Hi all First time poster and long time lurker. I've just snagged a beautiful 1962 Seamaster, Calibre 269. I got it for a good price and knew the dial needed a repaint from the pictures I saw of it before I bought it. Now that I have it in front of me, the worn dial and patina is actually starting to grow on me. I'm thinking of just leaving it as is! What do you guys think?
I would not touch that dial! You have got a gost dial which survived some flood or wathever water damage. Always better than a redial! And you still have the minute train... A survivor.
I thought it was a map of the coastline of South Western France. Leave it as is and search for another dial if you really need one.
I think I see Dath Vadar's eyes peeking over the 2 o'clock marker but I haven't had any beer. That watch would perk right up with the right strap of your chosing, manbitesdog.
I guess I'm in the minority here, but IMO there isn't much left of the original paint. So, I'd repaint it. I understand the originality aspect with regards to value, but there isn't much left of the paint. It's current condition appears undersireable to my eyes.
At the top, it kind of looks like a dragon to me. Below that, it looks like a creepy fishhead popping out of a wormhole. I'd keep it as is
@manbitesdog If the movement is clean I'd keep it as-is and put it on a NATO strap that accentuates its unique character. If the movement is corroded I wouldn't sink any more money into it. If you go the dial restoration route, I'd advise against it, and just source a period correct dial.
Thanks to all who replied. I think I'm going to keep it as it is, but maybe have the dials looked at to stop any further corrosion. It's keeping perfect time at the moment and, as suggested, with a nice new NATO strap, I think it will look quite handsome.
It might be worth a fortune, like this grilled cheese... But watch out for fraud! Cheesus Christ! This is getting ridiculous!
Looks more like a leapord or puma head to me. The logo and markers are still clear. The water damage gives it character. I'd leave it.
So, against my own judgement, I went ahead and had this watch redialled. It's absolutely amazing now! Very glad I did. Next, I'll have the hands fixed up.
Not a bad result, especially if you're happy with it. Ultimately that's all that matters. Only thing I would change would be to source a new set of hands...the dichotomy between the nice new dial and the old hands is jarring.