Clavi
788
I am pretty positive your dial has already received an (old) restoration many years ago
Your dial really looks like it has been 'repainted' (as restored would be a strong word) many years ago while the watch was serviced (and lost its original hands in the process).
That was quite a bad job done back then (but also, quite in line with the standards of the days, i.e. repairing not restoring).
But you might have always known the watch with this dial, and it's possible that it really is the best representation of your grandfather watch (if he has had it this way for most his life). In which case you might want to keep it this way as a memory.
But since you gave the watch for a proper restoration, I think you should definitely go for the full restoration of the dial. They will do the job to the best standard / to the original specifications, and the watch will be back again to the condition you grandfather wore it when it was new.
So I would either go for no restoration at all (keep it in this condition - as a souvenir), or go the full restoration. There is no question of keeping patina or obsolete luminous material since there is none left from original, so you'd better go for the full treatment and receive a pristine, as new watch that you can wear and enjoy on a brand new strap. This will be very elegant even in modern days.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Uniplan Étrier
This is my grandfather's watch. The crown, crystal and hands are not original, the center seconds hand is missing: such a mess, so I've decided to send the watch for a complete restoration. Aesthetically outdated? Probably, but I still find this design ve...
What an outstanding and wonderful watch.
A great project to restore the watch. I could not think of a better way to spend some money on watches. Just don’t let them touch the dial. Keep it as it shows the life of your grandfather. This model is truly wonderful and will be very chic to wear. With...
Thank you so much for your kind and enthusiastic reaction, Christian!
The watch is already in Le Sentier, Switzerland, and I have received the quote for the restoration. The restoration of the dial is optional and, to be honest, I was about to accept it because they describe it as "faded and scratched". But your warning mak...
I had the same situation with Omega in Switzerland with one of them
It’s a solid gold dial but it’s very tainted (sorry dont have a picture here) the quote on the dial work alone was 2000 CHF so I gave it a second thought and today I’m so happy that I just kept it as it is. I feel it tells the story much better and the wa...
Thank you very much for your feedback, Christian.
I appreciate it a lot. I'm still giving it a thought, but I certainly keep what you say in mind. And I definitely feel very lucky to have to look after such a beautiful and meaningful watch. Thanks again and have a nice Sunday.
Hi Christian,
I just wanted to let you know that I've finally decided to go for the full restoration. I was in Geneva last Tuesday and paid a visit to the JLC boutique, where I've been able to ask for advice and, after having looked closely at the photos of my grandfat...
Hi,my friend
This makes very good sense. I look forward to seeing the results and I am almost as excited as you are. It’s a wonderful watch. Thank you for sharing this information. Now the looong wat has begun. Have a a great weekend, Emmanuel 🤗
I am pretty positive your dial has already received an (old) restoration many years ago
Your dial really looks like it has been 'repainted' (as restored would be a strong word) many years ago while the watch was serviced (and lost its original hands in the process). That was quite a bad job done back then (but also, quite in line with the st...
Interesting input Clavi
That does give an other perspective. If anyone would know this it’s likely you. Just for the sake of learning, what are you looking at that makes you think that it was repainted? Thanks
Thank you very much for your input, Clavi: much appreciated.
I think you have a point as, even assuming that the dial has not been repainted (which I understand you find very doubtful), what I could and would want to keep is the natural aging/patina of the dial and not the scratches made by a not very skilful watch...
Hi Clavi,
I just wanted to let you know that I've finally decided to go for the full restoration. I was in Geneva last Tuesday and paid a visit to the JLC boutique, where your advice was confirmed by the person who took care of me after having looked closely at the...
Thanks a lot for your reaction, Tony!
Yes, it is worth is, I think so too. The watch is already in Le Sentier, Switzerland, and I have received the quote for the restoration. Once I will have accepted it, the restoration will take no less than 55 weeks, so quite a long time, probably because ...
Thanks a lot for your reaction, Salman!
The watch is already in Le Sentier, Switzerland, and I have received the quote for the restoration, which will take no less than 55 weeks, so quite a long time, probably because they will have to manufacture the crystal, hands and crown (at least that's m...
Thank you for your reaction!
The watch is already in Le Sentier, Switzerland, and I have received the quote for the restoration, which will take no less than 55 weeks, so quite a long time, probably because they will have to manufacture the crystal, hands and crown (at least that's m...
Yes, they're really nice!
Thanks for your reaction. The watch is already in Le Sentier, Switzerland, and I have received the quote for the restoration. Thanks again and have a great weekend. Best, Emmanuel
Attached to the heart - priceless and aesthically beautiful
I've had a number of rectangular 50's Jaeger Lecoultres and loved them all. The ones with the center sweep remind me of a certain style of doctor's watch. Agree with Christian re the dial. Not to be touched. It's a wonderful piece. Looking forward to seei...
Thank you so much for your reaction!
It's funny that the center sweep models remind you of a type of doctor's watch, because my grandfather was a urologist surgeon! The watch is already in Le Sentier, Switzerland, and I have received the quote for the restoration. The restoration of the dial...
Here's an idea -
You might be able to find a dial that's new old stock. Stranger things have happened. I have a few nos dials - jaeger, vacheron, patek that came from watchmakers I knew. Also, sometimes at shows I'd find a watch that had a dial that was interchangeable. I...
Thank you for your reaction.
Much appreciated. I certainly feel very lucky to have to look after such a meaningful watch and I couldn't agree more with you concerning the waiting time. Thanks again and have a nice Sunday.