Chemical rhodium stripping: precise removal of rhodium without altering the
piece
Chemical rhodium stripping is an uncommon operation in the watchmaking subcontracting ecosystem, yet an essential one in several situations: refurbishment of after-sales watches, reconditioning of old stock, correction of faulty rhodium plating, or re-preparation of a piece before complete re-finishing.
Termin'Hor SA made the strategic choice to bring this process in-house at its workshop in Vernier, Geneva. This decision is guided by a simple conviction: a watch product must regain its original appearance without compromising its geometry. Chemical rhodium stripping, unlike mechanical re-polishing, removes the worn or non-conforming rhodium layer without touching the base metal or the dimensional tolerances of the piece.
When to use chemical rhodium stripping?
- Refurbishment of worn after-sales watches: removal of worn rhodium before re-polishing and re-plating
- Stock reconditioning: pieces held in storage for a long time whose plating has aged or tarnished
- Correction after faulty plating: Correction after faulty plating: removal of an uneven or overly thick deposit
- Change of finish : converting a rhodium-plated finish to another surface
Our process: chemical precision and dimensional control
Our chemical rhodium-stripping process relies on a controlled-formulation bath that selectively attacks the rhodium deposit without affecting the underlying metal. The action is precisely timed to avoid any risk of over-dissolution.
Every batch processed undergoes an inspection before and after treatment: visual inspection of the surface, verification that functional dimensions (bearing surfaces, threadings, assembly areas) remain unchanged. This inspection can be documented for brands with formalised quality requirements.
A service with no volume limit
Our workshop handles both individual pieces (collector's watches or high-value pieces in individual reconditioning) and production batches for the refurbishment of after-sales series or component stock. As the process is chemical, the treatment volume affects neither the quality of the result nor the lead times.
Contact Termin'Hor SA to discuss your project, obtain a tailored quote or arrange a visit to our workshop in Vernier, Geneva
To find out more about our expertise and our story, discover Termin'Hor SA. discover Termin’Hor SA.
