Here are some before and after photos of a few watches I’ve restored.
The first example is a Youngs Jewellers model from the 1970’s. Youngs is a chain located in Canada that sold watches under their own name at one time. This one had the crystal replaced, the case replated, and the A. Schild 1713 automatic movement serviced.
Youngs watch before
Youngs watch after
The next example is a vintage Venus manual wind watch. This watch had the Fontainemelon movement serviced, the crystal replaced, the dial was cleaned, and the case was chrome plated as it was in terrible condition as received.
Venus watch before
Venus watch after
Next up is a vintage Bulova from the 1950’s. Many times there is a debate regarding the need or desire for having the dial of the watch refinished. My approach to redials and case polishing/plating is to be conservative, and only perform these things if the watch is in very bad condition, or if the client specifically asks for this service. In this case the need to have the dial done was quite evident. For this job the case was plated, the missing crystal was sourced and installed, the missing second hand was sourced, the dial was stripped and reprinted, and the movement was serviced. The result is quite dramatic.
Bulova watch before
Bulova watch after
This is another vintage Bulova, but this time the case was in good shape so rather than replate it, all that was required was a light polish to bring back the shine and colour. The movement was serviced and the crystal was replaced.
Before - left After - right
This watch is a WWII era military watch made by Vertex. Vertex was one of twelve makers who produced these watches under contract with the British military. On this case the dial was in good shape, but the luminous material on the hands at the number markers was no longer glowing and the customer wanted that material to be functional. So instead of having the watch redialed, the dial/hands were sent to have the luminous material redone. A tint was added to the new luminous material in order to give it an aged look rather than using the bright white that is typical. The movement was serviced and the watch looks very good after the work was done.
Vertex watch before
Vertex watch after
I hope you enjoyed this look at some watches that have been restored. If you have any questions I can be reached at archer.watches(at)sympatico.ca
Cheers, Al
Archer Watches Blog 