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To clean or not to clean...

  1. naidu Feb 23, 2017

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    Hi all,

    In trying to gently clean the dial I unfortunately removed the varnish (see the 2 shiny spots on the dial). I initially asked my watchmaker to clean the dial to remove all the varnish and thus homogenize the dial but he told me that there is a high risk that the black markings also disappear with the varnish when cleaning . What do you think and what would you do in my place: try a complete cleaning or leave it as it is ?

    Thanks a lot

    IMG_5729.JPG IMG_5730.JPG IMG_5731.JPG
     
  2. JimInOz Melbourne Australia Feb 23, 2017

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    It might work.

    But be aware of advice from a highly respected watchmaker.

    "Only be prepared to clean a dial if you are prepared to destroy it"

    (or words to that effect - att: @Archer).
     
    adamsehic and Darlinboy like this.
  3. nixf6 Feb 23, 2017

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    Untouched,
    Shows it history.
     
    adamsehic likes this.
  4. ajg1960 Feb 23, 2017

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    dont mess with it anymore
     
  5. x3no Feb 23, 2017

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    leave it and enjoy it!
     
  6. STANDY schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector Feb 23, 2017

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    I say clean, as you have already started.

    What's life without a gamble :whistling:
     
    Fritz, Deafboy, ConElPueblo and 3 others like this.
  7. yako54 Feb 23, 2017

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  8. Darlinboy Pratts! Will I B******S!!! Feb 23, 2017

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    Clean no more. Sell it at a loss, as you have already damaged it, and find a better example.

    Unless it is a family heirloom of course. In that case clean no more & live with your mistake as a cautionary reminder for future generations.
     
    efauser and oddboy like this.
  9. MMMD unaffiliated curmudgeonly absurdist & polyologist Feb 23, 2017

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    But you have a chance to add to the body of knowledge here... and a crack at glory. I'm with Standy. Do it for science! For duty and humanity! And report back.
    IMG_0974.JPG
     
    STANDY, Linesiders, alam and 2 others like this.
  10. Pahawi Feb 23, 2017

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    Same watch (Centenary JUB) on the pics below - some will say it was a shame to clean - huge gamble, but I like the result...

    Cleaning (1).JPG

    Cleaning (2).JPG

    Of course a new crystal helped too :)
     
  11. ConElPueblo Feb 23, 2017

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    Hear, hear!
     
    semper_shells, Fritz and Deafboy like this.
  12. LouS Mrs Nataf's Other Son Staff Member Feb 23, 2017

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    ::popcorn::
     
  13. redpcar Feb 23, 2017

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    Will the paint stick to the bottom of the varnish or to the top of the dial? 50/50 in my experience. I say go for it. You've already started. ::popcorn::::popcorn::
     
  14. naidu Feb 25, 2017

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    Thank you all for your feedback. I see that opinions are divided. When I see the result of the restoration of the Centenary I am really impressed, besides I never would have thought it was the same watch if I had seen for the first time these 2 photos. I think I will attempt a restoration of the dial, and of course I will not fail to post the result.
     
    redpcar, STANDY, Pahawi and 1 other person like this.
  15. ncstate1201 Feb 25, 2017

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    Please do follow up with pics documenting this...would love to see the progress...great results on the omega by previous poster
     
  16. François Pépin Mar 1, 2017

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    If you chose to clean this dial, one piece of advice: remove the dial from the movement - if you do not know how to do then do not do anything! - and clean it by putting it into a proper fluid - lemon juice and water, etc. -, without touching it with a sponge or whatever. Check every few secs what happens and stop immediatly when the scripts start to fade.

    It takes more time but you lower the chance to damage the dial.
     
  17. j.allen Mar 1, 2017

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    I never ever clean a dial, save with a few squeezes from a blower before reattaching it. When I take it off I put it in a separate sealed container until I'm ready so it does nto come into contact with dust, dirt, or isn't damaged.

    I would say leave it as I can't imagine the text not coming off with the finish. However, I'd be very curious of the final result so if you are feeling froggish go for it.
     
  18. naidu Mar 7, 2017

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    @François Pépin : I will not try to do this job myself, for the moment I am looking for a good watchmaker who has a good experience with this job.

    I think it's a project who will take time, but I'm not pressed. Promise I will keep you informed about the result.