jholbrook
24.07.2009, 20:27
Just got back from my watchmaker, and am THRILLED with how this latest project turned out. Here's the "before" photo of the 1972 "Double Red" Sea-Dweller I picked up a couple of weeks ago:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/jholbrook/Red%20Submariner/NewImage.jpg
Here's the "after":
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/jholbrook/Red%20Submariner/NewImage-1.jpg
The movement was was strong, and needed no work - just did a clean, oil and adjustment.
The bracelet that was on the watch previously was for a more modern Sea-Dweller, and it had the incorrect end links on it. So I replaced it with a correct 93150 with 585 end links. Both the crystal and crown (and tube) were replaced with factory parts. Instead of replacing the bezel insert as I've done with some previous 1680 Subs I've restored, I kept this wonderfully faded bezel and chased down a tritium bezel pearl to put in it (you'll see it's missing in the first photo). A light polish was also done to the case.
It took about a week longer than I anticipated getting this project done as it was quite a challenge finding those end links and the tritium "dots." But it was a fun chase and I think the results were WELL worth it! The dial and hands are stunning on this watch - absolutely perfect with a gorgeous matching creamy patina. :thumbup:
Like it? These are just some quick and dirty iPhone shots - studio shots coming soon!
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/jholbrook/Red%20Submariner/NewImage.jpg
Here's the "after":
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/jholbrook/Red%20Submariner/NewImage-1.jpg
The movement was was strong, and needed no work - just did a clean, oil and adjustment.
The bracelet that was on the watch previously was for a more modern Sea-Dweller, and it had the incorrect end links on it. So I replaced it with a correct 93150 with 585 end links. Both the crystal and crown (and tube) were replaced with factory parts. Instead of replacing the bezel insert as I've done with some previous 1680 Subs I've restored, I kept this wonderfully faded bezel and chased down a tritium bezel pearl to put in it (you'll see it's missing in the first photo). A light polish was also done to the case.
It took about a week longer than I anticipated getting this project done as it was quite a challenge finding those end links and the tritium "dots." But it was a fun chase and I think the results were WELL worth it! The dial and hands are stunning on this watch - absolutely perfect with a gorgeous matching creamy patina. :thumbup:
Like it? These are just some quick and dirty iPhone shots - studio shots coming soon!