Recommend somebody to refinish my A384 case?

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asrnj77

·Oct 21, 2020

So I’m one of those that wouldn’t polish a vintage watch but in this case the polishing was done prior to me purchasing it. I’d like to get the proper brushing done to the top of the case but I realize it’s a sensitive operation and I need an experienced hand. It’s possible it could need laser welding although it doesn’t seem so bad to me. Open to suggestions and prefer a US based person to avoid shipping complications.

thanks!

 

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impalla62ss

·Oct 21, 2020

Check out RePLATEit in Canada. Not US based but worth a look. I have not had a watch refinished with them but I have used them to re-plate a couple of watches and a crown, and they did great work. The refinish jobs on their website look really well done. https://www.replateit.com/

 

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janice&fred

·Oct 21, 2020

Hey Impalla62ss. You into drag racing?

(sorry for the thread drift but I'm very impulsive) 😁

 

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janice&fred

·Oct 21, 2020

Re-case refinishing. Independents could improve that for sure but most might not have the tooling for that exact case and bracelet. Have you considered inquiring with Zenith about case restoration? Just a thought.

 

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impalla62ss

·Oct 21, 2020

janice&fred

Hey Impalla62ss. You into drag racing?

(sorry for the thread drift but I'm very impulsive) 😁

When I was a kid they would close down the main cross road in Fairbanks, Alaska and have drag races every summer. I enjoyed them very much in person. I can't say I watch them on TV though. The helmet avatar is from my motorcycle.

 

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janice&fred

·Oct 21, 2020

impalla62ss

When I was a kid they would close down the main cross road in Fairbanks, Alaska and have drag races every summer. I enjoyed them very much in person. I can't say I watch them on TV though. The helmet avatar is from my motorcycle.

Gotcha. Your username suggested to me that you might be into racing where horsepower and nerve are king 👍

 

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Davidt

·Oct 22, 2020

I can you a recommendation for this model but I would say take your time and don't take a punt on anyone.

Before sending it off is want to see an example of the watchmaker/restorer working on this particular model (or at the very least similar Zeniths) to ensure they're familiar with the original case lines and profile.

 

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base615

·Oct 22, 2020

I can't help with US based options but, if you don't find a suitable option at home and decide to ship, this guy in Melbourne does some unbelievable work:

https://www.watchcollector.com.au/watch-restoration

 

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Eastman

·Oct 23, 2020

I work for a high-end watch seller in NJ (not sure if I can post the name of the store here?).

We have a full-service center certified by SWATCH Group and we are an authorized dealer for Zenith. PM me.

 

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Medinatalzahra

·Jan 5, 2021

@asrnj77- Be curious to hear where you landed on refinishing your A384.....

 

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asrnj77

·Jan 5, 2021

Medinatalzahra

@asrnj77- Be curious to hear where you landed on refinishing your A384.....

I ended up going with LA Watchworks. I couldn’t find many other options and they feel confident they can make it right. That being said they have had it for about 2.5 months so far so nothing to report on yet. I’ll update with pics when I eventually get it back

 

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Medinatalzahra

·Jan 5, 2021

Thanks! I would be really curious to see how it turns out. I have an early EP in similar condition, and I have been contemplating the same thing. M

 

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asrnj77

·Jan 10, 2021

So here are the pics from them. They haven’t shipped yet. They said they did their best to correct the lines at top and bottom but based on the existing case, this is the best they can do.

 

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aleksejeremeev

·Jan 10, 2021

Unbelievably. Stunningly beautiful result. I got up from my chair )))

 

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Dries

·Jan 10, 2021

really sharp!

would you mind sharing what you paid for that job?

enjoy wearing this beaut!

 

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amcclell

·Jan 10, 2021

Beautiful watch - congrats.

 

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Medinatalzahra

·Jan 10, 2021

It is definitely an improvement. Thanks for sharing these photos. Do you mind sharing some pics of the backside/lugs? Thx! M

 

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Dan S

·Jan 10, 2021

That's similar to the job they did on mine. Maybe a little better, actually. Perhaps they've learned a bit over the years.

 

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Servius

·Jan 10, 2021

Pretty impressive work, it really gives another character to the watch !

Thanks for sharing 👍

 

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asrnj77

·Jan 10, 2021

Medinatalzahra

It is definitely an improvement. Thanks for sharing these photos. Do you mind sharing some pics of the backside/lugs? Thx! M

It hasn’t been shipped back yet but once I get it back I’ll update with the pics you’re requesting