Saving a worthy watch from certain death

[ulackfocus]

This poor thing was about to be scrapped:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn234/ulackfocus/DSC00716.jpg

It was the first project watch I bought.

Well, I got a phone call today from Laura at the Texas JLC facility. The watch is finished and looks like this:

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss124/ralphge/JLC-redial.jpg

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss124/ralphge/JLC-redial2.jpg

I'd say they did a freakin' awesome job! If it looks that good in a crappy photo, I can't imagine what it will look like in person! I was skeptical when I was told JLC is the best with their watches, but I won't doubt that again.

I'm a happy WIS again. Only one thing - it's 2 months early so I had to hold up bidding on a couple vintage watches on eBay to divert the funds. Oh well, there's always more Longines and Omegas around. ;-)

[lowme55]

That watch looks great!

[bjohnson]

Nice!

[mrsnak]

I've also done the same thing with vintage cars- it's a sickness.

[gatorcpa]

I'd say they did a freakin' awesome job! If it looks that good in a crappy photo, I can't imagine what it will look like in person! I was skeptical when I was told JLC is the best with their watches, but I won't doubt that again.

They are the best, but I hope you are sitting down when you get the bill! :-d

Mine says hello:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/gatorcpa/Watch%20Photos/Jaeger-LeCoultre/7b_3.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/gatorcpa/Watch%20Photos/Jaeger-LeCoultre/DSCN0107a.jpg

No movement shots as this one runs so well, I don't want to mess it up by peeking inside. I'll wait until it is servicing time.

Enjoy,
gatorcpa

[ulackfocus]

They are the best, but I hope you are sitting down when you get the bill! :-d


Yeah, I know - but I didn't want to give anyone a heart attack. :rodekaart I figure it's worth every penny as you can't touch a modern 18K JLC MUT for the price even though it was quite expensive. The redial cost alone is more than most complete overhauls. When I get the watch I'll post better pictures and the complete run down.

[indiana_holmes]

All I can say is WOW. That is one incredibly beautiful watch. So much more character than most modern days watches. Enjoy the heck out of it! Please do take many photos of it.
Chris

[Beau8]

Congrats~Looks fantastic! ;-)

[igorycha]

That is good thing - to recreate such a cool watch. Looks very great

[Arachnodactyly]

Nice project! You must have been pleased to see it turn out so well, it looks fantastic.

[Barnaby]

Very beautiful! am extremely envious.

One question - where is the tritium?

[ulackfocus]

One question - where is the tritium?

That's what I'd like to know too! :think: I'll have to check it out when it comes, but I doubt it has any. Either way, the two T's that bookend SWISS MADE don't bother me.

[Chronohound]

WOW, all I can say is WOW.
Congrats on that find, and willingness to restore a gorgeous watch.
Definitely post more pics when it arrives.

[Leixlip]

First post indeed first look in this forum.
Very nice restoration job - the watch looks and is photographed beautifully.

[j1mmyj4m]

Wow, that's an incredible restoration. |>

[Andrés]

They did an incredible job.

Enjoy that beauty.

[ulackfocus]

I've posted a few pics in the Public Forum and one in the Vintage Forum, so I'll show it off right after I opened the box and then I'll try to contain myself.

http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr303/ulackfocus2/IMG_1852-1.jpg

http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr303/ulackfocus2/IMG_1853-1.jpg

http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr303/ulackfocus2/IMG_1862-1.jpg

http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr303/ulackfocus2/IMG_1858-2.jpg

http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr303/ulackfocus2/IMG_1860-1.jpg

http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr303/ulackfocus2/IMG_1855-1.jpg

http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr303/ulackfocus2/IMG_1857-1.jpg

http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr303/ulackfocus2/IMG_1863-1.jpg

and of course a wrist shot!

http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr303/ulackfocus2/IMG_1877-1.jpg


Okay, I'm done now - I promise. :roll::-d After wearing it 2 days in a row I'll try to work it into the rotation.

[Andrés]

Looks great on your wrist.

[stefano34]

you'd never guess it was the same watch, I've just been given an Omega Seamaster(on the vintage thread) via freecycle that could do with the same treatment...alas a service and a 'buff' up with a new glass will have to do for now!

[ezcheese]

Wow, that is fantastic! :rodekaart

[Janne]

A perfect example why I always recommend a Factory overhaul/restoration.
No indenpendent watchmaker can achieve this result.

[Marine Corporal]

Beautiful watch, oozes class, congrats.

Peace

Mike

[anirudhkitt]

Awesome restoration!!!!! . this thread has put some crazy ideas in my head now. Have to stop reading such threads.
Njoy ur beautiful watch and take good care of it. It totally deserves it

[Gadget21]

Absolutely beautiful, they did a great job :-)

[pinchoff]

Thanks for showing and big congrats.

I did not know that the factory would overtake a job like this!