Atlantic Worldmaster Watch Face

[GearedUp]

Hello,

I recently picked up an Atlantic Worldmaster Original from an auction.  It seems to keep very good time.  Even though I have next to no experience with watches other than changing batteries and links, I managed to open it up with the few basic tools I have - I had to remove the crystal in any case since it was cracked.

The conundrum I'm having is with the watch face.

The photo shows the issue.  The face seems like it might have had some type of lacquer type material that has cracked away to a large degree although much of it still remains behind.  When I gently brush the watch face with a finger it does not clean up.  The remaining material doesn't want to come off.

So, I'm not sure if there's an easy or relatively suitable fix for someone like me with very little experience.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[jdm]

22 minutes ago, GearedUp said:

The face seems like it might have had some type of lacquer type material that has cracked away to a large degree although much of it still remains behind.  When I gently brush the watch face with a finger it does not clean up.  The remaining material doesn't want to come off.

So, I'm not sure if there's an easy or relatively suitable fix for someone like me with very little experience.

This is often asked. Dial damage due to flacking, oxidation, material reactions, etc cannot be fixed except by the few redialing specialists that do charge a dear amount for that.

However since your dial appears to be the silvered type have a look at the video below, (dial work starts at 11:30) by hour host Mark Lovick. Enrolling in his training is the best way to quickly and properly learn watch repair.

 

[watchweasol]

Hi  Other than a gentle clean with a moist cotton bud not much else you can do without damaging the dial further, you may be able to lessen the impact of the  corrosion.  I agree with jdm  watch the video and if you feel it is within your scope enroll in the training.

[jdm]

5 hours ago, watchweasol said:

I agree with jdm  watch the video and if you feel it is within your scope enroll in the training.

To clarify, Mark's training is not about dial restoring but basic movement service and repair, that is what is logic to begin with.

The above was some extra on silvering and dial printing via decal transfer. More on the subject

 

[GearedUp]

Got it JDM and thanks.

I find these videos fascinating.  These horologists have steady hands.  Reminiscent of a surgeon.  I guess in a way it's like performing surgery on a watch.

I think the refacing might be a bit advanced for me at this point.  But there are two things that might induce me to give it a try - I picked up the watch as part of an eight watch lot for only $15.  And it's not a particularly valuable watch.  Still, it's grown on me since I've owned it and I want to avoid doing any permanent damage to it.   Like I said at the start, it seems to keep very good time.

I have done some other work already as well.  I filed down the case.  This video was my guide:

 

At some point I think I'll nickel plate, which will also be a new experience for me. 

I stopped filing before I could remove every gouge and scratch.  As per the video, I didn't want to file down edges.  I'm hoping the nickel plating might fill in some of the remaining gaps and scratches.  I haven't buffed the case at all. 

I'm attaching a photo of the case.  Not sure if you have an opinion as to whether I should continue filing to get rid of the scratches.

[jdm]

11 hours ago, GearedUp said:

I filed down the caseI filed down the case.

Personally I do not recommend filing becasue it leaves a too rough surface that has to be polished later. Ideally, any material removal that cannot be avoided should be done with grinding on a special wheel, that is much easier to say than done. 

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I'm hoping the nickel plating might fill in some of the remaining gaps and scratches.

It will not. Surface has to absolutely perfect, plating would make any blemish more visible. 

Quote

I haven't buffed the case at all. 

You should, paying attention to avoid touching edges.