Is this untouched

[chef40]

i am just about to buy this watch for $2000 and have been told it is untouched and original. does anyone know if the dial is original and the hands are right for the style of dial. i think its beautiful and will buy it anyway but it would be good to know

[andromeda160]

Looks good to me, I'd say it's a pretty safe buy at $2k

[Paul]

Be aware that bubble-backs are small by today's standards - wouldn't suit some folk wanting a daily wearer..

If that square-endlink rice bead bracelet happens to be a Gay Freres it has some serious value on its own.

There's a fella called Adam who has a fine collection and good knowledge on bubble-backs. Hopefully he'll call in

[fernango]

the center bolt of the rotor is missing a small screw,
the bracelet seems aftermarket

[shofzr]

Originally Posted by fernango

the center bolt of the rotor is missing a small screw,
the bracelet seems aftermarket

It's not missing a screw, the single small screw is there just to hold the large center one in place. The position of the large screw controls the end shake of the oscillating weight.

[adam78]

I posted my opinions also in the OP's other thread about the 1945 bubbleback. Overall it looks original (not sure about the bracelet), but the case is too polished for my taste. That can be restored by a skilled craftsman, however (e.g. Michael Young in HK).

[chef40]

hi adam. out of interest, how do you unpolish something?
regards
chris

[adam78]

Once polished, it cannot be unpolished, of course. What can be done is to restore the case to have sharp edges and the proper brushed finish on the tops of the lugs.

Here is an example of mine. This 3065 hooded bb had been incorrectly polished (the lugs especially) when I bought it:



Michael Young (classicwatchparts.com) received the case and was able to restore the original lines and finish: