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Watch case repair.

Jose G

By Jose G
in Watch Repairs Help & Advice

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Jose G New Member

Jose G

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Hello, first time here.

I have a watch on it's way, it is not a very common watch it is a Rado Blue Tiger from the early 70s the case is made of corundum (sapphire) and it is missing a piece between the lug in the back.

Any suggestions as to what materials to use to fill the space.

I was thinking maybe epoxy or JB Weld.

Thanks.139e56e09d44dbd9ccd286f3884df2ae.jpgcec72292383a58c53fd6f0d64e68d0bd.jpge388852100096e24599636ac55c60b77.jpg

 

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WatchMaker Super WRT Addict

WatchMaker

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I think you're spot on with your suggestion of JB Weld.

You may need to do a couple of thin layers rather than trying to get it filled in one go. JB Weld is then easily sandable once dry so with some fine wet-and-dry sanding paper you should be able to achieve a good finish. JB Weld will however dry a dark grey so you'd have to find a 'midnight blue' (enamel) paint to best match.

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Jose G New Member

Jose G

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I think you're spot on with your suggestion of JB Weld.
You may need to do a couple of thin layers rather than trying to get it filled in one go. JB Weld is then easily sandable once dry so with some fine wet-and-dry sanding paper you should be able to achieve a good finish. JB Weld will however dry a dark grey so you'd have to find a 'midnight blue' (enamel) paint to best match.
Thank you.

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Jose G New Member

Jose G

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Wow.. you got lucky here as the break can be disguised. These cases tend to crack in two if they are dropped!
Good luck!
Anilv
 
Thanks, yes I got lucky you don't see to many of these watches around and they are almost impossible to find in good condition.
I was lucky the other day and found a green one NOS.9224fadad14b9fc90fe482eb02c63f49.jpga70364660905e90ed7890bdedf7cdcef.jpg

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WatchMaker Super WRT Addict

WatchMaker

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Just as another quick tip...

If you refer to your second picture you're clearly going to want to create a nice straight and clean edge as easily as possible. If you can get hold of some vinyl masking tape - usually called fine line masking tape at model shops - then you could pull a piece taut around the edge of the watch to create that. Crucially if you cut a small section of this tape and reverse it where the repair is - so the non-sticky side is where the repair is but the rest of the tape holds it in place - then this should peel away once the JB Weld has cured to leave a lovely straight edge. [You could of course probably do the same with any smooth tape but ths vinyl tape sprung to mind as a good choice].

 

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Jose G New Member

Jose G

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Just as another quick tip...
If you refer to your second picture you're clearly going to want to create a nice straight and clean edge as easily as possible. If you can get hold of some vinyl masking tape - usually called fine line masking tape at model shops - then you could pull a piece taut around the edge of the watch to create that. Crucially if you cut a small section of this tape and reverse it where the repair is - so the non-sticky side is where the repair is but the rest of the tape holds it in place - then this should peel away once the JB Weld has cured to leave a lovely straight edge. [You could of course probably do the same with any smooth tape but ths vinyl tape sprung to mind as a good choice].
 
Great idea, I will give it a try.

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