I picked up a little project watch at the weekend for a pretty good price. Rose gold top 14381 with the rail/track dial, in some circles it is even referred to as Ashley's trench dial!

Call it what you will, the reason I bought it was the combination of the rose gold and the dial, which I find a little uncommon and quite attractive.

The watch as can be seen has various problems, filling missing from the minute hand, a couple of dings, correct shape but wrong sized crown and of course the dial. To me it looks like nicotine stains for the most part with a mystery mark between the 2 and 3 markers. There could also be some lacquer degradation but I need to get it under a microscope at my watchmakers to know more. I do however think there is potential for a nice clean up here, and for what I paid it is worth a risk.

I am going to attempt to clean the dial myself and have read up a lot on the subject. It seems the best results have been achieved on the solid gold deluxe dials which this obviously isn't.

Does anybody have any tips or experience on this type/vintage dial that they could share, I'm particularly interested in recipes that have been proven on nicotine removal.

 

No tips, but nice watch!

 

Nice bezel and medallion.

 

How does a dial in a waterproof screw-back case get nicotine stains? If it is waterproof that case is air-tight too. From what we can see in the photographs the patination would seem to be caused by degradation of the lacquer coat, caused perhaps by UV exposure. There does not seem to be any underlying corrosion (or spotting) from the dial metal itself. So I would suggest that if you are brave, this is a candidate for chemical removal of the lacquer coat.

 

Sorry, meant to quote, not to like...

I hear you, but I bought this with cleaning in mind, I can live with a perfect dial in an imperfect case or an imperfect dial in a perfect case but an imperfect dial in an imperfect case is one imperfection too many for my OCD!

 

You may well be correct here, I have read that attempting to remove the lacquer layer can strip the dial of its printing quite easily. This is not something that I want to attempt. If it is degradation of the lacquer then I'll leave it as is.

 

Not suggesting what the specific discolouration is in this case, but assuming that a water resistant watch is, or always has been, water resistant over it's lifetime is well...not likely in my view. I suspect the vast majority of these vintage models have degraded case back seals, possibly pitted sealing surfaces, and worn or degraded crown seals. I see it every day.

Water resistance is a function of design and maintenance - if you don't have both you don't have water resistance.

Cheers, Al

PS - if it were mine, I would leave it as is...

 

I agree with Mike & Al, the case looks in fine shape, especially for a gold cap one. Overall I actually like the dial, it doesn't bother me so much since this is a rare model. I would leave it as is, and if all else fails call dibs!

Edit: I've only known success when cleaning solid gold dials, and that was with only a cotton bud and a lot of time & elbow grease!

 

Another vote for leaving it alone.

 

Wish I still had pics on my phone showing the before and after on the lemon-juice recipe someone used (with success!).

It was a Wittnauer dial. Then it was just a dial...Soaking only (no touching!) removed all lettering and some of the minute track.

Good luck with yours...

 

IMHO, this dial is stunning as is. Just my 2c's
As always, wear in good health. Miki

 

So nobody thinks this is a good idea, maybe I'm completely on the wrong track here



I was actually thinking about the cotton bud or make up pad technique with a very mild distilled water and Glassex type solution, , I am now of course in serious doubt mode. Where are Hoipolloi and Watchyouwant when you need them, I'm sure those guys have a technique or two

 

The question is risk versus reward. Are you willing to chance ruining that dial? Or, put another way…..

 

If you're so intent on a gentle cleaning: Why not reach out for Hoipolloi? If he says no then case closed!

 

I was going to put "That's a Kyle dial!" in my response, but I figured you'd eventually be along to add your 2¢.