Train Wreck Movement but for U$D200 ?? SM 2846

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Congrats, looks great!

“Dial cleaning” is an endeavour that’s very, very dangerous though. Using air to blow away residue of dirt that might have come in or lume that got lose is fine, everything beyond that… well, give it in good hands. As is, I would do nothing but admire it. Once you’ve found a donor 501 (or 500), hand it to a watchmaker you trust and let him work his magic. Case clamps don’t look like they’re rusty, so that’s already a little plus.
 
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Not perfect but still a very good buy at $200 even if you need to replace the complete movement.

Is that a scratch on the dial around 5 o clock?
 
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And don't let it run! Put the caseback on, close the crown, and put it away until you're ready to have it worked on. Who knows what kind of damage you could do to it if you let the watch run as is.

PS - It would be nice if you could save the bridge that has the movement number and get everything else around it donored, if possible. Though the plating may be too far gone. But maybe not and it's part of the watches story...
 
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Not perfect but still a very good buy at $200 even if you need to replace the complete movement.

Is that a scratch on the dial around 5 o clock?
Yes, a couple of nasty scrathes.
 
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And don't let it run! Put the caseback on, close the crown, and put it away until you're ready to have it worked on. Who knows what kind of damage you could do to it if you let the watch run as is.

PS - It would be nice if you could save the bridge that has the movement number and get everything else around it donored, if possible. Though the plating may be too far gone. But maybe not and it's part of the watches story...
Great recommendations, thank you. I'll advise the watchmaker.
 
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Don't. Clean. The. Dial.

Hi Guys,

Just got the watch back from service (donor movement provided) BUT the watchmaker further damaged/distroyed the dial.

What should I do? I'm sickened!
 
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That is the definition of a trainwreck, what a pity! Does that 'watchmaker' have insurance? I would personally make a claim and start looking for a competent one. If you can live with it, keep it, otherwise sell it and cut your losses.
 
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Hi Guys,

Just got the watch back from service (donor movement provided) BUT the watchmaker further damaged/distroyed the dial.

What should I do? I'm sickened!

Ouuuch!
 
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Well, the first thing I would do is ask the watchmaker what they did to clean the dial.

What instructions did you give this person?
 
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Instruction = Service and use parts from donor if necessary, keep the original numers, parts where possible.

I Dont think he cleaner the dial it's still dusty, the damage looks like scratches from a tool.

I have no recourse here, small island with no alternative options and he's a nice guy.
 
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Well, no tools are used on a dial, other than to remove the hands, and even if done unprotected (which would be unusual to say the least) it wouldn’t cause damage in the locations shown.

So did this person mention anything when you picked it up?
 
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Geez what a shame! I was looking forward to a great reveal.
Edited:
 
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So sorry to hear this news. Very painful to see the damage done. A really great rescue gone sideways.

That said, you still have a really beautiful watch. Small consolation, maybe.