I recently purchased a Bulova " Champ " model watch at an estate sale. I am looking to get an opinion as to whether or not go through the expense of having the dial redone. Looking for the pro's and cons . Best Ed
Ed, what does the current dial look like? Are 'you' ok with how it looks? It depends of wheather you want to wear the watch yourself or sell it.
Some people like the original patina, others prefer to have them redone professionally, others just like to give it a simple clean. It's very much a personal choice.
Resale wise you might find it better to have the dial professional redone, but again it comes down to how bad the dial is to begin with and what you might expect to sell the watch at to cover your costs.
If you plan on wearing the watch yourself and prefer a nicer dial AND can afford the redial process, I'd say go for it, it won't de-value the watch in any way. IMO.
In reply to Thank you for the prompt by esk51
I've said this elsewhere, these are very rare.
It might be possible to clean the numerals, (Brass, likely gold plated) with a toothpick (quality round type) and minute amounts of Flitz or PEEK, or even Brasso. Clean up any excess with Rodico. The dial itself will most likely be ruined by any attempt to clean it, but ultimatley, it is your call whether to re-dial this beauty. If I could be sure the work would preserve the seconds track in particular, I would do it, that is just my opinion. I've had good results with International, but the best way to approach this would be to send them the pics of the dial, and ask if they could do it exactly the way it is. It costs extra, but on this one is perfectly justifiable.
Reverend Bob, thank you for your input. I have been vascilatting on how to proceed with this very rare Bulova watch. On one hand I would like to keep it as found and on the other have it restored to be like it was when it was made . I don't want to ruin the value going forward. I am trying to determine if it better to just let the next owner make that decision. Can you provide the information on "international " so I can look them up and open a conversation to see their thoughts. I think the positive is that the movement is complete and running( obviously should be cleaned and serviced) and the case is probably 95 percent. Thank you again for all the information Best,Ed
In reply to Reverend Bob, thank you for by esk51
International Dial Co, in Wilmington, Ohio. If you go to their web page, you can email them:
http://www.internationaldialco.com/Pages/Public/Default.aspx
If you do get the movt serviced (Always a good idea) get the watchmaker to take some pics of the service or disassembly if possible. I have done one of these but it was missing parts in the auto winding mechanism.
Reverend, thank you for the link. I have exchanged emails with them this morning and they seem very knowledgeable and competent. They can also do the hour and minute hands which seems like a good idea ? As you can see from the posted pick the case is about 95 percent. The 5 percent would be the slight brassing ina couple of the corners of the top of the case. Is there a company out there that could restore this and should it be done? Best Ed
In reply to Reverend, thank you for the by esk51
I have decided that I am going to put the rare Bulova on the market. I want it to go to a good home ,a collector who can either restore it or not. I believe it is a very rare low production watch that will make a great addition to someone's collection. I am going to explore how to put it in the watches for sale on this site. Best. Ed