Hi, I was would like to ask if its possible for a full restoration of this time piece? I want it to look new. So any suggestions on what I could do? Like i want to make it shine again, I know its vintage but I still want it too look like a modern time piece. Also, do you prefer using leather straps on it?

Also, if you have a similar time piece, can you post pictures here as I actually want ideas about the watch

 

Good looking watch... What's wrong with it? I think it never was shiny to begin with...

 

I've seen a few google pics of it being shiny, Almost brand new lol. Hoping I could do the same for it + its kinda dirty, as seen in the photos

 

This is a good example of a minor vintage classic. I see nothing wrong except those slight knocks on the bezel which is the sort of thing you have to expect with older watches. If it's dirty a thorough but gentle clean won't harm it. Obviously I don't know which Google images you've seen but for all I know they could be of the same model with dealers who have overpolished them to appeal to people with more money than sense. Yes, you could get it polished and shiny and "new-looking" to someone who doesn't know their watches. It would however look hideous to any collector, and this is a collector's forum. At present it is in fairly good condition and still in its original state, which is how collectors like to see them.

So my advice is, DON'T polish it, have the dial redone or otherwise alter it in any way. If you want a watch that looks new and shiny, buy a new watch and don't spoil an old one! Ok, this is just my opinion, but I doubt you'll get any very different advice here.

 

Hi sir! thank you for your opinion, So it is really possible for it to be polished and shined right? I dont want to spend money with a new watch as this was given to me. So hypothetically speaking, I can restore this into a "new-looking" version right?

 

I guess that what you aren't realising is, that it never was "new and shiny looking".

For instance, that sunburst finish you are seeing on the bezel is original, as is probably the matte finish on the case, even though the pictures aren't clear enough to speak with certainty.

There is some crud on the dial, this would need to be handled by a watchmaker.

 

Please take this advice as you will - I'm not a professional watch restorer, just a private collector. Gentle cleaning solutions will do a lot to lift the "grubbiness" of a vintage watch. I'm not calling your watch grubby, I just can't think of a better word for this sort of thing.

If you don't have access to a sonic cleaner, I have used two odd products that I have to hand which work well: Optrex and 3M surface cleaner. Remove the bracelet and drop that into a shallow bowl of Optrex liquid - leave it there for half an hour and you will be amazed at how much dirt simply comes out. Then, get a Q-tip (other generic cotton buds are available) and work between the links. That stuff gets out everything from general dirt to mineral oil. Pat dry thoroughly with kitchen paper when you're done. 3M surface cleaner is harder to get hold of and much more expensive, but it is a specialist cleaner that leaves no residue and can be used on all materials - so it's not going to eat away at seals etc. Just use a little around the glass with a Q-tip again.

Finally, if you want to give an actual gentle polish, Cape Cod cloths are pretty damn good. They won't take out deep scratches but they'll certainly enhance any minor "bruises" and leave a shiny finish. For acrylic glass, polywatch does a great job too. I had a fish around for any before and after photos of anything I had and there's an old (and very poorly) Sorna that I picked up on ebay below - you can particularly see the difference that 15 minutes with a little polywatch makes to the glass. The case was just treated with a little Optrex.

 

Sounds good sir! will try to do that soon

 

Wouldn't that cost me too much?