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Constellation Ref. 2853 - What should I do with the engraving?

W
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Dear friends,
With regard to the same Omega Constellation Ref. 2853 I posted here several days ago, I have another issue that needs your expertise advice.
As can be seen from the picture, the case-back of the Constellation in question is engraved. To me, the engraving and scratches are awful and I am thinking of removing them.
I was told that a light polishing would do the job without removing much metal, since the engraving is not deep.
Although I am eager to have the engraving and scratches removed, I am also concerned if that would devalue the watch. I am in a dilemma! Please advise me what should I do?

Thank-you,
Watchfun2
 
image.jpg
AAAKK
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MSNWatch MSNWatch
Leave well enough alone.

Agreed. Vintage watches have history and the engraving tells part of the story of this watch. I wouldn't seek out at watch with personalized engraving, but if happens to have some, so be it.
 
Kringkily
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Polishing your going to remove a bit of that material no matter what people say. The inly way to remove the engraving without removing too much metal is to find an expert to laser welding the grooves then polish it down to the same level as the rest but regardless you are going to remove some of the metal. The biggest thing you should be worried about is the welded bracelet as that is going to be one uncomfortable piece to wear being no flex in that area especially for a brick style.
 
John R Smith
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I agree with watchfun that the engraving detracts from the watch. If you wish to remove it with the least possible damage, have nothing at all to do with "polishing". The caseback should be mounted in a decent model-maker's lathe, and chucked up in a four-jaw chuck so that it is running perfectly centred (check with a dial gauge). Then using a good quality HSS tool take a series of light skim cuts until the engraving just disappears. This will leave a lathe-turned finish to the back which many Omegas did in fact have from the factory. If that is too "tool watch" for you, then very gently buff (still mounted in the chuck) with just a rag and a little metal polish (Solvol Autosol or similar) until you are happy with the look.
 
rogart
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Pahawi Pahawi
Please share the result.
O i haven't done anything like that . Had a case laserwelded . An old Tissot . Have no idea what the cost is . Had a friend that did it . There are lots of workshop that has laser welding machines . Also dental technic has them .
 
MikiJ
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The flawless observatory on this case-back makes me smile. As for the engraving and scratches an old fool like me would call "character" 😀
 
Pahawi
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rogart rogart
O i haven't done anything like that . Had a case laserwelded . An old Tissot . Have no idea what the cost is . Had a friend that did it . There are lots of workshop that has laser welding machines . Also dental technic has them .

Thanks, but my comment was directed to Watchfun2 😀

Watchfun2: If you have it laserwelded, please share the result.
 
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