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Wittnauer Compressor Diver

LittleWatchShop

By LittleWatchShop
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LittleWatchShop Distinguished Member

LittleWatchShop

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My Dad gave this to me on my 14th birthday.  I had wanted it for several years.  Some years later, I had another dial made for it that was customized with my name on it.  I kept the original dial. 

Today, I finally got the courage to take it apart and restore the original dial.

Judging from the lume on the hands, I am guessing that maybe I did that myself a lifetime ago.  Part of me wants to have the dial and hands refinished to match.  The other part of me says no...leave it be.

Maybe a little surprising that I would be nervous about doing this today.  Already in the last few months, I have disassembled and reassembled several watches (one a chronometer Chronograph) without much fan fare.  But, this watch is personal...the others were from the junk box.

 

1028653413_2021-01-2210_58_28-Photos.png.2dee7e1144804891ed46b3a47f520c5f.png

Edited by LittleWatchShop
corrected chronometer to chronograph
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LittleWatchShop Distinguished Member

LittleWatchShop

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27 minutes ago, PastorChris said:

I know that opinions vary wildly on such things, but I'd keep it the way it is, save for servicing to keep it running well. I'd love to see the custom dial you made, even if you prefer to plus you name out.

Here it is.  They did a pretty poor job IMO.

I ordered a set of NOS hands (for a pretty penny!).  When the new hands are installed, I will post an update.

Old dial_edit.jpg

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LittleWatchShop Distinguished Member

LittleWatchShop

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OK, the new (NOS) hands came in today and I installed them.  Goodness what a challenge.  Hour and minute hand fit just find but the second hand hole was too small.  Argh!!  Fortunately, my dad had a very good collection of broaches in his watch bench.  I had seen them but forgot which drawer.  Double argh!! 

Well, found them and put the finest on a pin vice and carefully increased the hole size.  I would put the original hand on the broach and measure how far it extended and then compare with the new one as I reamed.  Nerve-racking for sure.  But I got it.

Here is the watch with the new hands.  Much better with matching lume.

2021-01-29 16_32_54-Photos.png

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