Anyone ever try to restore a vintage dial?

[DrLindaPhD]

I saw this vintage Rolex and it can be purchased very reasonably. Everything works fine and except for the dial it is quite nice. I actually thought about trying to refurbish/restore/renew the dial myself as a sort of mini watch project. I'm just dying to take one of these apart and tinker with it and put it back together. I even found an on-line watch (horology) course and I'm thinking of taking it since it is only $75 and I'd like to learn about the workings.

Does this look worth restoring the dial or would you try to find a dial to replace it and is that even possible? Also, to restore the dial would you actually paint the dial? That's what I am thinking but I don't know the process but would love to observe someone restoring a dial like this. I've seen how wonderful a restored vintage can look. Does a restored vintage Rolex lose value over one that has never been restored?

[Darlinboy]

A dial refinish will greatly reduce the value of the highly collectible sports models and bubble backs for example.

That said, IMO, there are many cases where a well-done dial refinish can turn an otherwise ugly duckling into a swan again, and this one would fit the bill.

Not a DIY project I would take on, but others might enjoy the challenge.

[KatGirl]

Restoration does, indeed, lower the value of an otherwise collectable vintage watch. However, these small vintage ladies models, in general, are not favored among collectors. Firstly, watch collectors are 99% male, and even most women me, for example) prefer larger time pieces. If you really like that watch, buy it and have it professionally restored. Dial restoration is an art form, unto itself. I've seen professionally restored dials that look awful, but I'm sure there are guys here who can point you toward an expert. As for your idea about tinkering, I can definitely relate.

KAT

[azguy]

No harm in restoring a watch like that, go for it

[slcbbrown]

If you really like the watch, do what you want. I've seen great redials on simple dials like this one. For all I can tell, this may have a refinished dial, already. Occasionally a good dial person can clean up a dial, but this one looks to have missing printing.

[motoikkyu]

I belong to the "be all you can be" school. This is an harmless lady's watch, never hurt anyone. It's only job is to look beautiful. And it will never do that with that original dial. So get it repainted. Don't send it to Eagle in Philly, I have used Kirk in Seattle for simple stuff like this, but I heard they changed owners.

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by azguy

No harm in restoring a watch like that, go for it

X2

[Beelzy]

I say go for it.

The Operation won't really kill the value of the piece, however you chose a really tiny piece on which to work on. LOL!

[Mikephuvie]

Like Kat said, it is a hit and miss to redial. However, since yours is a clean simple dial it should be fairly easy to do it right.

[Submarino]

Definitely refinish but through a professional!