So you think it is worth a trip to the spa? Like the feel of the NATO, like the look of the Zodiac leather strap. Long term need to find a bracelet solution for either the white or black one. What sort of dial improvement can I expect from a full restoration?
Enjoy!
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In my opinion, a vintage watch is called like this because it's vintage. No need to restore it and leave it like new if all parts are in overall good enough condition. They has a vintage flavour that some restored pieces lack. To me, it looks good as it is. I got a couple ones, and the black one has worst dial than yours (look at the darkened numbers) but I really love it like it is. Remember that to wear new watches... they exist new watches. Hope it helps, although I know is not an undisputed position.
You are not alone Luis. A lot of collectors think as you do. Some will actually not buy a watch if it was ever polished.
Me? I am in the other camp, I like them restored, best possible.
Quote from: Butch on July 04, 2012, 01:42:31 PM
You are not alone Luis. A lot of collectors think as you do. Some will actually not buy a watch if it was ever polished.
Me? I am in the other camp, I like them restored, best possible.
I'm in the middle of both camps, to be honest. As you perfectly know, I don't mind to have a fully restored one, but at the same time I don't feel the need to restore one if in good vintage condition.
Re-polishing external areas and the crystal have huge effects on the presentation of the watch. That and cleaning the dial is about where I stop. I tend to like the aged lume of a vintage watch. Seeing as how the lume on this one has aged consistently without the "rust" spots I would be afraid of spoiling that.
Perhaps restoration is the wrong word. I want it running as good as it can inside and looking as good as it can outside...short of adding/changinganything that did not originally come on/in the watch. I want it to be a nice looking vintage piece not look like a new watch.
Thanks!
Hmmm. Well, if you look at the bottom of my Watch Repair tab you will see what I want. And always original.