Dear Experts.
I read so far many threads here but this is my first post so far.
I got this watch from my grandmother, it was pre owned by my grand grandfather.
I sent it to revision to an expert in Austria.

I would ask for your opinion about redial?
Prices are as follow , 450 revision, 350 redial, 65 glas, crown not original....
The watch has high family value for me.

Thanks for your time,
Bernhard

 

In my opinion, the dial isn't bad enough to consider refinishing. Replacing the crystal and crown would be ok, and you might consider having the hands re-lumed to match the dial (since it looks like they have already been re-lumed in the past).

450 euro is about $522 USD. That seems very expensive for servicing a time-only watch.

 

It would be a shame to redial, the dial is fine and a new crystal and it would look much better.

 

I’ll caveat this by saying I’m pretty new round here but I’ll offer my opinion anyway.

I wouldn’t do something you regret. Clearly the watch has a lot of family value and sentimentality. Make sure you are 100% sure of the decision, as you can always get it refinished later but can’t undo it if you commit now.

I think there’s a lot of charm in this watch, it tells a story and personally, I think it would be a shame to alter it majorly. A new crystal and general service would be nice however.

 

This... but it assumes this austrian watchmaker knows how to color-match a relume. Not so simple. I'd leave it as is.

And yes, you're getting gouged on the price.

 

Hi Bernhard.

As the members above say, the watch looks fine - no need for refinishing. As is also said, the price you have been quoted seems very high!

 

Unless you know the full scope of the work being proposed, no one can say if the price is too high, too low, or just right. This price could include a lot of replacement parts, or in the case where parts are no longer easily obtained, extensive repairs to the existing parts (bushing plates, repivoting wheels, etc.).

Just something to keep in mind.

Cheers, Al

 

The dial could be gently cleaned. Avoid a redial! Very few do it right, and the watch loses both value and "soul".

 

Thank you all for your comments and good advices.
Bernhard