I need suggestions on what happened to this case. At some point the case was dented and I believe someone attempted a fix. My problem is that the gold has worn off to reveal what appears to be white gold underneath....not brass as I would have expected. Then, what do I do with this case? Replate? Live with it? I'm by no means an expert in anything watches, so all opinions are welcomed.

3

It is very hard to tell from the pictures... The first one looks almost like a film or haze, and the last one looks like someone may have taken the gold layer down to brass, feathered the edges and perhaps nickel electro plated over the area
I think i would run down to the grocery and pick up somes Wrights Copper Cream 8oz. I would put a drop on my finger and massage it over the area. Then wipe off with a kleenez till the residue was gone and see what I had.
That would be my try at figuring out whether it was a residue type film or a nickle plated area. Either way it should either dasappear or expose the brass. Hope that helps
regards,
bb

Greg, What does the case look like on the inside? Is it still somewhat dented? If so it could be someone filled the dent in with solder and polished it. I have a case where the dent was filled in with silver solder on a yellow gold filled case and it looks just like your case. .....Keith

Keith it is somewhat still dented. I will try to take pictures of it tomorrow. What would be my remedy for this to make it "right"? This is an unmarked 60 hour and otherwise a very nice watch.

Thoroughly impressive work - looks like an NOS case.

Oh my! Ohhh Myy! That is a beautiful refinishing job! Thank you for the before and after pictures, Lindell. Such a beautiful watch case!!

That's beautiful! I didn't know a case could be redone to look so good.

This is a very nice end result indeedy
On a scale of 1-10 I would rate it at an honest 9+
Also, the rarity/scarcity of the Sangamo Special 17sz cases made this a candidate for total restoration as shown
Now it does boil down to the next question What did this quality restoration cost Since we are talking about a nice collectable piece and I am guessing not a family heirloom [ where price would not be factored ], I do believe I personally would be satisfied with spending wholesale up to say $200 for this job. That figure would be a "break-even" amount to be considered in the overall effect on the unmarked 60 hr. completed watch. Not knowing the costs, I am out on a limb here BUT facts,reality, & actuality have to be considered since we do now have a case thats not what the purist call "original". On this particular case restoration & originality could not be accomplished.
Complicated isn't it Finally, as a case only the BEFORE product was a $200 item. Now as a case only the AFTER product WITH No Wool Pulled Over The Prospective Buyers Eyes, should be a $400 item. These figures are mine and come from a 25 year perspective of buying/selling RR pocket watches. I do hope no toes have been stepped on in my comments. Just honesty and naturally IMHO and as referenced, that and a $1 will get you a Coca~Cola
regards,
bb

Great save! It looks spectacular.

Everyone,

Here is this watch completed and listed in the IHC185 Items For Sale listings...

CLICK FOR: • 23-JEWEL SANGAMO SPECIAL 60 HOUR IN THE "RIGID-BOW" CASE •

Post your thoughts, questions and comments!

Greg

Oy, that's nice!