Ref 2494 36.4-mm 352 RG

 

looks good even with the polished case

 

There's got to be a better word than "patina" for that dial.

 

i think the clear coat was completely removed.

 

..... and a grunge coat applied.

 

OK, refinish or leave it alone?

 

I'd still leave that alone. I think this dial might have been "cleaned" by somebody that didn't realize the clear coat can be removed causing worse damage down the road.

 

No, actually except for a few small spots the clear coat is still present.

One thing to note is that the figures are molded as part of the face of the dial and are NOT applied as is more typical.

It was purchased it from its original owner who wore nearly daily from 1951 until I purchased it in 1999.

BTW - I never had any intention of refinishing it.

 

I think those few small spots are all the remains of the clear coat. So did the original owner polish the case like that? The molded hour markers are very cool.

 

No not at all, under a 10X loupe you can clearly see where the lacquer is and isn't.

Yes, wear something every day for 50 years and they polish themselves.

 

must of worn it upside down to polish to the top?