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This message has been edited by India Whiskey Charlie on 2025-09-18 11:22:47
AP repairs, easy?
Hi everyone, I’m looking at buying this stainless AP, it has a few marks on the bezel, I was wondering, is this easy enough to get repaired by a good watch service centre? Just would like to get it back to as good of a condition as I could do if I was to purchase it, thanks in advance
For sure…
No large dent on the case, but for the bezel hick, would depend, i would consider somebody who can laser weld it. Depends on the reference. I had a dent on a AP platinum bezel and had it repaired by a trustworthy AD, who can precision weld new material on it and finish the spot by carefully polishing it. So all edges remain sharp.
Reference is 26331ST.OO.1220ST.01, thank you
This message has been edited by India Whiskey Charlie on 2025-09-18 11:22:47
I don't think that damage is too bad.
Personally I would wait until it needs a service and have AP do it to insure it is done right and with the correct finish. Unless you actually know from personal experience or that of someone you know well and trust I wouldn't risk just anyone doing it and causing bigger issues. But the simple answer is yes the small amount of damage is an easy fix especially for an AP service centre.
Marc
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Thank you Marc, would you say that’ll be an expensive job? Are we talking thousands and thousands (of USD) or not quite so expensive? Thank you This message has been edited by India Whiskey Charlie on 2025-09-18 12:05:09
Sorry I have no personal experience of this type of repair so have no idea of what the cost.
Which is why as the damage isn't too bad I would try and live with it until the watch needed a service. I don't think the small amount of damage shown would require a huge amount of laser welding and polishing. As I would say it's more of a tidy up then major restoration, maybe other members will have more information for you.
Marc
Marc
Not for you
I can barely see these marks even under magnification. Honestly, if you find this level of wear concerning, then preowned watches aren't for you. You'll make marks like this within a few days or even hours of receiving the watch, and then even a newly purchased timepiece will look like your photos. If you have it refinished, it will quickly return to this worn state. If your budget can support ceramic, then I recommend that.
Refinishing a Royal Oak takes exceptional skill and experience. Most people in local jewelers who casually polish Rolex Subs and Omega Speedmasters all day shouldn't even touch a Royal Oak. The upside from refinishing this watch seems scant compared to the potential for a mediocre result or even just the loss of sharpness and definition that the Royal Oak exhibits from the factory.
Best,
Tim
Your watch will only be unpolished once in it's life.
As noted below if these tiny scratches bother you many a new watch is a better path. Unsightly dings many have other implications if the previous owner dropped his watch. But from the pictures they seem minor. Enjoy the watch and create a few memories (scratches) of your own.
As the others have said, wait until service is necessary or don't buy pre-owned unless mint.
Marks like this will happen whether you like it or not. They will be greater/worse over the watch's lifetime. Hence, you should wait until the watch needs a service before asking anyone to do anything, and at that, wait for AP. Very few regular watchmakers are remotely capable of polishing the watch the way AP does. To do an entire bezel takes a very long time and requires a great amount of skill.
Good luck with your decision!
I mean, unless you plan on wearing it with a plastic bag over it this is not a concern. And if wearing the watch you will pick up this and more quick enough