1951 Vintage Bulova Restoration

[NavitimerNut]

Hello TRF Amigos!

As some of you may know, I was handed down my grandfather's Bulova. I wear this watch daily and it keeps nearly perfect time. I love wearing it and personally, I think it is a wonderful looking watch. My question to you guys is...

Should I get it completely restored?

I see pictures of freshly restored vintage watches and they look amazing. I would love to get this watch restored, but would I regret it later in life since it is no longer in "original" condition? I'm not doing this to make money or improve the value of the watch, I'm doing this because it has a lot of sentimental value. My watchmaker quoted me around $120 to make it in museum quality.

Thanks!


IMG_5388

[watch watcher]

$120 for an oil/cleaning but not cosmetics, I assume.

"Musem quality" would require a re-dial.

That watch is a keeper for sure, though.

[NavitimerNut]

Originally Posted by watch watcher

$120 for an oil/cleaning but not cosmetics, I assume.

"Musem quality" would require a re-dial.

That watch is a keeper for sure, though.

The watch already went in for an oil/cleaning and a new crystal. I decided to hold off on the redial for a later time. The $120 is for a polish, hand refinishing and re-dial.

I forgot to add in the original posting... The main reason why I want redial is that in low light atmospheres (indoors) it is hard to read the dial due to contrast issues.

[dbphotos]

I wouldn't touch the dial. Just keep it serviced and enjoy it.

[Grissom]

Originally Posted by dbphotos

I wouldn't touch the dial. Just keep it serviced and enjoy it.

x 100! I wouldn't polish it or redial.....I would make sure it is mechanically sound, and then wear it, as a reminder of my grandfather, were I you....

[jatco]

Originally Posted by Grissom

x 100! I wouldn't polish it or redial.....I would make sure it is mechanically sound, and then wear it, as a reminder of my grandfather, were I you....

...My sentiments exactly...Some things should not be altered...ie in this case. ..But that's just my opinion. - I wouldnt do it.. -
Just like my grandfathers Hamilton 'Boulton' circa 1941 and my Dad's Elgin circa 1952'ish... I just couldnt see it being 'redone'...! Looses its charm..!

[johnswatch]

I'd go for a redial.

I never understand this fascination with watch guys to keep things looking like they're knackered. I understand a good condition vintage dial should be kept but when they're very stained and worn out then redial it and have it looking like it left the factory.

I wonder if they keep their cars in similar condition - dinged, rusty, but it tells a story.....

[dysondiver]

triggers broom ............. id keep it as it is.

[nowzen]

Not sure why you're putting it to a vote.
If you like it, keeps good time and has special meaning for you, why wouldn't you?

Personally I'd redial so it looks newish again, but again, its a personal decision.

(Nice watch!)

[vintagewaferthin]

get the dial refinished, but have it refinished by someone who really knows what their doing. although as a vintage collecter i like a nice original dial with a nice patina, but the dial on your bulova has a heavely stained dial, and if i were you i would have it carefully refinished. again have it refinished but do your researche before doing it. dont just give it to anybody. you want it done well and it will look factory new.

[capote]

Keep as is

[DiamondJack]

As others have said, I wouldn't have the dial or hands touched as this is the face of the watch and the face that your grandfather looked at year in year out......

To me, it just wouldn't retain the same charm or history of a family piece if it was refinished or altered.

But I'm sentimental that way......

[cruvon]

I would say keep it as is and find a similar model donor watch to swap the dial if you must do anything to the dial so that you keep the the original dial your grandfather looked at!

[conrail]

That's a good representation of what the dial looks like?? If so, DO NOT TOUCH IT - wow that is stunning in the sun. Certainly a movement overhaul might be in order, and a light case polish if you wish, crystal change, etc. But absolutely do not re-finish that dial.

[conrail]

Originally Posted by johnswatch

I'd go for a redial.

I never understand this fascination with watch guys to keep things looking like they're knackered. I understand a good condition vintage dial should be kept but when they're very stained and worn out then redial it and have it looking like it left the factory.

I wonder if they keep their cars in similar condition - dinged, rusty, but it tells a story.....

There is a massive difference between knackered and a beautiful tropical dial. Based on the picture above, you would be nuts to re-finish that beautiful tropical patina.

[wantonebad]

Other than a full service on the movement I wouldn't do a thing cosmetically to that watch. As others have said all the character is in the wear and patina of that cherished heirloom.