Okay, so I know dials aren't supposed to "clean up."
How many times have I rolled my eyes reading an ad…. "the dial will just need to be cleaned" (and the watch is overwound).

However…. I also seem to recall sometimes a little something can be done to lighten up the dial -right?

I ask because I just won this watch for the princely sum of 14.5 US dollars (don't laugh because it's quite remarkable):




I must admit I didn't pay too much attention to the fact it's not stainless steel.

The seller was right, seems quite unusual to see a watch in this 1950s style--which to me looks "sputnik".

For those who are not familiar, here are a few examples of the funky 1950s style nicknamed "sputnik" (rife with antennas, flying saucers, star themes, and the kinds of shapes you see on old TV sets):














So…. is there any hope and can that funky dial clean up a bit?

Thanks and best regards,
S

 

So cool.

 

Bought this at Paris flea market last year. Love this stuff. Still works

 

Terrific!

 

I believe @kyle L can give you some ideas for your relative inexpensive patina dilemma...

 

can't wait to find out more…. I suppose this is the appropriate emoticon?

 

I expect a "clean up" of this dial will most likely result in a less appealing appearance & is perhaps best enjoyed "as is."


I shall watch with interest.

 

well, that depends the time of the day...

 

Is that because it could damage it? or would remove some of the yellow color which gives it some sort of personality ?

 

personally, I like the way it looks, I think it complements the retro/funky look of the watch, I'd be very careful in attempting any cleaning method...

 

Thanks for your thoughts. Well maybe the good ol' rule "leave it alone" should apply here too then.

Maybe I can do something really goofy with it.... like find a lime green and turquoise strap....

 

Both really. I am no expert though, and if you're going to experiment with cleaning a dial, a watch <$15 is a good candidate for use.

 

Yeah, but I don't want to damage it - I think it's pretty cool, even at under $15.

 

Wadsworth was, apparently, a brand belonging to Elgin.

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My favorite sputnik art: the chandeliers at the New York Met opera house.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/18/nyregion/18chandelier.html?_r=0

 

Love the Met and the lightfixtures too!
Thanks for posting the article.
And thanks @kyle L, I'll wait and see until I get it and may just leave it alone...
I don't want to disturb the text.

 

How much would a Wadsworth be worth if it came from Woolworth?

 

Would be worth a wad I'd wager.!

 

I just had a flash back to that dial the guy stripped back to bare chrome with a Dremel