Restoration of 1953. Rolex Explorer Ref 6610

[Gedanken]

Originally Posted by Nick Hacko

James -

one of the reasons why I enjoy posting restoration photos on forum
is because sometimes I receive very little (if any) feedback after the job
is done. Not that owners are non appreciative - of course they are
but many are not really technically minded or like in this particular case
complete transaction was handled by owners secretary.
I doubt she was able to report what was done to the watch,
and I am almost certain that owner is not going to wear it
(will be kept in safe as sentimental memento).
Therefore +4 sec or +400 sec makes little difference to him
but it does make big difference to me.

So the real gratification comes from people like yourself,
watch nuts and fellow collectors.

This reminds me of another story when we received a $5 clock
in mail with "we will call you" note.
Few days later we got a phone call from someone who introduced
himself as "personal secretary of a very important person".
He was well spoken, with nicely polished cockney accent.
I told him that clock is piece of rubbish and I am not
going to prostitute myself working on it. Yes, indeed, he said,
the clock was found by his master's boy
and kid just loves it, and since money is not an issue
please do whatever is necessary to make it tick again.
And I did. The clock was collected by chauffeur and 4-digit repair bill
settled in cash. Transaction was closed few days later with yet another mysterious 'thank you for repairing the clock' phone call.

And that was it... until 2 years later when we incidentally discovered who our
client was. But that is another story altogether.

Well Nick, one thing's for sure - around these here parts there's going to be no shortage of people who genuinely appreciate the quality of your work and will say as much! You've definitely raised the bar on this forum!

What with the topic of "technically speaking, what's a better watch?" coming up on this forum every now and then, you've brought up a very important point here, and your perspective as a professional makes it all the more important. It doesn't matter if it's atomic-clock accurate, and it doesn't matter if it costs a trust fund - what does matter is how happy it makes you.

[Han]

Nick,

That was an amazing job of restoration

With regard to customers, in my case there is a saying that if don't hear from them it means everything is OK. Compliments are rare and we've come to NOT expect it anymore.

Keep the good stuff coming

Han

[ashu2289]

Originally Posted by Nick Hacko

Hi Al -
I am not very good at dial restoration. That is really completely different game than pulling things apart and putting them back together.
In all fairness 3 out of 10 would come up as OK, 6/10 as just average
and maybe 1 in 10 as half decent job.
I think I was lucky this time, that's all.

Good dial restorer is very hard to find and I personally believe
dial restoration is doing more harm than good to overall
presentation and preservation.

There are few good books around showing top end watches like
vintage Patek chronos and alike. The best and most desirable ones
are those with original, nicely aged dials.
Dial restoration is irreversible so unless it's done 'right way'
by top professional you will end up with something
which looks less like Paul Newman and more like Michael Jackson.

"Before and after" :


Nick

Vry perfect restoration example

[diablojota]

That is an absolutely fabulous job. I know where I will send my classics too (once I acquire them).

[areyes926]

Awesome restoration job! Too bad you are not in my neighborhood.

[Alex Stylianou]

wow , who needs rsc

[Mark]

Beautiful !

Wow ... you are very talented and obviously enjoy your work. It was a pleasure reading though this thread.