Dial/ Vintage Sea Wolf measurements

[stroudart]

Last year on ebay I purchased a Dial for one of my "Wolves". Taking it to an old and trusted watchmaker [83 years old] he looked at the new dial and said it was too small. Now I had an even older Sea Wolf that had a wider bezel and smaller face [no date] but still about 35mm across. It looked like this new dial may have fit that older model. But I wasn't interested in changing the old dial because it looked good and had more unusual Arabic numerals than later models. Recently I saw on ebay again a new Sea Wolf dial [from the same vendor]. This time I asked him for the dimensions. He replied that the dial measured about 25.5mm. Looking at my old Wolf I have on board here, as best I could measure the dial must be close to 30mm with abot 27/28mm  showing under the glass. Could this man be selling dials for an early  model Ladies Sea Wolf? Kindest regards to all Zodiac fans. Ben

[Butch]

I do not think so. There were many SW dials over the years that look similar, but fit different watches. You need to have your watchmaker take your dial out, measure it and tell you the size. While out, you also need him to tell you the positions of the two feet on the back of the dial that go into the movement. Without this information, buying a dial is simply pot luck. I am surprised he did not do this for you after the first try.

[stroudart]

He probably would have if I asked him..But the original dial wasn't bad. It was Black and although I prefer the Ivory colored dial I thought it might hold things up to try and change it. There aren't a multitude of people who can work on vintage watches.  Nowadays someone who can change batteries deems themselves a"Watchmaker". Thanks for your reply Butch. Regards, Ben

[Butch]

Anytime! Be aware that the hands are different between a black dial and a while dial models too if you are trying to change dials for the color difference.

Actually, there are more watchmakers than you think, just not in "your town" (I only have one here). Most of us wind up sending them out of state. Also, when it comes to Zodiacs, there is knowledge required unique to them, as well as the lack of parts.

[jon p]

  butch is 100% correct on zodiacs being unique in some situations. if you have a gmt not running right do NOT let just anyone work on it! i have just been through a n expensive nightmare on mine because the gmt has a very unique offset canon pinion that no other watch has. the average watchmaker has no idea how to fix it to keep correct time! the watchmaker butch suggested to me knew exactly what is wrong and is repairing it now. i had no idea the gmt had such an unusal movement. lesson learned very hard! i hope everyone reads this if you have a gmt.  JON