existing plating unless it is necessary to achieve the requested finish or if the current plating presents issues.
presents issues.
CASE BACKS
We will remove scratches from your stainless‑steel case back to the highest degree possible and refinish it as close as possible to the original appearance, or to any finish you select from our list of available options. (Click here for available finishes.)
We can also fill holes or deep scratches on stainless‑steel case backs, as well as on most plated and gold‑filled case backs.
WORN OUT OR DAMAGED CASES
It is also possible to fill holes or areas that are significantly worn or damaged. In these cases, we must examine your watch case in person before providing an estimate. If you prefer, a high‑resolution photo can be emailed to us at replateit@gmail.com for a preliminary cost indication.
Please note that there is a minimum charge of $145 for any watch case work beyond polishing and refinishing, such as soldering or filling. Several repair techniques may be used, and we determine the most suitable method after inspection. Estimates are free, though shipping fees apply (click here for shipping rates).
GOLD FILLED CASES
We do not strip gold from gold‑filled watch cases. Instead, we mechanically buff the surface to remove scratches and dents, then re‑plate the case with gold and apply a uniform final finish.
Holes are repaired using gold or silver through precision welding, especially in areas where high heat must be avoided. Additional techniques may be used to fill deep engravings on gold‑filled case backs. These advanced procedures may require extra time beyond our standard turnaround estimates. Please note that we cannot guarantee exact turnaround times and are unable to accommodate time‑sensitive projects. Please click here for more details.
WATCH HANDS
We will apply a light polish and re‑plate the watch hands in the color you select from our available options. Please note that some hands may have corrosion that is too deep to remove. Due to their delicate nature, there is a limit to how much watch hands can be improved at a reasonable cost.
CROWNS
It is also possible to refinish crowns (the stem must be attached when shipped) and push buttons for an additional fee. Whenever possible, we will remove surface scratches and apply a finish that matches the original as closely as possible.
MOVEMENT COMPONENTS
Movement components such as main plates, bridges, and cocks can be plated; however, all preparation must be completed in advance by your watchmaker. We do not perform any mechanical finishing or cleaning on these parts. When we accept such projects, our work is limited strictly to chemical‑bath processing, with no mechanical work of any kind.
Based on our experience, even with both mechanical and chemical preparation, plating these components rarely results in a factory‑new appearance. However, a noticeable improvement is typically achieved.
PREPARING YOUR WATCH CASE FOR OUR REFINISHING SERVICE:
When you prepare your watch case for our watch case refinishing service, please make sure that you have removed the following:
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The crystal including gasket
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Any removable dial ring with indices
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The bezel including gasket/ring/springs
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The movement (Do not send movement)
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Also, any removable push buttons including gaskets.
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Case tube, especially for screw down crowns including gaskets
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And the watch bracelet
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And any other removable part of the case or bracelet.
If the push buttons, crown, or watch hands require refinishing, please place them in a separate plastic bag or envelope.
You will need to send the case back as well to ensure it will snap back properly after replating. If you do not want it repolished or refinished, please include that in your instructions. We will only plate or refinish the case back if it was part of the original finish or if you specifically request it.
IMPORTANT: On the customs declaration form, you must state that the items being shipped are “Watch cases and parts to be restored and returned.”
If this is not indicated and we are charged import duties, additional fees will be applied to cover those costs.
