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NavitimerNut · 15 April 2012, 09:57 AM

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 · 15 April 2012, 10:13 AM

$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 · 15 April 2012, 10:19 AM

Quote:

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 · 15 April 2012, 10:55 AM

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

Grissom · 15 April 2012, 11:13 AM

Quote:

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 · 15 April 2012, 11:53 AM

Quote:

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 · 15 April 2012, 09:23 PM

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 · 15 April 2012, 09:59 PM

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

nowzen · 15 April 2012, 10:04 PM

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 · 7 September 2012, 05:58 AM

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 · 7 September 2012, 06:42 AM

Keep as is

DiamondJack · 7 September 2012, 08:53 AM

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 · 7 September 2012, 03:00 PM

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 · 8 September 2012, 04:50 AM

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 · 8 September 2012, 04:53 AM

Quote:

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 · 8 September 2012, 05:39 AM

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.

View Poll Results: Should I get it restored?
Yes!	10	50.00%
No!	10	50.00%
Voters: 20. You may not vote on this poll

15 April 2012, 09:57 AM	#1
NavitimerNut "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Caleb Location: California Watch: Rolex 1500 Posts: 1,295	1951 Vintage Bulova Restoration 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

15 April 2012, 10:55 AM	#4
dbphotos "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: David Location: Texas Watch: your 6! Posts: 898	I wouldn't touch the dial. Just keep it serviced and enjoy it. __________________ www.DavidBailey.com Rolex DD YG 18238 \| Rolex 1675 Pepsi \| Rolex 14060 \| Rolex Vintage 6694 \| Rolex TT 16013 \| Tudor Tiger 79280P on Shark strap \| a whole bunch of misc watches

15 April 2012, 09:23 PM	#7
johnswatch "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: in a dream world Posts: 488	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..... __________________ 18k GMTIIc, II,16013 DJ, PAM 112, Patek ref 96J, Helson Bronze, Elgin Trench, Gruen Curvex, Omega F300 and a few others......

15 April 2012, 10:04 PM	#9
nowzen "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 741	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!) __________________ *Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons*

15 April 2012, 10:13 AM	#2
watch watcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: ME Watch: Vintages Posts: 565	$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.

15 April 2012, 09:59 PM	#8
dysondiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: tom Location: northern ireland Watch: my fins Posts: 10,063	triggers broom ............. id keep it as it is.

7 September 2012, 05:58 AM	#10
vintagewaferthin "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Earth Watch: Air-King 5500 Posts: 2,620	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.

7 September 2012, 06:42 AM	#11
capote "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Daniel Location: Sweden Watch: 16570 Posts: 7,315	Keep as is

7 September 2012, 08:53 AM	#12
DiamondJack "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: London Watch: Quite a few Posts: 4,315	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......

7 September 2012, 03:00 PM	#13
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,689	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! __________________ Last thing I remember, I was Running outta sight I had to find the passage back,To the place I was before. ’Relax,’ said this Rolex place,We are programmed to receive. You can checkout any time you like, But you can never leave!

8 September 2012, 04:50 AM	#14
conrail "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Boston Posts: 3,177	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. __________________ "Oh, you give a f****' aspirin a headache, pal!"

8 September 2012, 05:39 AM	#16
wantonebad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: USA Watch: 126600, 116500LN Posts: 12,849	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. __________________ "I'm kind of a big deal... on a fairly irrelevant social media site that falsely inflates my fragile ego"

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