Vintage Hermetic Zodiac, but how old.

[Big Al 51]

Hi, i'm a new member to the site. I recently inherrited my Grandfathers Zodiac, a hermetic chronograph. I'm going to get it restored but need some advice. The watch is fully functional but the glass is badly marked, should i (if possible) get it replaced. I've heard it said this takes away from the watches value and heritage, any ideas.  Also if i gave someone the serial number could they tell me what age the watch is, I reckon its pre-60s.  Have included some photos for you to see,   cheers Allan

[jon p]

     allan--welcome to the site!! beautiful chrono you have. i have a wakemann chrono that looks a lot like yours. go ahead and replace that crystal so you can enjoy that very pristine dial. if it is a plastic crystal which it appears to be sometimes you can HAND POLISH the scratches out--i use mothers mag wheel car polish--works great. DO NOT use a machine buffer-if you get the crystal too hot it WILL MELT!! the polish works good,slowly, so be patient.if that doesnt do it have the crystal replaced--they are easy to find and about 20.00.my watch repair guy replaces mine usually while i wait. the polish works good on the stainless case also. does the watch run good and all pushers work correctly?keep good time? get ready for a shock if you have it cleaned--it can get expensive to have a chrono cleaned.my 3 register ran around 200.00!! there are a LOT of parts in there! i think BUTCH will be able to date it for you--he IS the zodiac guru for sure--he has all the catalogs etc. hope this help--again, welcome to the site, there are a LOT of great people on here who all love zodiac watches.  JON

[REXMAN]

Any updates? did you get it restored and what happens to the value after?