Hello,
I have taken in for restoration a Vanguard 23j that has a metal dial in very rough shape (I think). Being that it is a metal dial I'm inquiring about what "color" the original finish was? It appears as if it has been "buffed" or "rubbed" trying to make it "look new" but appears to have been worn thru? It almost looks like a silvered old clock dial from the German types that has been aggresivley polished? The customer wants the watch restored to factory spec's but I'm wondering what the original finish was? Was it a silvered finish or painted silver or even a Butler type? The Arabic numerals are all in tact wich lead to another issue....will the refinisher "ruin" the applied numberals when they strip the dial? This realy sounds stange but....the signed dial "Waltham" is still readable as well is the up-down numbering (I do see some wear thru in one spot) so I'm wondering if this IS THE ORIGINAL FINISH and its not in that bad of shape! Help....any past experience would be greatly appreciated!
I'm including some pics as well......
Thaks
dave

Next pic

last pic
Thaks to all in advance!

The first thing I would do is liberate the movement from the dial simply to protect it from any "chemical" that is or has been used to clean the dial.

There are places where the Brass substrate seems to be showing through suggesting someone has tried to strip-clean this in a silver cleaner. The original "patina" of these silver-plated dials was often a "matte" type finish and that could be difficult to restore in it's present state.

The black markers and numerals look like they are a "fill" in an area that was "coined" for them. I have no idea how these are filled, but I would guess that the dial could be stripped, replated, and then re-marked with black enamel by someone experienced in that technique.

To completely restore this piece could go into 4 - figures if it is seriously done as you describe the owner's request.

Someone had a "NOS" metal dial like this. If you like, I'll search for it and give you a link. Let me know.

Thank you both for your quick replies.

Mike let me know what you find on the dial.

Thanks again...

dave

David, The dial in question was offered by Bryan Eyring. I do not know if he still has it.

Merry Christmas, Mike

Thanks Mke....I'll will drop him a line

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

dave

David,
I don't know a thing about how they repair the dial, but I sure would love it, if you would let us know what you end up doing with it, and any information you can share about the repair.

It's a wonderful LOOKING dial. I like it!

Hi Sheila,

The connection Mike mentioned is no longer a source for the dial was sold! I will call my dial refinisher on Monday and discuss the options with them, if what I hear makes sence I will have them do the job. On the other hand.... if what I hear doesn't sound feasable to restore to original finish I will silver plate after a very slight surface treatment.
Thanks for your interest.....I'll keep all posted with some pics!
dave