Diver dilemma

[agent orange]

First the good news. I picked up an early Seiko 6309-7040 a few weeks ago .

As most of you will know these are fantastic pieces that. Unfortunately most these days are usually full of after market parts from Thailand and the Philippines or have suffered at the hands of the modders out there. As far as I can tell this is all original so correct dial, handset, bezel and even the bezel insert (pretty rare to find those).

Now the bad news. Unfortunately the condition reflects its 34 year history somewhat. Here's a few of the sellers pics which admittedly make it look far worse than it actually is.






Lovely stepped day/date dial and handset though.




And the dilemma? It's currently in the capable hands of my watch guy as the movement was as dry as a bone (I always find it amazing that Seikos, even in this condition, keep very good time). I've sourced a replacement crystal for it too.

My initial intension was to replace the bezel insert and refinish the case to make it look as good as possible. However I'm having second thoughts and am thinking that maybe I should just leave well alone keep it as original as possible. It does have a certain authentic charm to it I must admit.

So guys, what would you do?

Cheers,
Gary

[andy tims]

New crystal & leave it at that would be my call.

[agent orange]

I see Al's voted then

Any more opinions out there?

Cheers,
Gary

[andy_s]

Service & crystal.

[cyclopath]

Knowing you (a bit, by proxy I guess! ) I said go the full reno.
But crystal and service is not a bad option.
Very nice, Gary.

[agent orange]

Originally Posted by cyclopath

Knowing you (a bit, by proxy I guess! ) I said go the full reno.
But crystal and service is not a bad option.
Very nice, Gary.

Actually Dave I'm favouring the service and crystal route at the mo, although that'll probably change tomorrow knowing me

I know you'd like to think that all my watches are box fresh are perfect (so would I come to think of it ) but I have a few showing some lovely signs of ageing. Most noticeably a 1947 Omega with a cream porcelain dial with a lovely patina around the edge.

I do love a watch showing genuine age but because of my professional background my biggest issue is I can never get a decent pic of them for some reason. It's so much easier to take half decent photo's of new or refurbished watches. I know I'm shallow

Cheers,
Gary

[DaveS]

To my mind, it is crystal and movement service only, with no doubt.
I have no aversion to re-finishing in general, but I don't think it isright for this one, because....
There is sufficient depth to the case damage to ensure that any re-finishing that removes it will have removed a substantial amount of meat from the case (or ruined the smooth lines so a series of rounded flats, if badly dome).
And if it is "lightly" done, you will have some pristine polished and brushed finishes with dinks in, making it obvious that the re-finishing has been done (and looking a bit odd).

So rather than attempt to remove it and come up short, just leave it. And wear it mountain-biking.

Dave

[page]

Go with the crystal, at least you'll be able to see the dial and what time it is....

Those close photo's highlight the dings... but leave it as a honest watch..... then you can wear it and not be worried!

[agent orange]

Dilemma over

Picked it up this evening, after a service and new crystal, which makes a huge difference. Wearing it as I type on a 22mm black Zulu I had lying around and it looks great. The dial and handset are in superb condition for all original, 34 year old items and my watch guy has done superb work as usual.

No pics yet but I'll try and take a few over the weekend.

I picked up another 70's beauty too after a case and bracelet refurb and a host of parts. More on that over the weekend too, time permitting.

Cheers,
Gary

[agent orange]

As promised, albiet very late , a few pics.





It seems to be glued to my wrist at the mo

Cheers,
Gary