After reading through previous posts it's clear that we have differing ideas regarding the extent to which a restoration should be carried. Is there a consensus regarding restoration or is it just a matter of personal choice?

I'll kick off with a few (no doubt contentious) ideas of my own.

Cases - I do not believe that metal (with the exception of bronze, copper and perhaps brass) can ever achieve a patina in the sense that furniture does. The patina on furniture is achieved through countless hours of love and care; what is often termed 'patina' on most metals is achieved through long neglect. I will happily planish and/or burnish to remove dings and deep scratches from cases and finish off with a hand polish. I don't remove light scratches as I consider this a normal part of everyday wear.

Dials - I have no compunction in replacing a damaged enamel dial with a perfect spare of the same design. Isn't this what the original owner would have done? Unless I had no other choice I would not have a painted dial refinished merely to preserve the original plate.

Hands - If spotted or rusty I fit NOS items every time.

Crowns - I'm not in the least bothered by heavy wear, I consider this an honest indication of long use by the previous owner/s.

Monograms - They don't worry me and I would never try to remove them. They are often extremely decorative in their own right and the graphic style lends an additional period element to the case. I'm slightly less accepting of some inscriptions (generally because they've been roughly executed) but they do serve to remind us that we don't really own these watches, we're just holding them in care!

How does everyone else feel regarding cosmetic restoration?

Dick

Exactly!

One man's patina is another mans dirt! I try to acquire recently serviced authentic watches, in the cleanest cosmetic & mechanical condition as possible for my collection. I use the analogy of watches & classic cars. You don't see much patina at classic car shows. Restoration & preservation go together for me.

President Kennedy's immaculate preserved 1962 Lincoln Continental was auctioned on October 18, 2008 for $142,000. It probably sold for about $5,000 new.

Interesting Subject
Wayne

Correction: I lied - President Kennedy's immaculate preserved 1962 Lincoln Continental was auctioned on October 18, 2008 for $190,000. It probably sold for about $5,000 new.[/QUOTE]

Hi Wayne,

If I can use your car analogy I remember (just!)that in 1962, at the age of 16, I lusted after a second-hand Jaguar Type 'D' that was sitting in our local showroom. It was a prototype with impeccable racing provenance and was selling for the princely sum of 550 Guineas, more than a years pay in those days. It sold again in the late eighties (I think at Sotheby's) for two million pounds. The point of this is that the paintwork and panels all bore the evidence of hard racing at Monaco & Brands Hatch etc. Without all those little dings and gravel chips it would have been a museum piece and worth, perhaps, only half as much.

In theory this old girl could be still raced at vintage meetings today (albeit gently)and a few more gravel chips would only serve to heighten her complexion. If she was in concours condition we might get to see her do a slow parade lap ....but probably not if it was raining!

I guess that's how I feel about watches.