Rolex 6294 Restoration?

[watchman2029]

I want to improve the condition and appearance of this watch without totally ruining it, any advice? It hasnt been serviced in 50 years, has a misaligned datewheel, but amazingly still works and keeps pretty good time. It belonged to my grandfather, given to my father, and then given to me. I never intend on selling it, but I want it to look nice again for me to use everyday. I know the "patina" is respected, but those hands and dial markers look awful :(

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[Dan S]

You could have the hands and dial re-lumed. You will need to find someone who knows what he is doing, because it is an art, but it can be done with a vintage look. Of course, you will still have the stains and other damage on the dial. I would suggest wearing it as it is for a while, to see if you come to appreciate the history/patina.

I'm not sure what you mean by a mis-aligned date-wheel, but it's possible the date-wheel is actually incorrect.

[Nick9]

Have to say, if it were me, I'd get the movement serviced and the watch tidied up a bit (cleaned and maybe a very light hand polish). If the crystal is original, it's possibly yellowed a bit, so worth looking to see if a new crystal brightens up the watch to your liking.

Do that before you make any decisions about the dial and hands.

I am a big fan of 1950s dials with arrow markers, and that is a great example, and so personally I would never touch either the dial or the hands.

[Ashton_Horologist]

I would definitely recommend getting a overhaul of the movement. The dial and hands can be re-liked to look age appropriate if that’s the road you want to take. That one is a totally personal decision.

Here are some threads that highlight what can be done to dial and hands with regard to an aged lume look.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=684734

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...48#post9798648