Lapping machine - case example pics on page 3

**Omegary** · 4th November 2012, 18:40

Another interesting example, this time an Omega Memomatic case.

This has been hand refinished to a good standard and most would be more than happy with the results. With hand refinishing however you do lose the edges as it's impossible to keep a perfectly flat and consistent angle when working on cases by hand, especially those with lots of curves. The net result is they tend to look a bit soft as the shoulders and what should be flat surfaces are rounded off a little.

Before

The eagle eyed amongst you will also notice areas of over brushing where graining from the case top and sides has gone over on to the polished shoulders. Again because of the manual nature of the work this is a little inevitable and I've seen far worse examples.

After pics to follow...

**Omegary** · 4th November 2012, 19:03

My watchmaker had a real quandary with this one as he's a perfectionist and wants everything to be perfect. However because this case had been hand refinished non of the angles were consistent, so for instance the angle on the polished shoulders on both sides should be exactly the same. Likewise the case sides should be perfectly flat and vertical and the sunburst case top should be a consistent angle.

So it was a case of assessing what could be achieved without removing too much metal and inevitably there was a slight compromise. In this instant to get the case top to be perfectly flat too much metal would have to be removed, so you'll see that there's a slight imperfection. Likewise with the polished shoulders, too much metal would have had to be removed to get them perfectly flat again.

After

Having watched Rocco work on this I have to say that there's a real skill in working the lapping machine. He was constantly assessing the case and making judgements on how far he could go. His natural instinct wanted to make it as factory fresh as possible but he knew he'd have to make small sacrifices, otherwise it would have been very easy to wreck the case.

Hopefully my pics have captured the difference between a good hand refinished case and a lapped case. The difference is quite pronounced I think.

Cheers,
Gary

**KavKav** · 4th November 2012, 21:15

Rocco has refurbished several vintage watches for me in the past, his work is absolutely first-class and I would not go anywhere else!

**Tomaitch** · 5th November 2012, 22:03

Superb but how does he get the straight lines of the Sunburst pattern with a rotating wheel..? I cant seem to figure it out!
Thanks

**Omegary** · 5th November 2012, 23:40

Originally Posted by Tomaitch

Superb but how does he get the straight lines of the Sunburst pattern with a rotating wheel..? I cant seem to figure it out!
Thanks

It's difficult to explain but here goes.

Obviously the wheel on the lapping machine rotates but so does the watch case in the tool that you present it to the wheel. The friction of the two meeting rotates the tool at the same speed as the lapping machine. As long as you present the case to the dead centre of the grinding wheel, but obviously offset to the either the left or right, you get straight lines on the case. If the case is slightly too high or low you get an interesting curved sunburst graining, a bit like the pattern below.

gg56441952.jpg

So when presenting the case to the wheel you have to be very precise with the positioning. I've got some pics of the machine in action but they don't really help to demonstrate how the sunburst graining is achieved in all honesty.

Cheers,
Gary

**Tomaitch** · 6th November 2012, 11:42

Thanks Gary , I think I get it! What about the grained areas of a watch case that are say rounded or a couple of slight angles? Would it be done in sections or in one go? It interests me as many watch cases are slightly rounded and also slightly curved from top to bottom so its hard to appreciate how a flat wheel accomplishes this . Id love to see some pics of the thing in action!
Thanks and great thread!
T

**bioactif30** · 6th November 2012, 17:56

wow, great pics and sensation
iguess ill thru my Tissot

**dreamboat10** · 9th November 2012, 00:29

Originally Posted by Tomaitch

Thanks Gary , I think I get it! What about the grained areas of a watch case that are say rounded or a couple of slight angles? Would it be done in sections or in one go? It interests me as many watch cases are slightly rounded and also slightly curved from top to bottom so its hard to appreciate how a flat wheel accomplishes this . Id love to see some pics of the thing in action!
Thanks and great thread!
T

Seconded Gary, it puzzles me how its achieved, would love to see it in action...video??

Thanks for updating the thread, really interesting to follow.

Best,

James.

**Golfpaul** · 9th November 2012, 23:44

What a really interesting thread. Great to see craftsmanship like this!

**angeche** · 11th November 2012, 19:54

Very interesting thread....

**Omegary** · 19th November 2012, 18:31

Another update and example for anyone who's interested, this time it's an early 70's Omega Constellation Megaquartz. Although it was acceptable for a 40 year old watch there was some pretty deep scratches to the case sides and shoulders, plus the bezel had some scrape marks. I think it was definitely time for a freshen up.

This wasn't all done on a lapping machine, the case sides/back and clasp are hand refinishing and the bracelet was refinished on a polishing/graining wheel.

Before

After pics to follow...

**Omegary** · 19th November 2012, 18:40

After

Obviously a macro lens really accentuates any marks on a used piece but likewise they pick up any slight imperfections, even on a brand new watch. A new crystal really helps the overall look too but even so it's a pretty good transformation imho.

Many thanks to webvan for putting up with a slight delay whilst I did the before and after pics.

Cheers,
Gary

**Omegary** · 19th November 2012, 18:54

Originally Posted by Tomaitch

Thanks Gary , I think I get it! What about the grained areas of a watch case that are say rounded or a couple of slight angles? Would it be done in sections or in one go? It interests me as many watch cases are slightly rounded and also slightly curved from top to bottom so its hard to appreciate how a flat wheel accomplishes this . Id love to see some pics of the thing in action!
Thanks and great thread!
T

Originally Posted by dreamboat10

Seconded Gary, it puzzles me how its achieved, would love to see it in action...video??

Thanks for updating the thread, really interesting to follow.

Best,

James.

I think you're right in that a video is probably the only way to really demonstrate how it works, however Rocco isn't keen on the idea. TBH having watched him work on a number of cases now it won't make for riveting viewing. A lot of time is taken up making sure the angles are exactly right, presenting the case to the wheel at the perfect height and then lapping the case gently until it's as best as it can be.

I've got some pics of a Rolex Explorer bezel being refurbished on the lapping machine which might help give some context. I need to sort them all out though first which might take some time.

Cheers,
Gary

**webvan** · 19th November 2012, 19:49

Thank you for these wonderful before and after pictures, that Constellation from 1972 really looks like new now and the problem of course is that's it's going to be a concern to wear it for fear of scratching it ;-) Well it can go back to Rocco in a few years time I guess ;-) What talent!

Beautiful inside and out as after some tweaking of the trimmer it's pretty much locked into my "custom" thermocompensated SMP 300.

**mattmillard** · 20th November 2012, 23:32

Originally Posted by Omegary

Hi Rich, I've no idea who made it, as you say there's no obvious identifying marks. It was supplied by Rolex, from what I understand they bought a lot of new equipment when they moved to their new UK HQ. Rocco's had a weeks intensive training course with Rolex too which probably explains why he's getting good results in such a short space of time. AFAIK he's the only person outside of Rolex to have been offered the training and he's been invited back, so they must think pretty highly of him.

Cheers,
Gary

I used to use Rocco when I lived in Bristol. His Rolex knowledge is amazing. Top guy.

**Omegary** · 13th January 2013, 19:04

A little up date and some more before and after pics, this time an Omega Speedmaster MKIII.

This was a bit of a challenge as it's a serious chunk of steel with sunburst and vertical graining, lots of tight angles to access and some big surface areas to get a consistent graining on. Ostensibly it didn't look in too bad a shape but closer inspection revealed lots of scratches and dings, some around the bezel lip and hidden lug area. Plus at some point it had been hand refinished so the edges where a little soft and had lost some of their profile.

Before

Some laser welding was needed to build up some of the deeper dings and scratches

During

After pics to follow...

**Omegary** · 13th January 2013, 19:11

After

I think it's fair to say that this has been my watchmakers biggest lapping machine challenge to date. Personally I think he's pulled it off rather well. Thanks for looking.

Cheers,
Gary

**webvan** · 13th January 2013, 19:29

Wow, this is absolutely amazing!

Actually with the Z-33's similar shaped case I was wondering if lapping worked on titanium too as well as laser welding if the nicks are too deep? Not enough Z-33s around but I suspect they must be scratch magnets...

**rehunk** · 13th January 2013, 19:30

Simply amazing. He has become a real artist. You really must talk him into a video demonstration.
Thanks for sharing with your excellent photos.

**Omegary** · 13th January 2013, 22:50

Originally Posted by webvan

Wow, this is absolutely amazing!

Actually with the Z-33's similar shaped case I was wondering if lapping worked on titanium too as well as laser welding if the nicks are too deep? Not enough Z-33s around but I suspect they must be scratch magnets...

I'm fairly certain titanium can be lapped in the same way. Not sure if it could be welded with steel though, I'd imagine there would be a colour difference in the metals. I asked if there was any discernible colour difference with different steels, as Rolex use(d) 904* and not the more common 316 grade, but there isn't.

* I think they now use a different grade steel in their modern watches.

Originally Posted by rehunk

Simply amazing. He has become a real artist. You really must talk him into a video demonstration.
Thanks for sharing with your excellent photos.

I'll keep trying but having watched him refinish a few cases now I don't think it would make for entertaining viewing tbh.

Cheers,
Gary

P.S. Hope you're wearing your MQ Conny Mr G and it's not become a safe queen.

**Emeister** · 14th January 2013, 01:42

Originally Posted by Omegary

I think it's fair to say that this has been my watchmakers biggest lapping machine challenge to date.

Oh boy is he going to love my three MKIII examples!!!

Now they'll be a real challenge.
I did start chatting with him before Christmas but money constraints have slowed me right down.

Looking at those pictures is real motivation to get something happening.

I'll try to get you involved too for the photo story again Gary. Fantastic pictures.
Thanks for putting them up.

Ian

**Cirrus** · 14th January 2013, 01:48

Wow... you wouldn't even say that was the same case!

**Omegary** · 15th January 2013, 16:46

Originally Posted by Emeister

Oh boy is he going to love my three MKIII examples!!!

Now they'll be a real challenge.
I did start chatting with him before Christmas but money constraints have slowed me right down.

Looking at those pictures is real motivation to get something happening.

I'll try to get you involved too for the photo story again Gary. Fantastic pictures.
Thanks for putting them up.

Ian

No problem at all Ian and I'd be happy to take a few pics if/when you send a watch or three over. I find the processes and skills involved in case restoration fascinating.

Cheers,
Gary

P.S. Three MKIII Speedies! Isn't that a bit greedy mate?

**Emeister** · 17th January 2013, 01:57

Thanks Gary, I'll get in touch when I'm a bit more in control of my situation.
Don't want to spoil this thread with ugly pictures if I can't get the job paid for.

Originally Posted by Omegary

Three MKIII Speedies! Isn't that a bit greedy mate?

They are rough, rougher and mangled!!!

I've wanted a silver dialled version since joining here. Started with a black dialled version and got a decent silver dial to swap, then found a reasonable silver dialled version before finding another, much rougher, silver dialled version. Hopefully we can get at least one spectacular watch and see how the others turn out. Was considering trying to convert one silver into a blue to have the set but parts might kill off that idea.

Haven't got around to giving R any pics yet. He was a little concerned about sourcing some parts. I now see Keith's went to STS first (but doesn't look like he had any need to have visible parts replaced). Lots to ponder. Too many projects!

**squashy1** · 17th January 2013, 13:30

Its great to see such skills still exsist with our modern throw away upbringing

**Jaunty** · 17th January 2013, 14:12

I have just read through this thread and wanted to echo the previous comments and applaud the fantastic level of workmanship involved. Really impressive stuff and great to see such an informative thread.

**Bernard** · 21st January 2013, 12:38

May I ask in what ballpark we are if the work carried out by Rocco involves some laser welding and lapping of a case?

**Omegary** · 21st January 2013, 22:21

Sorry Bernard, just seen your post and replied via PM.

Cheers,
Gary

**Tomaitch** · 29th January 2013, 18:03

Iam suffering withdrawal symptoms, need more pics!

**cjp2k** · 29th January 2013, 20:00

Thanks to Gary, I have booked into to get the case back of my vintage speedy touched up (its been butchered) in its previous life)

Cant wait to see the results

**Bernard** · 31st January 2013, 11:57

Originally Posted by Omegary

Sorry Bernard, just seen your post and replied via PM.

Cheers,
Gary

Thanks! I have to admit: didn't check this thread for some time ;-)

**Philip** · 31st January 2013, 20:53

Some really impressive results - is there ever a problem with the newly-added metal having a different colour or finish, given the variety of different case alloys?

**Andybhoy** · 31st January 2013, 21:12

What an absolutely fascinating thread this is!! The level of skill and patience involved in this must be monumental, hats off to your watchmaker as he is clearly a very talented individual indeed. Superb results on all the examples shown, and it is great to see the watches being brought back to their former glory!

**Omegary** · 31st January 2013, 22:23

Originally Posted by Philip

Some really impressive results - is there ever a problem with the newly-added metal having a different colour or finish, given the variety of different case alloys?

I know 904L grade steel wire has been used on all the examples to date, so there's no colour difference between it and regular 316L steel as used in most cases. I'd assume that laser filling a titanium case would require a titanium wire to get a good colour match but that's really just a guess. I can find out for certain if you're interested, just let me know.

Cheers,
Gary

**MattG** · 9th February 2013, 01:00

This is amazing, so cool to see these watches brought back to their original condition. And great photos!

**ed335d** · 9th February 2013, 13:58

My MKII Speedy is with Rocco at the moment.

If pictures are taken, please feel free to post them here!

**jnash123** · 12th February 2013, 23:17

Originally Posted by ed335d

My MKII Speedy is with Rocco at the moment.

If pictures are taken, please feel free to post them here!

Seen this on another forum (different watch) - its an incredible restore!

**ed335d** · 20th February 2013, 23:44

I did post some details in the main forum, but it only takes a day or so for things to drop to page 2 these days!

Here're some pictures of Rocco's work...

Before

After

**webvan** · 21st February 2013, 14:52

Another fantastic job! I thought big dents like that were a lost cause, guess the laser welding came in handy once again ;-)

@omegary - did you get a chance to ask about titanium lapping?

**Omegary** · 21st February 2013, 22:09

Originally Posted by webvan

@omegary - did you get a chance to ask about titanium lapping?

Hi G, tbh I completely forgot, I'll ask at the weekend (if I remember)

Cheers,
Gary

**webvan** · 21st February 2013, 22:26

No rush and TIA! Looks like you have nice watch activities regularly lined up for your week-ends ;-)

**Omegary** · 25th February 2013, 15:29

Asked Rocco about titanium cases and he said laser welding shouldn't be a problem but refinishing might be depending on the finish of the case. Titanium is generally harder to work with and bead/sandblasted finishes would need to go to someone with the right equipment.

He also said that he can laser weld and refinish gold cases. Essentially as long as the right material/grade of wire is obtainable it can be laser welded.

Cheers,
Gary

**Omegary** · 25th February 2013, 18:55

Another quick update, this time with a Girard Perregaux case. It wasn't in too bad condition but there were a few scratches and dinks, plus the caseback had some deep tool slip marks.

Before

After pics top follow...

**Omegary** · 25th February 2013, 19:01

After

Quite a transformation imho, even though it wasn't really in too bad a condition for a 40 year old watch.

Thanks to RaulGonzalez (Luke) for letting me use his watch as an example.

Cheers,
Gary

**angeche** · 25th February 2013, 22:39

Very interesting results. I am tempted to buy a lapping machine but divorce prevents me from trying.....
Edit: divorce that would follow once the wife sees the machine..

**Taff** · 26th February 2013, 10:18

Only just spotted this thread Gary... thanks for sharing. I love knowing about this sort of stuff! Hats of to your watchmaker man for getting the machine too, and the intelligence to operate it!

**webvan** · 27th February 2013, 12:10

Thanks for asking about Ti, good to know and thanks for these new Before/After pics, they really have some "feel good" quality to them!

**Paul J** · 3rd March 2013, 12:53

Gary, can I ask for his details - I've a couple that could do with some TLC?

**tonic2005** · 5th April 2013, 09:03

Pictures and finish look amazing!

Gary, I've sent you a PM regarding laser welding and refinishing of my AP. Please let me know the details when you can. Thanks :)

**yonsson** · 17th April 2013, 19:09

Still going stong I see. Very impressive stuff!

Thread: Lapping machine - case example pics on page 3

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