I posted about this watch a few months ago. After 3 months I finally got my watch back. At first look, I was stunned at how pretty it is now. After the initial excitement died down a little and I thought about it a little. They didn't really follow my explicit directions. I asked for the crystal to be buffed out, and the crown replaced and stated nothing should be done to the face. When they came back with an estimate the only thing they mentioned added was polishing the case. I said I was worried about devaluing it, and okay'd a light polish to the case. So, here's the before and after pics. BEFORE: AFTER: It looks stunning now, but I'm no antique expert, I don't know the difference between patina and grime. Did this guy de-value my watch by cleaning the face and markers? I think I'm happy with the results, even though they didn't follow my directions, just curious if they ruined the value. Thanks for opinions.
Two possibilities here, and I'm kinda cringing for you... 1) many of these dials were coated with cellulose based lacquer, which can discolor and flake. This can sometimes be successfully removed without damaging (read: with minimal damage) to the underlying print on the dial. Then it can be re-sprayed with a protective top coat and you're on your way. The fact that the dial damage on the far left of the dial is still there argues in favor of this possibility. 2) the easier/more likely possibility is that the dial was completely re-done. In this case you've got a cosmetic improvement, but just lost some serious value in many peoples' eyes. I'm no expert in identifying re-dials on these models, so I'm struggling to make an assessment with the pictures that you've posted. The experts will be along shortly...
I think they lifted the lacquer off the dial and cleaned it well. I would say the value of the watch has been upgraded by the work done.
They totally messed it up!!! I'll help you out by offering 50% of what you paid for it originally Beautiful watch. I'd pay way more for the new and improved "version."
Certainly not a re-dial, but it has been cleaned. Some of us would perhaps prefer the warm patina of the aged lacquer as it was. But you still have a nice sharp facet on the bezel, so they have not over-polished the case. It's a lovely watch, so wear it and enjoy your vintage Omega
Not likely to be a redial, since the damage on the circumference of the dial is still present. I would say this enhanced the value of the watch.
+1, it is nicer now and you can use it daily with better look for 99% of people. ps: it still retained its value well
Thanks for all the opinions. I'm already very pleased with the work. No intent to sell, but was just curious about how the work affects it.
Whether it was merely cleaned or refinished the result is fantastic. It does not look refinished to me, but I have seen few dials cleaned with such success. My question is about the "track" between the 7 and 9-o'clock area. In the original photo, it looks like some of the track and markers were worn away. In the after photo, they are intact. Could be the crystal?
I'm surprised that no one has asked the obvious question... who did the fabulous repair work on your watch?
And on a more serious note, excellent result Kev, it looks very original but with just some slight age on the edge of the dial. A definite keeper
Trying to convince the manager of a medium famous band that it's illegal to smoke weed in my green room ...
Sorry, I missed that someone asked earlier. I went to a local Jeweler called Gunderson's. They have a guy in Sioux Falls, IA that they send their vintage stuff to. I hope it's not poor etiquette to say, but the charge was surprising low. That transformation was only $150. I have him fixing a DeVille for me now. Very happy with his work.