Titanium polishing or repair?

Cellar's post below brings up the question of refinishing a titanium watch. I searched the archives but mostly got information about how hard it is and how it should go back to the factory. But does anyone know how titanium is refinished?
Calling Jack Freedman..........???

Re: Titanium polishing or repair?

Refinishing titanium cases and bracelets is a tedious procedure which requires a combination of special equipment and proper experience.

First, it is necessary to have a sand/bead blasting machine where the work is done inside. All the components from a case must first be removed such as the glass, pushers, case tube, gaskets, etc. so nothing gets damaged.

Second, it requires the proper pellets which are blasted with pressure around the case leaving a uniform beaded look.

Third, the operator must have the right feel and touch to rotate the case and/or bracelet so that all surfaces receive an equal finish.

Also, I've been informed that the pellets one uses, the duration of the procedure, and the individual manner in which a case is refinished determines also the color of the titanium.

While the above is standard equipment and knowhow in any busy factory it is not typically available in every service center where such work is requested only once in a while.

As a result, I suggest that, given all the above considerations, the best option is to have such work done through the factory.

Regards,
Jack Freedman

Thank you Jack always great to

learn from you.

Argiris

Jack thanks for the info. I knew you would

know the best way to take care of this.

Thanks guys, it is very...

interesting, specially for a titanium fanatic aficionado. I love the IWC titanium quality.

[](s484.photobucket.com/albums/rr210/Mat-Vill/?action=view&current=ATback.jpg)

Here's a photo ....

which I pasted together from different sources showing sandblasting equipment.

The user works with rubber gloves on his hands through channels on the front of the machine. He peers at the object through a glass panel and must work skillfully to prevent damage to the components in need of refinishing.

Again, this is a tedious procedure and one which needs plenty of experience to do it professionally.

Regards,
Jack Freedman

One of the good things about titanium...

is that it tends to suffer less surface damage because of the rough finish and increased hardness. Even if there is some scratching it tends to be less noticeable. However, despite the toughened hardness it is still probable to inflict damage on edges. After many years of wear and when it would be opportune to do service anyway it is good to know that a trip to the factory can be beneficial to clean things up.

just a few comments

Although titanium is as strong as steel but half its weight it is still subject to receiving dings and scratches. But, as you rightly point out, some scratches aren't as noticeable on titanium surfaces as they are on steel especially polished steel.

However, keep in mind that polishing or refinishing of any case or bracelet inevitably involves removal of some metal. This has already been mentioned previously in posts found in the forum archives.

Therefore, I wouldn't always suggest sending off a titanium case and/or bracelet for factory reconditioning unless they're in a very poor condition. Actually many surface scratches on titanium fade and blend in with the metal over time. I know that because I've been wearing a titanium PD by IWC for years and can hardly notice any scratches although perhaps I'm not too rough on my watches as I don't want to send them in for service :-)

Regards,
Jack Freedman

Wow. Looks expensive.