I restored it, now I'm wearing it...

[Clay]

I just put my 93160 back on my 7.4 mil 666 where it belongs...

[Vincent65]

Well done on the link-tightening and completion of the job - now maybe have an AD re-finish the satin/brushed finish?!

[Clay]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Well done on the link-tightening and completion of the job - now maybe have an AD re-finish the satin/brushed finish?!

I did think of that...But here's the thing Vince, the watch itself is an untouched original example...Complete with dings, scratches, scrapes etc...
And the bracelet really does match the patina on the watch...

I managed to polish out 90% of the marring I did when I separated the links, but I am hesitant to send it to anyone to have it "Refinished" as I'm afraid it will look to "slick" compared to the watch itself???

It may be hard to tell from the photograph, but to the naked eye the watch and bracelet match, in "character", perfectly...

[Sous]

Originally Posted by Clay

It may be hard to tell from the photograph, but to the naked eye the watch and bracelet match, in "character", perfectly...

I have to agree with you there, Clay; getting the bracelet polished would look like a newer bracelet on a vintage watch. It does suit the watch as is

Will you share with us what you used to tighten the pins? New tubes?

[theloxmyth]

I followed your other thread, Clay.

Well done.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by Clay

I just put my 93160 back on my 7.4 mil 666 where it belongs...

Nicely done clay

HAGOne

[lhanddds]

Originally Posted by Clay

I did think of that...But here's the thing Vince, the watch itself is an untouched original example...Complete with dings, scratches, scrapes etc...
And the bracelet really does match the patina on the watch...

I managed to polish out 90% of the marring I did when I separated the links, but I am hesitant to send it to anyone to have it "Refinished" as I'm afraid it will look to "slick" compared to the watch itself???

It may be hard to tell from the photograph, but to the naked eye the watch and bracelet match, in "character", perfectly...

Good points, leave it and enjoy it. Congrats

[nsumner]

Nice job Clay! I agree with you, leave the marks. You can always get it polished down the road. It's hard to learn something new without making a mess first.

[cop414]

Clay,
It looks great and you're right it does match the patina on the case. Great job!

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by Clay

I did think of that...But here's the thing Vince, the watch itself is an untouched original example...Complete with dings, scratches, scrapes etc...
And the bracelet really does match the patina on the watch...

I managed to polish out 90% of the marring I did when I separated the links, but I am hesitant to send it to anyone to have it "Refinished" as I'm afraid it will look to "slick" compared to the watch itself???

It may be hard to tell from the photograph, but to the naked eye the watch and bracelet match, in "character", perfectly...

I see what you're saying Clay, and it's down to personal taste. For me it looks a little too rough and hand-done, as opposed to 'natural' patination. My 16600 is in original unpolished state too, from 1990. The original 93160 was in pretty good shape as well, with very little stretch, but enough to annoy me. So, it's with MY in HK right now for a service. I know it will come back 'like new' and therefore then not 'match' the watch case, but it will soon get naturally beat up and blend in again.

I did the same for my 1969 folded-link bracelet which came on my 1680 - also unpolished.

[Puffy]

good work

[Jollyclub]

If it was mine i'd have another go at rebrushing it with the correct Bergeon pad. Getting all the brushing in the same direction. Did you use a scotchbrite pad or sandpaper?

Bracelets quickly pick up scratches and it won't look out of place for long.

Good effort fixing the stretch though. A braver man than I.

[Clay]

Originally Posted by Jollyclub

If it was mine i'd have another go at rebrushing it with the correct Bergeon pad. Getting all the brushing in the same direction. Did you use a scotchbrite pad or sandpaper?

Bracelets quickly pick up scratches and it won't look out of place for long.

Good effort fixing the stretch though. A braver man than I.

I have no doubt that the bracelet would look much better if I took more time in the polishing stage...
But to be honest I like the way it looks now with my 666...

The picture, unfortunately, makes the bracelet look much worse then it appears to the naked eye...

I may have a go at it again at some point but for now I am very pleased...

I have another bracelet standing by, and taking what I have learned will have another go at it...

Does anyone have any suggestions regarding the polishing of a bracelet???

[accce]

I would get the watch case and the band refinished. You did a great job.

[Renoir]

Originally Posted by Clay

Does anyone have any suggestions regarding the polishing of a bracelet???

I used a Bergeon brushing tool on my wife's LV band, which was pretty trashed and it cleaned it up nicely without making it look "too perfect".

[Clay]

Originally Posted by Renoir

I used a Bergeon brushing tool on my wife's LV band, which was pretty trashed and it cleaned it up nicely without making it look "too perfect".

What exactly is that???

[Renoir]

Originally Posted by Clay

What exactly is that???

The one I used is a tool, like a mechanical pencil, filled with fiberglass fibers. Here's a link with some pics that were posted online:

http://www.watchfreeks.com/view_topi...03&forum_id=46

[Jollyclub]

Google Bergeon 5444. Pretty cheap and the right tool for restoring a brushed finish.

Just take your time and it'll look 100% better.

[Clay]

Originally Posted by Jollyclub

Google Bergeon 5444. Pretty cheap and the right tool for restoring a brushed finish.

Just take your time and it'll look 100% better.

Is that A, B or C???

[Glenn-BE]

Good job!

gr. Glenn

[Jollyclub]

Originally Posted by Clay

Is that A, B or C???

Looking at your bracelet i'd get a medium (B). And a fine. (A)

Start with the medium. Take your time. Then finish off with the fine. Make sure you brush in straight lines.

Obviously remove the bracelet first and lie it on a flat surface.

Then a quich wash in soapy water with an old toothbrush and it'll be good for another 20 yrs.

Look forward to seeing the results.

[Clay]

Originally Posted by Jollyclub

Looking at your bracelet i'd get a medium (B). And a fine. (A)

Start with the medium. Take your time. Then finish off with the fine. Make sure you brush in straight lines.

Obviously remove the bracelet first and lie it on a flat surface.

Then a quich wash in soapy water with an old toothbrush and it'll be good for another 20 yrs.

Look forward to seeing the results.

Cheers mate...

[landroverking]

To me looks like it needs a little TLC with a greenie.

[RC2]

A good polish will make it look so much better. After a few weeks of wearing it - it will have character scratches again so it won't stay pretty for long

[mjclark32]

Nice work, Clay.

Agree with the Bergeon too, works great without making it too perfect.