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ksedars
·Hello guys,
New member here. I have owned a late 60's-era Memomatic for approximately 20 years, and I'd like to have a full restoration done on it, specifically to address wear to the case. It has the large, Flightmaster-style case with the sunburst grain pattern, and has some scratches and some general wear typical for its age. I have a Flightmaster and a Speedmaster mk. 4.5 that both have had Bienne restorations done and perfect cases. I sent my Memomatic to Bienne about two years ago for evaluation. They agreed to restore it, but insisted on a dial replacement, although mine is in good shape (very slight fading). They said that because of "oxidation" to the dial (maybe the lume?) that bits of debris could fall off and cause problems to the movement, and therefore, they could not warranty the service. The big problem is that they do not stock the dial in same color as mine. I have the grey/black dial with orange markers. The only one they currently stock is the dark blue with shiny metal markers. This would totally change the look of the watch, and not for the better in my opinion.
I don't know where to turn for a watchmaker who can perform the services needed. I tried Rocco at Watchworks in the UK, but they are not accepting work from US addresses. There may possibly be the need to laser weld, though there are no major dings. Can someone make a recommendation for a qualified restoration expert who can reproduce the grain pattern of the Flightmaster style case and perform the necessary service? Thanks to all of you for your time!
Kelly
New member here. I have owned a late 60's-era Memomatic for approximately 20 years, and I'd like to have a full restoration done on it, specifically to address wear to the case. It has the large, Flightmaster-style case with the sunburst grain pattern, and has some scratches and some general wear typical for its age. I have a Flightmaster and a Speedmaster mk. 4.5 that both have had Bienne restorations done and perfect cases. I sent my Memomatic to Bienne about two years ago for evaluation. They agreed to restore it, but insisted on a dial replacement, although mine is in good shape (very slight fading). They said that because of "oxidation" to the dial (maybe the lume?) that bits of debris could fall off and cause problems to the movement, and therefore, they could not warranty the service. The big problem is that they do not stock the dial in same color as mine. I have the grey/black dial with orange markers. The only one they currently stock is the dark blue with shiny metal markers. This would totally change the look of the watch, and not for the better in my opinion.
I don't know where to turn for a watchmaker who can perform the services needed. I tried Rocco at Watchworks in the UK, but they are not accepting work from US addresses. There may possibly be the need to laser weld, though there are no major dings. Can someone make a recommendation for a qualified restoration expert who can reproduce the grain pattern of the Flightmaster style case and perform the necessary service? Thanks to all of you for your time!
Kelly
