This is my first older watch, I normally go for 80s TAG / Heuer divers.
The watch is working as it should, and thought that I could clean this dial myself, but I'm worried I'll remove the remaining lettering. What do you think I should do with the dial? Refinish, clean, leave it alone??
The lower image is one I found online, I'm guessing that the markings should look like this.
A pic of my Leonidas, sorry about the quality, I only have my camera phone with me.
Dear Europa,
I would go for a complete dial restauration.
this one is way beyond cleaning or useability...
sad but true.
I would take it to a pro. dial restoration compagny.
Very nice Leonidas! I like this period of chrono's... :-!
Do you think I should stick to the original design? If going for a complete refinish, I like this sort of design (see pic below). Or would that be a big NO NO in the vintage watch world?
Do you think I should stick to the original design? If going for a complete refinish, I like this sort of design (see pic below). Or would that be a big NO NO in the vintage watch world?
As long as a refinish to a new design is not an attempt to deceive, I say do what you want... I find these old chrono dials a bit too cluttered for normal use. And this one is beyond even that.
The design used by TAG Heuer is very readable. Personally I like it.
Thanks, very useful.
You're right, finding a restorer in the UK seems difficult. I have heard good things about Perpetual-Time in the US. I don't mind mailing it abroad if they do a 1st class job.
Dear,
For a Leonidas I would keep it to the original design, as it is a manufacturers watch! :-!:-!:-!
Here in NL it takes about 250 Euro's to do a restauration by a compagny who does mine for clients.
I can inform for you is they have the prints aviable, I think so beceause a few years ago I had a Leonidas with almost same dial design...
GO ORIGINAL, although you are a TAG HEUR fan.... ;-)
Yes, I think that in the case of vintage pieces, there is the world of difference between an honest restoration and a fantasy frankenwatch. Have it restored to as near as possible original and you will have something worth having.
there is the world of difference between an honest restoration and a fantasy frankenwatch. Have it restored to as near as possible original and you will have something worth having.
Thanks for the advice. I'm torn now between being as faithful as possible to the original or going for something I like.
I do like original pieces and can fully understand that the watch should be kept original, but I would get more pleasure out of it if it had a white on black design.
If I get it restored to original spec, I'd probably end up selling it. If I get it refinished to my spec I'd probably keep it... dilemma.
Talking of which, I'm in contact with a refinishing company (thanks to the email link above), and they have offered a lume option on the main hour markers...
good idea or bad idea?!!
For reference, this is a dial design that I really like... if I wasn't going 'original'
(PS. This is a 1950's design Heuer)
Rather then refinish the existing dial, just have a new dial made and store the old one. Best of both worlds, should you decide to part with it some day.
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