Dial mark 'removable'?

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Dug

·Mar 26, 2023

Have been looking for a Seamaster f300 for a while and came across this one up for auction.
Have read warnings about the dangers of tinkering with dials but wondering if the mark at 2'o'clock, looking like a stain or break-through corrosion might be removable?
The images aren't good but from the side view it doesn't appear to be on the crystal.

 

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Tony C.

·Mar 26, 2023·Ωf Jury member

It appears to be an oil-based stain, and if so, removal would likely be difficult at best.

 

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sheepdoll

·Mar 26, 2023

Dials are made from something finer than butterfly wings.

The actual name for the process is decal or decopage. Basically transfering ink using the fact that water and oil do not mix. There are only a few molecules of pigments transfered. So any water, oil or abrasive cleaners will remove it all. Solvents are oils. (Hydrocarbons)

 

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kaplan

·Mar 26, 2023

This is my knowledge or experience, it could differ from the reality

Dials are printed/pressed, and then coated

These kind of stains are on the coating and they are almost always absorbed at the coating

I don't believe they are removable unless you have incredible material knowledge and restoration skills

 

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X350 XJR

·Mar 26, 2023·Vintage Omega Aficionado

Lets just say I've made more dials worse than better over the years.

 

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Canuck

·Mar 26, 2023

Every negative you have heard about attempting to correct problems with dial is true. Except for a quick puff to blow away loose particles.

 

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RoadRunner73

·Mar 27, 2023

I wouldn't bet on it either ; consider stains on dials are most possibly not removable.

 

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Spruce

·Mar 27, 2023·London sunburst dial fan

Acquiring a vintage watch is a bit like acquiring a life partner.

None of us (them) is perfect except in our dreams.

If you can’t live with the watch (partner) you have to move on, preferably before you get hitched (or buy the watch), but otherwise through divorce (or by selling the watch).

 

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Dug

·Mar 27, 2023

Thanks to all, for your sound advice, much appreciated. No, couldn't live with that staring back at me...the search continues.😀

 

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RoadRunner73

·Mar 27, 2023

Dug

Thanks to all, for your sound advice, much appreciated. No, couldn't live with that staring back at me...the search continues.😀

Yr choice, no dispute ! Enjoy the hunt !