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
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).
There is an interesting blog entry at watchguy.co.uk about removing old varnish from dials. But as @JimInOz stated you might either get a very nice result or lose the printing. Chances to succeed on solid gold dials are not bad though. https://watchguy.co.uk/cleaning-and-preserving-original-finish-on-dials/
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.
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.
Same watch (Centenary JUB) on the pics below - some will say it was a shame to clean - huge gamble, but I like the result... Of course a new crystal helped too
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.
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.
Please do follow up with pics documenting this...would love to see the progress...great results on the omega by previous poster
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.
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.
@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.