Recently I have seen some polar views on “restoration” of old speedmasters.
The discussion settled into those who wanted all NOS parts producing a watch that looked as though it had just come from the factory. And on the other hand, there were opinions like mine:



Bought in a pile of parts, and definitely not running. These shots are all AFTER restoration:



Note the case – back, with its twin reference.


Nice clean movement, as it should be of course:

Clean, but not over polished case:


It is now one of my more worn watches.


I am curious to hear who would have changed the dial.

I like watches that show their history. I feel that anyone can “restore” a watch using NOS parts, after all its simply a matter of finding them and fitting them. I think it takes judgement and a little bravery to take a degraded part, and see its beauty and attraction.

The great thing is, we can each have an opinion, and what yours is doesn’t matter to what I like. (And what you like shouldn’t be dictated be me or anyone else).

I hope you all enjoy looking at it – I have been up too late trying to get good photos….you know how it is when the obsession to get a better one gets hold of you…Oh. Just me then.

 

Beautiful just the way it is.

 

I`d leave the dial, but replace the crystal with the old style crystal with the very wide silver pressure ring to cover the circumfence line worn by a previous crystal. kind regards. achim