Restoration Project #3

Submitted by NOVA on January 10, 2012 - 4:39pm

I am excited to finally begin the process of restoring my collection. Many of my watches need a lot of work, and I am in need of advice regarding what to do with them. Moreover, I think this information could be helpful to other members and guests who are contemplating purchasing, selling, or restoring a similar model. I know that there will be differing opinions, but all opinions are welcome. So, if you’re willing, please share your thoughts.

I’ll post the watches individually so that we don’t end up with an unmanageably long thread. After the restoration is complete, I’ll post pics of the finished product, so we’ll have before and after shots.
 
Please, for purposes of this exercise, accept my model identification and advise me on how best to restore the watch to the stated model’s specs. By doing so, you are not agreeing with my model ID. Of course, where the model is unknown, your expertise in identifying appropriate specs for the style/era will be invaluable.
 
I am assuming that all watches need a full cleaning, and many will need repairs to the movement. Those issues will be addressed by the professional watchmaker during the restoration process. In this series, I am seeking cosmetic advice, including style, colors, replating, redialing, reluming, etc.
 
Description
1925
Banker
Running a 10A, 15J
Hinged case
Crystal measures approx. 23.2mm x 23.2mm
Yellow gold content is described as “Filled” without a karat value
Case is okay, with significant wear on the tiny little lugs and right at the corners
The crystal is aged but not in too bad a shape
Recent re-dial?
No band
The hands are all wrong, I know
 

Bulova watch

 

Geoff Baker
Posted January 10, 2012 - 9:47pm

 Lisa - I would re-dial and relume - I almost always use the same color for the numeral

http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1925-conqueror-2472

is the example - I like them in a neutral color. While the brownish on green contrast is preferred by some I don't care for it (opinion only). Hands will be tough, good luck on them! I've never tried replating but have considered it.

Si_M
Posted January 12, 2012 - 6:47pm

I have used this firm and they are very good with reasonable rates too www.replateit.com/

plainsmen
Posted January 12, 2012 - 6:55pm

Hey Lis..  Mike does replating.  Pretty reasonable.... did a great job as well on a Diamond Dial Director  I had with a terribley worn through back awhile ago.  I would just have him do it if he's refurbing it anyway.  I'd use him again in a heart beat.  He also does that rodium stuff too.

NOVA
Posted January 12, 2012 - 7:09pm

I'm definitely going to send it to Mike, but I've been told that I need to decide what I want him to do.  That's why I was looking for advice on the forum. 

Maybe I should just send them to him and see what he has to say?  I just didn't want to dump all the decisions in his lap.  Seems pretty unfair.

I'm willing to do the research myself, but I wager that I would make fewer mistakes if I also had input from the forum.

Restoring watches is expensive, and I have a whole bunch of them to do, so I'd like to get everything right the first time.

plainsmen
Posted January 12, 2012 - 7:12pm

You'll be suprised how little he charges for the work he does.  I was very suprised at the quote and happy with how things turned out.  He did a great job... and for a fraction of what I've seen other refurb's quoted.

jfoley
Posted January 13, 2012 - 4:54pm

hey nova novice and plainsman: who is mike and does he also do repair work? might want to send him some work. thank you jfoley

NOVA
Posted January 13, 2012 - 5:00pm

His stage name is Timemachines.  Send him a PM about what you need.  (And yes, he does repair work.  He is a full-time, professional, highly qualified watchmaker.)

jfoley
Posted January 14, 2012 - 12:05am

thank you nova novice, youve helped me so much. maybe in some small way someday ill be able to repay your kindness. ive a treasure trove of parts and gem stones. j foley

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