Vintage Oyster. Service advice. Crown replacement?

[Lochie1]

Hi,

I’m looking at restoring my Oyster (Ref 4444 I think) and appreciate any advice.

It was my grandfathers and has been in a family drawer for at least 35 years. I want to treasure it and bring it back to working order.




I want to acknowledge the advice I’ve got from VRF where I first posted. Maybe there is someone in this community who also can contribute.

Serial no is worn but best I can tell 504801 which I think makes it circa 1947.



I am still learning but from my research and help so far I’m looking at the following scope of work: (and keep all original removed parts)

-replace crystal
-replace metal caseback gasket with rubber
-replace leather strap (can anyone recommend a supplier?)
-replace crown (ideally find one from era but understand this will be really hard)
-replace case tube if required depending on the availability of the crown part
-alternatively keep the crown as is and replace the gasket in the crown pending getting a good seal.

I have a couple of trusted watchmakers i can go to in my city (I’ve used before) but value the knowledge in these forums in working out what I should do. The main thing is the crown.

So expanding on above…

-How do I go about finding a replacement crown from the era?
-should I just leave it to the technician and trust they will find the best option available?









Thanks all

[Dan S]

Unless there is a problem with the threads, I don't see why you would need to replace the crown. I think you may simply be able to replace the seal. I really like the honest condition of the watch BTW, it's clear that it hasn't been tampered with.

[Lochie1]

The thread in the crown is stripped… I forgot to mention that, apologies


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[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Lochie1

The thread in the crown is stripped… I forgot to mention that, apologies

OK. Well, those crowns are around, if you're willing to pay a few hundred. Just be sure you make sure the threads are good before buying one. Dodgy sellers will tell you they don't know.

[Lochie1]

The crystal is quite scratched. I took another photo in sunlight to show it:



I thought I could try some polywatch in the first instance as I quite like the patina of the scratches and leaving some imperfections tells a story… but honestly in two minds.

I’ve never used polywatch but just ordered some in any case. Not sure if anyone has thoughts on if it would do anything. I suspect the scratches are too extensive, and best to replace it(?)

[Dan S]

Yes, the crystal is scratched. If you search, there are many threads describing how one can restore a scratched acrylic crystal using sandpaper and polishing compound. Or you can have the crystal replaced by the watchmaker. It's your choice.