Rust Damage in Rolex Sport Models
Rolex Submariner | Model 5512
Case Study
The case gasket on this watch had failed, allowing water to get into the movement.
This time, the rust damage was limited to the automatic assembly, but it could have been much worse.
Rust is the number one cause of damage to watch movements, resulting in costly repairs.
Rolex 1675 GMT
Case Study
As you can see, the case and caseback are pitted and badly damaged because the gasket failed.
The photos below show the pitting damage to the caseback.
Movement Damage
The movement had gotten rusty and required a number of replacement parts before it was able to run again.
Note the poor quality repair to the plate jewel holding the oscillating weight.
This was a costly repair!
Keep in mind that some damage (such as case pitting) cannot be repaired, and affects the value of the watch. All of this could have been avoided with proper routine service.