We recently received a watch repair request from a customer.
They requested discoloration removal from the case along with an overhaul.
Watches with gold-plated cases, such as the Cartier Must series,
will show discoloration on the case surface like this over time with use.
This is due to the material used for the case.
For models like the Must Tank, silver is used for the case material and gold is plated on the surface.
When exposed to air or UV light, it will sulfurize,
which is unavoidable when owning such a watch.
This is not a defect in the watch itself but a change in the material,
and with current technology, there is no way to prevent discoloration or make it not discolored.
However, from a watch owner's perspective, if their watch discolors like this, they would be anxious,
and while some might know how to deal with it, many do not.
When we sell watches with potential discoloration, such as the Must series,
we provide a "polishing cloth" to remove discoloration at the time of purchase.
A polishing cloth is a polishing cloth containing abrasive agents,
and we recommend using it only when discoloration occurs.
Anyone can remove discoloration by simply polishing it lightly.
This is not a special item and is sold at general retailers, etc.,
and depending on the size, it can be purchased for about 500 yen.
As mentioned earlier, polishing cloths use abrasive agents,
so polishing the case daily can easily lead to gold peeling.
Therefore, we also provide a chamois cloth for daily care, separate from the polishing cloth.
Case discoloration is a material issue, not due to incorrect use or storage,
so it can be resolved with a little bit of care.
Of course, when you request a repair for a watch you purchased from us,
we will thoroughly clean both the movement and the case before returning it to you.
So, if you are unsure about caring for it yourself,
please do not hesitate to ask us!
