DavidLane
Distinguished Member
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2012
- Messages
- 2,013
- Reaction score
- 5,779
My biggest gripe is polishing. It can be done really, really well, check out lapinist_watchrestoration on Instagram. It can also be done terribly. If I can find a piece that has the original bevels, sharp lines and original finish I am all in. Even if there are replacement parts, most of the time you can find a source for parts. Rolex is getting tougher and more expensive to find, but most of the 40-70's movements were "generic" enough to have made tons of extra parts that are original.
I actually like the hunt for parts. My Cyma was purchased with no dust guard and the wrong crown. I found a guy in England that had original parts and had them installed. I know the hands are re-lumed, as well as the dial at some point, but I am okay with it because the case is crisp. Plus I can keep sweeping ebay and MWF for them which keeps the thrill going.
The one pet peeve I have is people asking about or requiring the original crystal. It holds very little value and is likely a bigger risk to causing further damage to the watch, especially if it is crazed or cracked than they are worth. Crystals were swapped out all the time and very, very few are original anyway.
Today an old Croton "Thumper" automatic with a nice patina to the dial and blued steel hands.
-DL
I actually like the hunt for parts. My Cyma was purchased with no dust guard and the wrong crown. I found a guy in England that had original parts and had them installed. I know the hands are re-lumed, as well as the dial at some point, but I am okay with it because the case is crisp. Plus I can keep sweeping ebay and MWF for them which keeps the thrill going.
The one pet peeve I have is people asking about or requiring the original crystal. It holds very little value and is likely a bigger risk to causing further damage to the watch, especially if it is crazed or cracked than they are worth. Crystals were swapped out all the time and very, very few are original anyway.
Today an old Croton "Thumper" automatic with a nice patina to the dial and blued steel hands.
-DL