Question for you guys - refinishing

[JDS (Ohio)]

What are your thoughts on redialing, and reluming hands? What about a replacement dial vs. redoing the one that came with the watch? What about replacing or refinishing / reluming hands? Are all these ALWAYS anathema, sometimes justified, or just a no-no when it affects collector value?

I'm asking the question in general, but specifically, I'm thinking about trying to restore this 1970s Zodiac to as close to original as I can. I wonder if I might be committing an unpardonable sin though. Not that it would stop me if I really want to do it, and I definitely would keep the original dial. I don't intend to have the current dial refinished, just get a replacement NOS one if I can find it. I'm looking for advice and opinions before I jump in.

Thanks in advance!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Zaphod04/Super%20Sea%20Wolf%2075%20ATM/P8190652.jpg

[Another Don]

I'm probably walking down that path less traveled, but I see absolutely nothing wrong with having a watch redialled. My own philosophy is that if I'm going to own a watch, I'm going to wear it. And if I'm going to wear it, it needs to look good. If that necessitates a redial, then so be it. I'm not worried about "collector value" since I figure that will be the problem of my heirs and assigns (if you know what I mean).

I had this Omega Cosmic dial repainted. Finding another dial to have painted (and retaining the original) was out of the question. I actually did find another square Cosmic Moonphase dial but it was just a little too big, so we updated the original dial and I could not be more pleased with the watch. If that irritates some, too bad. Like I said, if I'm gonna own it, I'm gonna wear it and it's gonna look good.



<CENTER>http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={F6B0C4E7-3DE1-4472-9C91-A3B0C501C1FC}&exp=f&moddt=38645.0667170833&ssdyn=1</CENTER>

Bottom line is that it's your watch and you should make sure that it pleases you. If what you do to it bothers others, too bad.

Just my $0.02 YMMV

[JDS (Ohio)]

If I had one of those, you bet your sweet pattoot I'd wear it too! That is a beauty.

I'm inclined to go with restoration, especially on these Zodiacs. It's not like I'm worried about collector value - it's not like they're Comex Sea Dwellers. But I know the local guy I take my watches to would have a coronary. He has a real nice collection of dressier vintage watches, and is dead set against alterations.

[TylerEOT]

I'm not sure I'd touch it. It sure doesn't look ready for a redial! Maybe it's the picture.

Anyway, with something like that, I'd first look for a replacement dial, then consider redialing. But unless it's pretty bad, I wouldn't mess with the original.

I'm going through some of the same questions with this one. I bought a NOS dial for it that didn't fit. I wonder how many of those I'll go through before I take the plunge and just have it redialed.
http://gallery.photo.net/photo/2945900-lg.jpg

[David Wrubel]

I agree with Don...

If it were mine, I'd send it to Jack at IWW for a relume using vintage colored luminous material that would not change the look. The dial appears fine in your picture. Maybe have the case gaskets replaced to keep it water resistant, possibly a replacement crystal. Great watch whatever you do.

[mosswood]

they can beadblast it. It looks really nice. I can't tell anything about your lume, but speaking from personal experience a relume would be good if you have lost most luminescense.

[kurt48]

I think there's a fine line bewteen 'Patina' and 'Extreme Wear/Damage'. Some of my very favorite Vinatge watches are one's where the Dial has worn evenly and has a great Antique look no modern Watch can match. That's just my preference though and i'm sure others may differ.

I'm in the Furniture Business and we spend an inordinate amount of time 'distressing' new Furniture to make it look old. People just seem to love the look of beautiful old Furniture, lovingly cared for, but with signs of use. I think there are some Watchlovers who feel the same.

Anyway, I think it is for each Vintage lover to establish his own line as to when to redial or not. In my personal case the Dial would have to be really bad before I
would redial it, but then i would probably have never bought it with that dial, in that condition, to begin with.

Just my .02

Kurt

[JDS (Ohio)]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the insights.

The jury's still out on whether I try to replace the dial, or just let it slide. Heck, I may not even be able to find a NOS dial anyway, and the original one is still in pretty good shape except for the fading of the orange outlines and the lume.

In any event, I got some useful insights from different perspectives, which is what I was looking for.

[Admin]

I have found that if you are concerned with long term value it is best to keep the dial original. Unless of course it is so bad that it does not matter. From the picture the dial looks good. Reluming hands is not a problem.

Regards,
RM

[TKite]

John the dial looks good. You might also take a look at Kent Parks for your work. I've seen his stuff and it's great. Kent and Jack are two of the best I've seen at watch restoration etc. and both could do a great re-lume for you I am sure.