I bought this Elgin Watch for $5 at a swap meet. It runs and even seems to keep time. I recall seeing a similar dial patina elsewhere and that it was do to cigarette smoke. Should, I try to clean it, and if yes how?

Also, I looked up the number on the caseback on http://www.elginnumbers.com and it seems to be from 1947. Is it worth investing a little money in this watch for a service and new crystal? Sorry for the sub-standard photos.

 

Cleaning dials is risky, & a lot of people like an even patina like that. I wouldn't clean it.
My attitude: If you want to wear it, get it serviced.

 

Oooooooo.... an Elgin automatic! If that's an American made movement you've made quite a nice catch there. That was a pretty cool and advanced piece when it came out.

Well worth getting serviced. I'd leave the dial alone.

 

+1 leave the dial alone. I think it looks great. Great watch.

 

It seems I was wrong about the date. It has a 643 movement, which is Swiss. I am pretty sure that the number on the caseback is not the serial number. I think it is from the early 60s.

 

Great find

 

Elgin 643 = AS1361 (Swiss)
Yep. Early '60s

 

Thanks!

 

Thats a great looking dial! I wouldn’t touch it.

 

+1 not to clean the dial

 

The dial has grown on me, and I plan to leave it alone. I will get it serviced and a new crystal soon.

 

Good call. I was gonna offer you another $5 just to promise you’ll leave the dial alone!