You dont have to spend a fortune to have fun

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In my experience, the improvements by simply servicing and cleaning will be immense.

The only way to repair that dent in the lug will be to laser it and then re-finish the entire case. That will change the entire character of the watch and leave me with a reconditioned case Conflicting with the rest of the watch’s condition.

My plan is to do as much as possible to it without severe intervention.

That means servicing the movement and cleaning everything, refitting correctly the pushers. I also have high hopes for improving the dial by simply cleaning and removing the loose material and it is possible we can reduce the effect of those scratches which by the way are barely visible under normal circumstances.

Remember my background is diamond grading, and my habit is to go in under severe magnification, then change the lighting until whatever I have found is highlighted. Kind of the opposite of what a seller wants to do. (Compare my photos with say, Phillips who in my opinion are the best auction photographers).

My photographs fiercely critical and part of my assessment process. Most of what I find many people won’t notice until I tell them. Those dial scratches for example are minimal, and you can’t see them with the naked eye.

all part of the fun. The flip side, is when I tell you a dial is clean, it is.
I'm Glad that you will not touch the case. It had a ton of character, and frankly i like the roughness and the lack of polishing.
I have definitely noticed that your photographs don't hide any defects, and on the contrary are emphasized 😀

Looking forward to see this one once is returned from service.
 
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Close-up pictures are really sharp! Secret?
It is no secret.

They are sharp
 
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This particular watch is screaming to be cleaned up and worn. I think that’s what appeals most to me, I’d love to stumble on a pristine example but I’d have a hard time wearing it if I shelled out a bucket of cash.

This watch on the other hand checks so many boxes for me. Most of all every day wearability.
 
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At first glance, it just looks like the pusher cap has loosened, which won't require any repair. Is there something more serious? Luckily it didn't fall off and get lost, which seems to happen all the time with chronographs.
 
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Nice write up! I'm looking forward to see the final result. Event if I would think about reluming it. The job can be done so well nowadays that aesthetic wise those watches are often beautiful. Although I understand the point to keep it as original as possible.
 
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Few watches as charming as a thoroughly worn Speedmaster!
Thanks for the insight.
 
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It is no secret.

They are sharp

I’ll try translating:
Glass
Light
Patience
Maybe focus stacking

not necessarily in that order
 
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"Oh, a wise guy, eh? Ya bettah talk, or you's gunna end up like yous friends over 'dere..."
 
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"sympathetic restoration." that's a phrase similarly used in the classic car world and i'm glad the phrase seems to be well received.