Greetings everyone,
This watch was in a lot of watches sold as "parts and repair" and I initially wanted just parts. Then after seeing it in real life I want to try and repair it.

Is there any hope?
Would love to hear what knowledgeable members think. I do not have the missing lug. I think it's going to take a trip to Saint-Imier...

 

You just need the right sort of strap/bracelet/brooch.



Joking aside, that is a beautiful dial. May be worth the time and effort to restore.

 

Thanks @JimInOz, agreed and that's the reason for this query.
However the watch will obviously lose value with a recase and I'm wondering what the cost /feasibility would be of a lug reproduction. This could however entail its own issues/ value loss and not be cost efficient.
All the best,
S

 

Did you try to find a new case? Maybe the best option ?

 

I have two possible sources for a new Longines period correct case. But I hate to recase it.
Interested in finding out what others think.
Best regards,
S

 

As others have already said, that really is a beautiful dial, but getting the lugs done won't be cheap.

I remember looking myself as I have a gold cased IWC with a missing lug, but couldn't decide whether it was cost effective or not.
I do recall that this place had some recommendations though, and was perhaps not as expensive as other (more famous) repairers.

http://jewellers-watford.co.uk/stainless-steel-repairs/2054755

 

I agree but personally as soon as the case is not a 'special case' (e.g step, spillmann, coin edge, etc...) but more a rather casual case, it would not bother me at all. The beauty is in the dial for this one...

 

This person offers casework.

 

Do you have the broken-off lugs? Or are they missing?

 

Recase and call it a day. Killer dial...

 

Leave it!

 

It can be done but it will cost you more than you think.
You have a lot of cleanup, fabrication and laser welding there and you need someone who really knows what they're doing or you'll not get the result you desire.

 

Thanks everyone !
I'm getting several esteemed opinions to the effect this very nice dial is refinished, and that I may have looked at it a bit too fast and enthusiastically last night.
Because it looks so nice and its cost was so moderate I have decided to try and find a case for it.
It won't be all original, but I'm hoping it'll be a nice wearer.
No expensive lug work for this one.

Appreciate the referrals and opinions though.
All the best,
S

 

Good luck with your venture , however you choose. I could see at as a great nurse/broach watch with a little work. But also the adventure of rescuing the watch with or without doner case. Will also be a great personal journey.

My vote is wristwatch, so I could wear it.

P

 

Thanks so much P.
I'm not really acquainted with nurses watches-- can they be 35mm??-- but I personally could not do much with a watch that only has lugs on one side.

Given the modest price I paid for the watch, I ended up taking a chance on an NOS Longines case whose measurements seem to fit. There is one unknown that's hard to measure, the exact height of the stem hole, but we'll see.
Here's the seller's pic of the donor case.
The lugs are different but the bezel with embedded crown looks a bit similar.
Can't wait to get the shipment.

 

@Syrte,

The nurses watch is a fob/broach type they tend to be small 30mm or less. They are worn with the 6 lug a short strap attached to a pin. As you are missing lugs at 12, these seemed the shortest route.

You've seem to have found a case. Looking forward to the outcome.

P

 

Thanks for explaining!
As for the case, I'm keeping fingers crossed. There is a possibility it will not fit.

 

Thought I'd take a couple of pictures of my IWC and ask for advice. It's such a beautiful watch with such nice lugs that it may be worth it, but does anyone here have experience of getting similar work actually done. Is it possible to get a seamless match when the lugs are so characteristically shaped ?

 

Beautiful. I would think this epitomizes the case where it's worth it, if doable.

I will let others say if doable, but I would think that if you find the right person it must be. Not cheap though.

Actually I have an idea, there's a couple of young watchmakers in London who are also master jewelers and antique watch restorers, they won awards etc- her name is Rebecca Struthers and I follow her on Instagram. They also repurpose old movement and recase them in platinum and precious metal cases they make themselves. You should contact them, see how much they would charge. For them this should be a piece of cake.

 

Thanks S. Just sent them an email.