Constellation Identification - gift

Well the current plan is to get it apart and see what we have. Looking to source new correct dauphine hands and I have found non-lume hands NOS on Otto Frei if Omega can't produce them. Desmond (the Desmond) tells me that the 3mm size crown pipe decagonal crowns are likely available so trying to source that too.

If I can get the star tweaked around straight (this bugs me) it is an option to just leave it be. I also figure that given it is a mess and will all be apart shortly, now is the time to just get it done and not try this again later.

I am in Portland, OR and the local watchmaker has used Kirk dial from Seattle area with good results. If I am going ahead and do the dial refinish lets do a vote. I would be fine with any white / off white color as it seems to go well with the gold capped case. I have scoured the net to find pictures that I think both look original and have the same sort of dial markers (double at the 12,3,6,9 and single all other locations) as examples. I really like the cross-hairs BUT that may be difficult to get exactly right and pass the MOY test. That being said I could just skip it as it un-complicates things a bit. I need a correct picture so I can send with the dial to the refinisher because my dial is NOT correct now.

EDIT: If I do the redial the examples below are what I would send with the dial as an example. I am trying to get one as true to correct as possible for text / font and layout given I don't have the original to work with. The options below I am thinking are original so good options to send as an example regardless of what exact color.


My watch as it is now - domed dialed and messy see the extra super glue at 11'oclock and lumpy lume


Option 1 - It is a true pie pan - same dial markers



Dial 2 - domed dial similar arrowhead markers



Dial 3 - waffle dial in white



Dial 4 - way out in left field - black but I get the feeling this may offend some



What is your vote?

My vote is: Don't replace your redial with another redial.

That's what you'll risk going for a black one, as they come with a significant bigger risk of being redialed.

To be sure: Come back to the forum before you pull the trigger for a new dial and ask for opinions.

Well I am into the watch $0.00 at this point so I guess I am no sure the thought unless all of a sudden constellations are not worth saving at this point. I am no looking to turn it and sell it - I will just wear it.

^I was typing up a storm summarizing ALL of the valuable advices from the expert members here, just when your new post came up. These are actually quite kind and gentle advices coming from veteran members from this forum.
Wise decision!

Bgrisso

I understand more clearly. It’s getting a tuneup and minor refresh and I plan on wearing it and adding some patina of my own. Thanks for the thought and to everyone who chimed in. It had been a fun learning experienced this week.

At long last the watch is back from service and is now showing +1.3 sec/day for the first few days I have worn this. Not bad for a 50+ year old watch.

Thanks to all for offering opinions on how to address this project. I specifically asked that we keep much of the original patina on the watch case (just a very light polish) and I think it really turned out nicely.

Working with Kirk Dial in Seattle area we discussed different colors landing on his silver / white which should be period correct. It is nice in that it really highlights the waffle pattern on the dial. Nice to see the indices all polished and shiny and he correct style hands and crown for a 2852.

These closeup pictures are unforgiving at best as the watch really sparkles on the wrist.



The last photo includes my very well worn Manhattan that I received for high school graduation (1986) and now I have a pair of constellations!

Thanks again for all the help you all offered to a newbie to the forum and to vintage watches (well other than the ones I purchased new way back that are now vintage like me).

May I ask why you did not get the hands relumed with the dial?

Tom

Kirk no longer offers the service - the only part of this project that left me wanting. Searching to find a new set of hands or perhaps someone willing to give that a go.

Ah, I see. Your watchmaker might offer that service or you migh try Everest WatchWorks.

Tom

I will give them a try - my local guy was not up to this which surprised me given the specialize a big in old watches. Dauphine hands are not super easy to come by I guess. Happy about the crown though.

Nothing to do with replacing the hands, just need someone who will put some white SuperLuminova on the existing hands for you.

Tom