Recent “barn” find

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Rasputin

·Mar 1, 2019

So I bought a box of what were likely garage sale finds in an eBay auction. Even though photos were poor quality, I noticed a few of the blurry watches may have potential. So I decided to roll the dice. After receiving the box, the bulk of the watches turned out to be quartz “cheapos” from Pulsar, Timex, Croton, Casio, etc. However, after going through a line of quartz, the situation improved with brands I recognize though probably better suited for Rasputina than the Mad Monk. The Milos almost appears to be military to my untrained eyes. The Doxa was quite heavy on the radium and appeared to have a spider dial through the cracked crystal. Would like to hear from our resident Doxa experts.

Edited: Mar 1, 2019

 

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Rasputin

·Mar 1, 2019

Resigned to cut my losses I was about the hand over the goods to Rasputina hoping that this will earn me points in buying future watches. But then I saw something that even the Dobry Medved couldn’t mask.

 

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Rasputin

·Mar 2, 2019

After the Dobry wore off, removing the caseback revealed a 14k yellow gold ref 2518 with a 343 RG. Though not visible in the photo a watchmaker appears to have etched “10/66” under the reference number inside the caseback. Watch so far runs and keeps time. I plan to get it serviced but what to do with the dial?

Edited: Mar 2, 2019

 

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Rasputin

·Mar 5, 2019

Any advice on how best to address this Seamaster dial? Leave as is? Relume? Touch up with Rodico?

 

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felsby

·Mar 5, 2019·I don't see any option in settings or profile

Rasputin

Any advice on how best to address this Seamaster dial? Leave as is? Relume? Touch up with Rodico?

A few seconds in silver cleaning fluid might work. And congrats with the terrific watch!

 

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Larry S

·Mar 5, 2019·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

Hard to tell what is dial and what is crystal. I’m guessing anything beyond a light brush would end in tears.

 

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felsby

·Mar 5, 2019·I don't see any option in settings or profile

Larry S

Hard to tell what is dial and what is crystal. I’m guessing anything beyond a light brush would end in tears.

I would have the same fears. A cleaning job should be done by an absolute expert in the field, given the value of this watch.

 

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Rasputin

·Mar 5, 2019

How far to take cleaning before it detracts from value? Obviously you don’t want to inadvertently remove paint/ink but how “clean” should one go? I get the impression that inherent risks abound even if done by an expert.

 

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Enzo

·Mar 5, 2019

I think the dial has a certain charm just as it is and I would be happy to wear it in that condition.
If it is currently keeping good time, put on a nice vintage leather strap and wear it.

 

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felsby

·Mar 5, 2019·I don't see any option in settings or profile

Yes, the more I think about it, the more I agree with @Enzo. With a new crystal it will probably look gorgeous anyway.

 

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Rasputin

·Mar 5, 2019

Thanks for the input so far. I believe the crown should be clover one correct?

 

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OMEGuy

·Mar 5, 2019

Great barn find... 😀

Here is a similar thread from 2015 on a different forum for reference or comparison:

https://www.watchprosite.com/omega/omega-semaster-2518-advice/677.1027478.7301663/

 

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Folgono

·Mar 5, 2019

I would be interested in some insights on how to clean a dial ? If possible without risks I would definitely have it done on this watch as it would be more attractive without the dirty bits on the dial.

However it is still a very nice watch even if not cleaned, nice find. 👍

 

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Canuck

·Mar 5, 2019

I have used clear liquid fork cleaning solution. Dip the dial, no scrubbing advised. Dip it for a minute, remove, rinse, look at the dial to see if further dipping required. Do not leave the dial to soak! As to the applied dial markers. I have used watch repairer’s pegwood (peach wood) sticks and jeweller’s rouge to brighten dial markers. Must be done carefully so as not to interfere with the dial.

 

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ChrisN

·Mar 5, 2019

I wouldn't try anything yourself - the risks are huge and you could end up with no writing at all. The basic rule of dial cleaning is "if you don't mind ruining the dial, then have a go". I doubt you'll ever come across a replacement dial so, if it goes wrong...

If I were you, I wouldn't even try with Rodico, which is not a good thing to clean dials with anyway. As for dipping and removing the stained lacquer (if that's what it is), I sometimes do this when a customer insists and it makes me nervous so is not something you should try if you have no experience at all. If you decide to go ahead and dip it in something and it turns out well, then re-apply some lacquer to protect the dial finish.

Somewhere on the forum was a thread with a black dialled Connie (I think) that a dial specialist cleaned and re-lacquered. I don't remember the thread but it would be worth looking for. From the photo with the crystal on, it looks like some of the damage could be under the lacquer so, don't expect miracles.

Cheers, Chris

 

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Rasputin

·Mar 5, 2019

Anyone have info on that Doxa or Milos? They both appear to be military watches likely from the Korean War era. Some info on the Doxa:
http://goldsmithwatchworks.com/JULY...ATED-SWEEP-SECONDS-ALL-STEEL-DOUBLE-CASED.htm

 

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TimtimeIntl

·Mar 5, 2019

All good advice. If you re lacquer won't it get on the markers? Or would you then clean off with peg wood?

 

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Dr No

·Mar 5, 2019

Rasputin

Thanks for the input so far. I believe the crown should be clover one correct?

Clover would be correct for this reference.

Early 2576 that used to be in my collection:

Art

 

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Rasputin

·Mar 5, 2019

Dr No

Clover would be correct for this reference.

Early 2576 that used to be in my collection:

Art

A beauty. I assume it also has a 343? Hopefully you received a good trade in exchange.
Is there any difference in rarity between the Seamaster and non-Seamaster version of this chronometer?

 

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Dr No

·Mar 5, 2019

Rasputin

A beauty. I assume it also has a 343? Hopefully you received a good trade in exchange.
Is there any difference in rarity between the Seamaster and non-Seamaster version of this chronometer?

Yes, it had a cal 343 movement. It was traded, along with cash, for . . .

. . . this contemporary manual wind chronometer.

The earliest production ref 2576s from '49 didn't have Seamaster on the dial, but all succeeding issues did. Personally, I'd rather have yours!

Art