Rolex: Diagonal Brushed lugs

[HSV726]

Hi

I in am currently looking to improve the appearance on my case lugs. The case in question is a for a ‘1016’ from 1975

From what I understand the lugs should be brushed diagonally ?

I found a video online YouTube which shows the process (shown at 5:11) it looks like an emery stick ? Could anyone advise what grit should be used here?

Thanks in advance

 

[KJ2020]

I am no expert at this but I've done a few that have turned out OK.

400 grit is pretty good to practice with and you may be OK with that as a final finish. Gens have a slightly coarser finish so that would be about 320.

It's quite challenging to get all the brush lines straight and at the same correct angle while maintaining a uniform surface depth. That's important because it affects how light reflects along the downward curve of the lug as the case is tilted.

You can spend a lot of time developing this skill so practicing on a junk case is advised.

I used 400 grit on this case. After you're happy with the brushing, you can sand and polish the top edge to create the chamfers depending on your model.

 

[HSV726]

Many thanks for this it’s just the information I was after, good shout on the practice case I’ll look into that,

Your work in the image looks fantastic, kudos

Thanks again

 

[HSV726]

Just to update this I spent a few hours on my case over the past week or so, found it an enjoyable process

I seemed to get better results with a 400 grit than I did with a 320 so stuck with that, I think as my confidence grows I might try the 320 again.

I’m not sure if it makes a difference but I couldn’t get 400 in a triangular stick so had to use rectangular

Pic below feedback good or bad welcome (the bezel and endlinks are just loosely placed)

 

[HSV726]

Spent a bit more time on the lugs and also mirror polished the case side’s, generally leased although I feel like the ends could do with some refinement so may come back to it further down the line

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Image 9161B31A E50D 427C A54E 5B33AD35708B hosted in ClickPix.org

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Image 31E42CE0 5C8D 454C 951F 0E22F5F0079F hosted in ClickPix.org

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[KJ2020]

That's looking very presentable bro. The only thing I would say you could try to improve on is keeping the entire lug surface level. I find that quite challenging. I'm glad I don't have to make my living doing it, haha.

The way the light reflects differently across a lug reveals minor deviations in depth.

 

[Winni1611]

I'm into a 1016 build right now and I think you should be aware that this is a 50 up years old watch,
which means that not much of the original brushing is left and even some material may be gone by use and cleaning the watch.

 

[HSV726]

Thanks for the feedback

I try and apply a light pressure follow the curve of the lug and roll the stick across the lug following the shape of the curve (if that makes sense) I find it harder towards the end of the lug as the curve of the lug is a tighter radius here.

One thing i did notice is there is a stark difference between normal light and direct sun, the direct sun is much less forgiving and any irregularities really stand out