Anyone know about a new case for a 42mm IWC Spitfire Chrono?
Anyone know about a new case for a 42mm IWC Spitfire Chrono?
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dom9

Original Poster:

8,679 posts

240 months

Tuesday 12th November 2013
quotequote all
Guys, this might be a bit of a random one...

I haven't worn my IWC Spitfire Chrono in ages (like, months and rarely in the last few years) and it could really do with a polish/ service etc.

I have never really been in love with it, if I am honest, and it has been sat in a box to be sent away for a service for ages (but never sent due to moving house).

I was hoping that the service would sort the case out but the more I think about it, the more I think it needs a new case as there are a couple of 'dings' in the lugs at the 6 O'clock position.

I'll get some pics up at some point but they are DEFINITELY too deep to polish out, so what are my options? Does anyone weld cases? Or is this a new case situation?

If it does require a new case - do I have to get one from IWC or does someone do a 'pattern' case? If anyone knows costs, I'd also appreciate it.

Truth be told, I was going to get it serviced and sorted ahead of selling it as I do fancy a 36kvph Zenith as the chrono in my collection and although I could probably live with the 'dings' I am guessing they would hurt 2nd hand value and if a re-case would cost less than the knock in value, it may be worth doing.

Cheers,

Dom

Dominic H

3,289 posts

263 months

Tuesday 12th November 2013
quotequote all

Hi Dom,

Pop up some images of the troublesome IWC. My watchmaker practices a few 'dark arts' and could well correct your case. I wouldn't bother with returning to IWC as you'll be given a bill that will make your eyes bleed. I don't know anyone who makes pattern cases, apart from the counterfeiters. Even then there's no guarantee the two are interchangeable, and you'd up up with a watch worth less that you started and that on one would buy.

When are next in Town? Let me know and I'll see what I can do.

Cheers

Dom.

dom9

Original Poster:

8,679 posts

240 months

Tuesday 12th November 2013
quotequote all
Dominic H said:
Hi Dom,

Pop up some images of the troublesome IWC. My watchmaker practices a few 'dark arts' and could well correct your case. I wouldn't bother with returning to IWC as you'll be given a bill that will make your eyes bleed. I don't know anyone who makes pattern cases, apart from the counterfeiters. Even then there's no guarantee the two are interchangeable, and you'd up up with a watch worth less that you started and that on one would buy.

When are next in Town? Let me know and I'll see what I can do.

Cheers

Dom.
DH,

I knew I should have just asked you first... Though I am ashamed to say I cheated on you, recently frown

I am actually back next week... In town from the 21st and out again on Dec 1st. Will be in the office in St Paul's (and staying in S.Ken) so not too far away.

Are you about during that period? If so, I'll pack it and bring it with me and leave it with you until I am back again at Christmas.

Have you got any Zenith 36kbph chronos in or could you get a Tudor Black Bay? I guess there may be a deal to be done... Also not sure I can justify a Black Bay and an ND Sub, so that may have to go (have a Seadweller as well now) hmmm...

Cheers,

Dom

PS I've now pushed my own thread OT!

benny.c

3,802 posts

238 months

Tuesday 12th November 2013
quotequote all
Cases can indeed be welded. I'm having my Flightmaster done at the moment as it's been totally over polished.






After two hours welding it is currently like this awaiting a final refinish on the lapping machine. 








dom9

Original Poster:

8,679 posts

240 months

Tuesday 12th November 2013
quotequote all
Very interesting indeed!

I'll let Dom take a look when I am back to London and we'll be in touch if we think it needs a bit more specialist attention!

Cheers for that - always made sense to me that the 'could' be but had never seen it!

Dominic H

3,289 posts

263 months

Tuesday 12th November 2013
quotequote all
Wow, looking forward to seeing the after pictures Benny. Who's doing the work on the Omega?

Dom- If I'm picturing the 'dings/dents' on the lugs of your Pilot Chrono correctly. We'd do something similar, build up the metal, cut it back and re-finish it.

See you soon!

dom9

Original Poster:

8,679 posts

240 months

Tuesday 12th November 2013
quotequote all
Dominic H said:
Wow, looking forward to seeing the after pictures Benny. Who's doing the work on the Omega?

Dom- If I'm picturing the 'dings/dents' on the lugs of your Pilot Chrono correctly. We'd do something similar, build up the metal, cut it back and re-finish it.

See you soon!
Good stuff - I shall give you a text when I get in next week! Else, just needs an oil and a polish I reckon!

benny.c

3,802 posts

238 months

Tuesday 12th November 2013
quotequote all
Dominic H said:
Wow, looking forward to seeing the after pictures Benny. Who's doing the work on the Omega?
It's a chap in Bristol. The welding is done by his associate (who I believe is a jeweler by trade) and the lapping is done in house. Will post some photos when I have it back.

GC8

19,910 posts

221 months

Wednesday 13th November 2013
quotequote all
That interests me too Ben. What sort of price will that amount of welding and finish amount to, please?

I have a Chronostop wich has been unsympathetically polished. Im not sure that the edges have gone, but the brushed finish certainly has.

benny.c

3,802 posts

238 months

Wednesday 13th November 2013
quotequote all
It will probably be around £250/300. From what I can gather they prefer working on more modern pieces as part of a service rather than restoring vintage pieces.

GC8

19,910 posts

221 months

Wednesday 13th November 2013
quotequote all
Thank you.

Perec

28,176 posts

253 months

Wednesday 13th November 2013
quotequote all
benny.c said:
Cases can indeed be welded. I'm having my Flightmaster done at the moment as it's been totally over polished.






After two hours welding it is currently like this awaiting a final refinish on the lapping machine. 







Have you considered leaving the welds like that? That would be a "look" and utterly unique. Perhaps a bit grungy though.