My first foray into the vintage watch market started with a toe in to test the waters.

I purchased a basket case 2849 on Craigslist this Spring. Payed $300 for it. Then I joined OF to ask others what they thought. (I know..new member mistake)

Well I added another $450 in service and paint and now I’m over my skis in value. I get it.

The Charlie Brown Christmas Teee effect took place and I put some life back into this old piece. I’m posting this to show you the new life in a forgotten watch. Just wish I would have kept the tritium hands.

 

I don't see what's so very dangerous about redials personally, especially if you're planning to keep and wear the watch for the foreseeable future.

It looks really good, is that dial a sunburst one?

Hands look good too, the watch matches perfectly with its hands, dial and etc too.

Great job!

 

Sunburst dial I believe would be correct. It has a pearl color rather than the egg shell white. Not sure if that would be a original color or not for that model.

 

Cost aside-- I'd wear the hell out of the redialed version but wouldn't wear it in the original condition. Too far gone. So I give it a 'Like!'

 

Good looking watch in my book. But then again I don’t know anything. I wouldn’t have a problem wearing it.
The guy that would call it a schlock dial is gone, so breath easy.

 

I did notice the colour, it reminds me of mother of pearl which by the way is one of my very favourite materials for dials. It just gives such a nice range of pinks and blues when light hits the dial.

This dial of yours is really nice, regardless of the original colour. You've done a great job and thusly should be proud.

Not sure if I said this already but enjoy the watch!

 

Much appreciated my friend. My daughter who does not understand wrist watches seems to prefer this over my vintage 69 Speedmaster. Go figure.

 

Well the initial dial was refinished so there’s no harm refinishing it again. The only question was for you to decide if that’s what you wanted to do, but it’s your watch and your money. So long as you’re not trying to sell it as an original, it’s nobody’s business.

 

It's your watch so do as you wish with it and I'm pleased you're happy. It might not have been the wisest use of your money but it's up to you.

Why couldn't you keep the tritium hands?

Cheers, Chris

 

The one thing I enjoy about this forum is the honesty when it comes to the Private Sales. If I ever decide to sell this one it will be stated it is a redial as it should. Agreed it may not have been the best choice with my money but the watch Is now presentable and wrist worthy.

I too prefer the vintage look. But as pointed out by a member it was already poorly redailed so no harm done. Maybe to my pocketbook.

 

I noticed you changed the crown. Did you do that simply because you didn't like the existing crown? Or was the existing crown wrong for this model?

 

Unfortunately I never asked for them back. But the new ones foot the bill.

 

Wrong crown on it. I wanted it to be period correct in that regard.

 

The ones who are most averse to re-finished dials are the ones who are hoping to convince you your watch has been “destroyed”, with the idea in mind they want to buy it off you at distressed prices. Then re-sell it as “original”. Your dial appears to me to have been nicely done. Good looking watch. Many of us would be proud to wear it.

 

Yikes, people actually do this?!

I shouldn't be surprised though, some people will do anything for money, lying and passing it off as original is probably the least of our worries though since a simple forum thread can clear that up.

 

You can expect to hear from my attorney...

 

Unfortunately amongst the ocean of honest members swim sharks.

 

I think it turned out really nice. Enjoy it!
If you don't mind my asking, who did you have do the redial?

 

Nice job, enjoy it!

Quite a few of my fellow vintage aficionados friends enjoy rescuing basket cases rather than acquiring perfect pieces (those considered here collector-grade). It is a noble endeavour. Im not one of them but I recognize the right of every vintage watch, no matter its state, to be resuscitated and proudly worn afterwards.

But you realize you could buy a similar one in decent original condition for more or less the same amount, don't you?

 

Omega Addict. He farmed out the redial but he cleaned up the guts and reassembled. He did a good job IMHO.