cazalea
[Seiko Moderator]
17076
More Vacheron Constantin inspections
I was happy to share the 222 inside excursion this morning. The same pal had at least 2 more VC watches that needed a bit of work, perhaps their images would also be of interest on this summer afternoon...
The first watch has the 1120 movement and being ultra-thin is also somewhat ultra-fragile. Alec had knocked off the minute hand as he was sometimes ultra-uncoordinated.
Typical welded-on bracelet; also known as the "Don't gain weight!" style.
One or more hackers had been into this watch before I got it...
I'd never seen anything this bad.
But I got it back together and running, and off to him as soon as possible before it needed more work.
The next watch needed a service but his regular guy didn't want to deal with opening the case as the screw heads were rusted (due to its owner's sweaty arm) and broke when he attempted to remove them.
There is no & between Vacheron and Constantin on the dial so this is a newer watch after the company name was simplified (I think).
I was able to soak the screws and get them out without damaging the gold case.
I can't remember the story of the gold shavings... maybe we had to drill/tap new holes to accept the new gold screws we found.
The crystal was colored and scratched; once I got it off the watch we realized it might have been put on there to reduce the shock of seeing the condition of the dial.
Other than being very dirty, the movement itself wasn't too bad and I was able to lube and time it without incident (my watch mentor Ken keeping a close eye on my work).
My pal insisted on a refinished dial which is a thankless endeavor but the customer is king, they say ... (Don't yell at me, this was 2004 and such things were more acceptable then than they are today)
I was able to soak the screws and get them out without damaging the gold case.
I can't remember the story of the gold shavings... maybe we had to drill/tap new holes to accept the new gold screws we found.
Anyway, that's part of the challenge of keeping old watches going.
Here's the last one, inheirited by a friend from his father. I think he found it in the drawer or a cigar box with these other pieces, and wanted it usable for the memorial service. The bracelet was junk.
The crystal was colored and scratched; once I got it off the watch we realized it might have been put on there to reduce the shock of seeing the condition of the dial.
Other than being very dirty, the movement itself wasn't too bad and I was able to lube and time it without incident (my watch mentor Ken keeping a close eye on my work).
My pal insisted on a refinished dial which is a thankless endeavor but the customer is king, they say ... (Don't yell at me, this was 2004 and such things were more acceptable then than they are today)
It certainly looks much better and he can wear it in any dressy situation, whereas the previous look was far too gone to be tolerable in his circle.
Cazalea
More Vacheron Constantin inspections
I was happy to share the 222 inside excursion this morning. The same pal had at least 2 more VC watches that needed a bit of work, perhaps their images would also be of interest on this summer afternoon... The first watch has the 1120 movement and being u...
I love these old-school bracelets...
...definitely out of favor these days, but there's just something about them...
BTW, received my magnifier goggles...
...and did my first successful battery transplant into my wife's Omega DeVille. It's the first 'nice' watch she'd let me buy her. I couldn't talk her into a manual or automatic movement, but I was able to get a gold case : )
I have a Bag-O-Watches...
...I bought at the flea market for $30. Out of 25 or so, a couple still work. I will tear apart the 'dead' ones before taking on the working ones...should be fun : )
I went through that challenge last year, during my Seiko watch walks, check it out
Here is the link to the bag of watches story LINK TO VIEW ...
More & to enjoy
Do you recall the calibre of your second example? I sympathize with the dilemma of what to do with a wabi-sabi dial. At least the owner doesn’t have to feel self conscious while wearing it, perhaps only his heirs might rue the decision.
