| Author | Message | ||
     Rbotti New member Username: Rbotti Post Number: 1 Registered: 01-2007 Rating: N/A |
 Last year I purchased a Waltham wristwatch made in 1928. I sent it out to have the dial cleaned and the movement serviced. The watch is running fine but when I scanned a picture of it to send to a friend I discovered the true condition of the dial face. As you can see it's needs a complete restoration. Where can I send the watch for this service and what should I expect as a fair price. Many thanks in advance, Rick | ||
| Drtictoc New member Username: Drtictoc Post Number: 2 Registered: 09-2005 Rating: N/A |
i use kirk dial in seattle washington,they do a good job around 50.00 usually takes about a month | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 2347 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Assuming it has in its original condition, most serious collectors would not restore a dial in that condition. It would need to be in much worse shape to be a restoration candidate. | ||
| Gregb New member Username: Gregb Post Number: 11 Registered: 10-2006 Rating: N/A |
It looks at least like the hour numerals have been re-lumed at some point. Look at the circular scratch caused by the minute hand dragging on the dial. The scratch doesn't show in the numerals, indicating that they were touched up after the hand was adjusted to clear the dial. | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 2348 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
On a watch like this it probably doesn't matter, but imagine it where an expensive watch. I certainly would not refinish it (assuming it has not been repainted). | ||
| Bulovaking New member Username: Bulovaking Post Number: 2 Registered: 12-2007 Rating: N/A |
I use International Dial. Their prices and quality are better than what I have seen from Kirk's. As far as the refinish/not refinish proposition, what really matters is how you feel about the watch. If you don't like it as is, go ahead and refinish the dial so you can enjoy the watch. Otherwise you are not going to want to wear it. After all, if we did not want to wear our collectibles we would have stuck with coins and stamps. If your intention is to sell it, I don't think anyone will give you more money for that watch as is than with a (correctly) refinished dial. Besides, not every one looking for a vintage watch is collector. Every body likes "pretty" even if they don't want to admit it :-) | ||
| Submarine_chief New member Username: Submarine_chief Post Number: 1 Registered: 04-2008 Rating: N/A |
Zaf,I recently purchased a 12s Illinois Ball.� I bought it because of the beauty of the case and almost mint condition of the case.� The dial is another story.� The silver has been "rubbed" off the edges by an apparent attempt to clean it.� Doyou think this is a good candidate for restoring?Thanks� Don Evans   | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 3284 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
I think any time the age or damage is uneven, it is a good candidate. So if it is visually un-appealing, then go for it. |