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Your most satisfying silk purse from sow's ear watches

keepsonticking
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If there is a thread like this, I apologize but didn't find it.

Nothing is more gratifying and satisfying to me than getting something that is a mess (whether it a watch or an old chest of drawers or 50s Coke machine) and making it work and look nice again.

A recent deal actually had three badly abused watches, but I'll focus on just one. It's not worth a fortune, but I find myself wearing it, even without pushers while I await their arrival. It's keeping great time, and I know...it needs to be serviced, but I promise it will be stashed away soon and will not be harmed. You can see some of the rust went too deep not leave traces, but it cleaned up pretty nicely. Kept the original crystal.

So what was your favorite project watch...or watches?

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gbesq
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48,189
I'll offer these two pre and post restoration examples. First, a Seamaster 14761 with a curtain dial and, second, a Constellation 14381 with the factory special order luminous package.
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CBM1590
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3,746
I greatly enjoy the hunt and the process of restoring things. From antique furniture to architectural details to old tools. From the watch side, I’ll add my oft discussed restoration of the family 1952 Seamaster. Pics of as gifted non-runner and restored (and keeping marvelous time).
 
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J!m
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366
My 1978 9411/0 is absolutely this.

Bought on eBay at about half market value at the time. It was not clear exactly what it was so it was a gamble.

New crystal, correct crown and tube, new Tritium pip for the insert and a deep cleaning and it is worth now about ten times what I have into it.

I have posted it elsewhere.

I also have a 1976 blue dial variant that is proving more costly to restore…
 
Dan S
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J!m J!m
My 1978 9411/0 is absolutely this.

Bought on eBay at about half market value at the time. It was not clear exactly what it was so it was a gamble.

New crystal, correct crown and tube, new Tritium pip for the insert and a deep cleaning and it is worth now about ten times what I have into it.

I have posted it elsewhere.

I also have a 1976 blue dial variant that is proving more costly to restore…
Posted elsewhere? 🤦
 
Duracuir1
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2,836
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30,200
This one thanks to Canuck.
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And this one (Tissot) from Archer.
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Baltic is just photobombing this post. Tissot looks the same as when I picked it up, but it got a new movement, seals, bracelet links and the caseback was a challenge to remove. Excellent beater!
Edited:
 
JwRosenthal
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44,936
Rasputin Rasputin
Prior owner claimed he literally found it in the trash:
Stunning! I vote this one for the dumpster diving winner.
 
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