A Case For Corrosion...

[automatico]

Here is a good post about case corrosion on VRF:

http://www.network54.com/Forum/207593/thread/1523202036/last-1523243296/View+All

 

This may be why they added an O ring between the case deck and crystal retainer bezel on later models.

As for replicas...the later MBK '5512 and 5513' cases I have seen have the extra O ring groove but with no O ring in it when new.  Do not know about the early cases.  My 12 or 14 year old cartel cases do not have grooves.  Do not know about Yuki etc.

I have seen quite a few watches with this type of corrosion offered for sale lately but usually not quite as bad as this one.  Sellers never mention it and most buyers think it can be wiped off when installing a new crystal.  It usually can not be easily removed once it starts and often results in a leak between the case neck and crystal.  Rust never sleeps to quote Neil Young.

 

The case in the picture may be genuine but a better term might be 'junkuwine'. 

Watchjunk that used to be thrown away is hot stuff now.  Amazing.  

 

Another bargain:

https://beckertime.com/product/mens-rolex-datejust-stainless-steel-case-16013

 

More info:

http://www.vintage-watches-collection.com/references/stainless-steel-in-vintage-watch-cases-explained/

 

https://medium.com/@morningtundra/death-of-a-vintage-watch-by-corrosion-pitting-c187d36d8314

[alligoat]

I saw that watch on VRF this morning- pretty eaten up around the rehaut. My first thought was that it was a replacement dial as well as the set of hands- no dial could come out unscathed with that type of corrosion. 

 

I'm thinking that the gasket on the crystal retention ring came into being around 1972- maybe I read that 5-10 years ago....