Jaeger-LeCoultre

Thats my recent addition and I am very happy with this watch , I was able already to replace the crystal with original nos one as well had the movement serviced - it came in pretty bad shape - the pendulum weight was half broken, now it runs perfect, but the other thing I would like to improve somehow (of course it can stay that way and still would be perfectly happy) is the bezel not bad but not so good and this whats worries me the most is if this destructive corrosion of bakelite will progress    - is there any way to restore it rather wrong world I mean preserve it - any chance to get a nos one from jlc???



Many thanks and my best regards
This message has been edited by rafalbar on 2010-07-21 14:48:03 This message has been edited by rafalbar on 2010-07-21 14:49:23

You want it the most " NOS " possible!

Actually, you have a bezel which is, no your pic, matching in a close way, in patina, with your dial.

A NOS one would break this matching.

I ,don't think JLC has still a NOS bezel in stock.

And if they have one, they will not sell it  if you don't send your watch for a service...or a Restoration.

In both cases, you know what it means in terms of price and time.

But I would hunt on the net...

And I'm sure that you will end by finding one.

Best!

Nicolas

Nicolas, maybe not nos (I am hunting for this bezel now) - but I am a bit afraid since the bakelite is kind worn the process of degradation will progress - which for me means I can not really enjoy wearing this watch to often - not to risk further damage,
I am considering (when my friend watchmaker will get more familiar with the process) putting an extra clear layer of clear coat - thermo or light staling one - like in case of restoration of porcelain dials - but he have not tried that yet - so I am going to wait how his other projects will end, and wear this watch on special occasions.

But you are absolutely right - nos bezel (though I am not having problem with jlc service except for waiting time) - might nit fit the dial and the watch might lost this thing so maybe its better to leave it as is, I somehow didn't thought about this problem

Thank you for answering my post - and very valuable point

my best regards

Rafal
Thats a angle I haven't took under consideration This message has been edited by rafalbar on 2010-07-21 23:12:17

It is always easier to speak about other's watches than about your own watches.

You have some distance, so you can see much more things.

There is another ( a bit pricey ) option.

If you love the Polaris II at this point, you could even hunt another one, for spare parts, in bad conditiion...

In bad condition, the price won't be that heavy, and you'll have some stock, in case of problems.

What do you think?

Best,

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-07-21 23:28:35

first, Rafal, congrats on your nice watch.

for me, i have very simple mind, i would just keep the watch as current condition as possible. i just thought as long as you have made change or even polished, that watch will no long be the same and orginal as it is!

my 2-cent view.

stefan

point of view - and Nicolas has made very important point that the nos bezel might not fit the dial - I love this watch - there is something in this design which makes it very special to me so I would like it to look as good as possible with preserving originality - on the other hand since I can see the corrosion process I would like to at least stop it to preserve  an existing condition - its never easy decision...

but for example this whats bothers me in the black dial we have been discussing are relumed hands - I got it with them and eventhough the rest is beautiful those hands are destroying the perfect image.


I really appreciate  yours opinion

My best

Rafal

First, Rafal;

 

Again, huge congrats to your Polaris II !

 

I really like this one, so different in shape, and I really like the three dimensional dial!

 

 

OK, my question;

 

The crystal, is it made of plexi?

 

Is it easy to find new/replace?

 

 

Best

 

Blomman

Yes that would be a problem…

Thanks for the info!

 

Best,

 

Blomman

The problem is the crystal is made from glass - and something like 0.5 cm high with print on inner side - so you can't really polish the scratches - maybe with some water equipment and diamond paste - but the results were not so great,

I got it form Austarlia (with the crystal for e872) - let me know the guy had last time when I have check 2 more left (ca. 70 usd per piece) and I can order.

regards
Rafal

Still haven’t got the watch…

 

Searching, but still hasn’t jumped on it yet.

Saw some with broken crystal, that’s why I asked.

 

There are so many beautiful watches around…

Had to stay focused on one!

 

 

 

Best

 

Blomman

I am going to buy one more so in case if You will need it just let me know and I will share.

Yes to many watches - to less time

my best

Rafal

I really appreciate the offer and if I ever need it, I defiantly contact you.

 

Thank you very much!

 

 

Best

 

Blomman