Is this dial unrestorable?

[Anthony]

Hi,

Brought this watch to local watchmaker for analysis, and got reply that they cant really do nothing to the dial. They told that the dial is not matte and it cant be painted and it can be tried to clean with somekind of gel-like/rubbery material, which could lead to breakup of the dial surface etc..

What do you guys think :



If you think it can be restored (=clean those spots) , or you know really good dial restoration place, please let me know

ps. If youre wondering about the last photo, I am holding bezel insert (non OEM) on top of the watch with my fingers, its still missing other bezel parts :)

[tony1951]

I tried to clean the dial on my grandfather's / father's old Omega Bumper which was badly stained by my grandfather's tobacco smoking habit.

BE VERY CAREFUL. Even with me taking very great care, I found I was lifting paint off the dial just by wiping delicately with a damp qtip. I don't have a clue what that dial damage on yours is caused by, but dials are extraordinarily delicate.

BEFORE ->



AFTER (note the loss of minute markers around the 7 o'clock marker

[mars-red]

I'll second what Tony said - I tried the same damp q-tip thing on an old dial and found the same thing. The markings are extraordinarily delicate.

[Dagoberg]

Do not try and fix it your self. Leave it to someone with the propper tools. You will ruin the dial.

Oskar

[DragonDan]

Yeah, that is too far gone for a cleaning. It appears as though the clear coat is what is flaking away. This can't be cleaned up, but I seriously doubt your local guy's assessment that it cannot be painted. There are several companies that specialize in dial restoration.
I guess the biggest question is do you want to spend that kind of money on this project? That Rollie has seen better days! Does it still work?
Were it me, I'd replace the dial (probably cheaper than a refinish, but I'm not up on Rolex prices), slap a new bezel on it (you've got that covered) and use it as a daily wear watch. When the movement is tuned up it should serve quite well.

**edit** just found this. Maybe it will help:
Need to replace dial of Rolex 1500 or 1501

[Anthony]

Thanks for great reply DragonDan and others!

Yeah, that is too far gone for a cleaning. It appears as though the clear coat is what is flaking away. This can't be cleaned up, but I seriously doubt your local guy's assessment that it cannot be painted. There are several companies that specialize in dial restoration.

Which companies? Help :)

I guess the biggest question is do you want to spend that kind of money on this project? That Rollie has seen better days! Does it still work?
Were it me, I'd replace the dial (probably cheaper than a refinish, but I'm not up on Rolex prices), slap a new bezel on it (you've got that covered) and use it as a daily wear watch. When the movement is tuned up it should serve quite well.

**edit** just found this. Maybe it will help:
Need to replace dial of Rolex 1500 or 1501

Yup, it still works and has seen better days, but thats the whole magic in this watch :) I love vintage watches, but this needs really some TLC. your plan is same as mine, bezel replacement, movement service and something for the dial still..New dial just isnt the same as original...lets see.

[Eeeb]

The dial is easily restored. Try International Dial in Ohio, USA.

[RustyMainspring]

Agree with Eeeb, International can do it at a very reasonable price and it will be like new again.

[Anthony]

Agree with Eeeb, International can do it at a very reasonable price

Any estimates?

[RustyMainspring]

No you have to consult with them it can change a bit.