First Dial Cleaning Attempt

And I forgot to state that it's what I always try after distilled water and before lemon juice...

Now I'm curious. I've seen denture cleaner used on porcelain enamel dials. I've heard of distalled water.

High-end electronics cleaner disolves a lot of crud without doing damage. That would be worth trying. Over the decades I've used it for more than just electronics. Got some greasy gunk off of a secretary's white blouse once, she was quite happy.

I know this is a noob question but I've never handled any of these vintage pieces before: What is the surface of the dial made of? Is this an engraved brass dial with white lacquer applied to it?

Great job OP! Most folks like their pieces with patina, character etc, I'm more of a NOS kinda guy and it looks quite nice! 😀

Honestly, bravo. The risk you took paid off. Looks great.

As far as I know lacquer is a final protective finish, it’s on indices too, so Youtube cleaners who pom pom Rodico would remove this finish. I did once too, admittedly, it was already coming off and it was uneven, I thought it was dirt but it was a yellowed disintegrating lacquer on the indices coming off, removing them all didn’t make things better, ultimately not touching would keep things original with a similar look

I believe dials should never be touched and only air lifters should be used on them, but most dials seem to handle things well