This is a Keystone 16 size hunting case that Mary Ann Scott sent me to repair. I have took several pictures of the process of removing the old hinge and replacing it. This first picture is of the case.

this picture is of the bad hinge.

and another of the bad hinge.

This picture is of the really deep scrapes in the case frame. To make the hinge replacement look good when done. I decided to fill in the deep scrapes.

this one shows where I added some metal to fill in the deep scrapes on the case frame. In this picture you can see where the old hinge has been removed. Case is ready for the new hinge.

This one is of the lasered case frame polished and ready for the new hinge

this one is the case and front lid with the old hinge gone

this one is the new hinge has been cut, and ready to be tacked weld

this picture is of the new hinge tacked to see if it will need to be moved or adjusted

With the new hinge all welded up and polished and a new hinge pin installed

different angle on the new hinge. It is close to original hinge.

finished case cleaned and lightly polished. What do you think Mary Ann?

If anybody has any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Thanks for your time.

Beautiful job Leon......looks like new again.

Steve

That's an amazing transformation Leon, you saved that case from the scrap pile.

Very nice job Leon!
Is the case solid gold or gold filled?

Steve

Leon - the case turned out wonderful! I am so pleased and can't wait to get it back!

The transformation is incredible. What was once a beat up broken case now looks like it was just made!

It is gold filled, is original to the movement and has a very nice inscription, so I wanted to restore it. I am glad that I did. I highly recommend Leon and the work that he does! Thank you!

Leon, You are the Master. I still want to go over there and be your apprentice.

Incredible job Leon, you are indeed a master!

WOW nice job...

5 stars to Leon. Not only for his excellent craftsmanship, but taking the time to share his expertise with us. Thank you Leon.

Great job Leon as you have done for me in the past. That is why I highly reccomend you to anyone who asks me. Thanks for sharing the step by step pictures.

Leon,
That's a beautiful job. Did you grind the old hinge away, or did you use a sep disk, or ??? Those laser welders are nice, that's for sure.
Thanks for showing this project. I'd like to see more of your case work.
Pete Belmonte

Hi Peter, I have 30 years as a jewelery repairman. So yes I did grind the old hinge away, and yes I did use a sepereting disc in a hand piece. I have reworked a Hamilton model 2 case that I need to get the pictures on the 185.

Leon,
I'd love to see the pictures for the Hamilton model 2 case. I used to work on watches, but a few years ago I decided to concentrate on making jewelry (although I still "dabble" in various watch areas), so I like to see this kind of work. I worked part-time as a bench jeweler and I got to assist the jeweler in a similar case repair -- it was a lot of fun to see how it shaped up. Thanks again,
Pete

Great job, Leon! Some people have talent but Leon has more than that. He indeed is a master!