Vintage Doxa 600t Searambler - a progress report

[Daddy-o]

So, I've cleaned the and brushed/polished the watch case and bracelet and it's looking pretty good cosmetically. Lucky the bracelet fits pretty good, it a couple of mm to tight, I don't have any extra links so I'm happy that I've only got a 7" wrist









One question: does the bezel just pop off these by using a watch knife? the Bezel has more play than I prefer and I would like to tighten it up if possible.

I've found a watch smith here in Germany that can service the movement, replace all the seals, re-lume the dial and polish the crystal for me, so it will be going out very soon. I did open the back and the vintage ETA 2872 Automatic movement looks pristine, so I'm certain with a full service it should be running tip-top. The keyless works is not functioning so I can't set the watch, but if I give it a few shakes, it does run.



Interesting, I had found some information about the quartz version of this watch and the owner indicated that the crown was unsigned, but mine has a Swiss Cross on the crown (hard to see in these photos, but it's there).



The crystal is in need of a really good re-polish or replacement. Would it me an abomination to have a sapphire installed if I can get one in the correct size?

[shorinjikempo]

Very nice!

[Drop of a Hat]

I would keep it the way it is (except for the movement service of course). I love the look of it. It would be a shame to wash that patina away in my mind. It is your watch however, therefore, your choice.

It's flippin gorgeous btw.

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[subpro300]

Hi Daddy-o,

movement-overhauling for an ETA can be done by any trained local watchmaker. Saves you money and feedback is much easier.
Replacing the original crystal is little bit tricky because of the milled edge around. I would leave the old one if it has not too much or deep scratches.
The silver colour is more sensitive than the others (orange or black) so I wouldn't recommend doing something to the dial.
The hands can be restored in the original way. A specialist in Germany is Bethge.

Hope that helps!

[Daddy-o]

I would keep it the way it is (except for the movement service of course). I love the look of it. It would be a shame to wash that patina away in my mind. It is your watch however, therefore, your choice.

It's flippin gorgeous btw.

Sent Via Tapatalk

Thank for the feedback, I really appreciate the advice!

[Daddy-o]

Hi Daddy-o,

movement-overhauling for an ETA can be done by any trained local watchmaker. Saves you money and feedback is much easier.
Replacing the original crystal is little bit tricky because of the milled edge around. I would leave the old one if it has not too much or deep scratches.
The silver colour is more sensitive than the others (orange or black) so I wouldn't recommend doing something to the dial.
The hands can be restored in the original way. A specialist in Germany is Bethge.

Hope that helps!

Thanks I'm in contact with Bethge now, thanks for the heads-up on the crystal too, I'll see what I can do about polishing out the scratches. Thanks also for your thoughts on the dial. I'll do the hands then

[Formula1980]

You have yourself a rare beauty!

Just thought to add to your info.....the crown could very well be original. What you call a Swiss Cross is actually one of the Aubry Freres logos. My 600T Spirotechnique has the same logo on both the back case and crown.

[Daddy-o]

You are 100% correct here is a photo of the back of the Doxa and it's clearly the logo you've displayed above. Thanks for the great additional info!

BTW: I would like to remove the bezel to polish out the crystal without worrying about the irreplacable bezel insert, What's is the best method for doing that?

You have yourself a rare beauty!

Just thought to add to your info.....the crown could very well be original. What you call a Swiss Cross is actually one of the Aubry Freres logos. My 600T Spirotechnique has the same logo on both the back case and crown.

[Formula1980]

Removing the bezel can be done by using a razor blade. I took my 600T apart to refinish the case and touch up the bezel insert.


With regards to polishing the crystal.....If it is the original mineral glass crystal, I am not sure that can be polished, unless there is a newer compound designed for glass. This is a bit unorthodox, but on my 600T, I had the original crystal removed and replaced with a really thick domed acrylic/hezalite one instead. My watchmaker had no problem doing the fix. I know that these crystals have that bevel that another member has mentioned, but these Aubry era DOXAs don't share the same crystal. I would give you my origial, but it was pretty banged up.

To show the bevel, I attached a pic of two DOXA crystals. The one on the left is from my 300T Sharkhunter. The one on the right is from the 600T, which does not have the overly pronounced bevel/ridge.

Whatever you do end up doing, wear your 600T Searambler on good health!

[T Bone]

Removing the bezel can be done by using a razor blade. I took my 600T apart to refinish the case and touch up the bezel insert.


With regards to polishing the crystal.....If it is the original mineral glass crystal, I am not sure that can be polished, unless there is a newer compound designed for glass. This is a bit unorthodox, but on my 600T, I had the original crystal removed and replaced with a really thick domed acrylic/hezalite one instead. My watchmaker had no problem doing the fix. I know that these crystals have that bevel that another member has mentioned, but these Aubry era DOXAs don't share the same crystal. I would give you my origial, but it was pretty banged up.

To show the bevel, I attached a pic of two DOXA crystals. The one on the left is from my 300T Sharkhunter. The one on the right is from the 600T, which does not have the overly pronounced bevel/ridge.

Whatever you do end up doing, wear your 600T Searambler on good health!

Mineral glass crystals can indeed be polished and light scratches removed. You need to use a two stage method with a diamond paste, one medium (or fine/medium) and one fine grit. I've not done it myself, but have seen threads on Forums where others show detailed process and good results.