Best way to clean a paper dial?

[Adamski]

Hi all, complete novice here. I like to collect early WW1 era watches and this rather sad looking Ingersoll Crown pocket watch has come into my possession, see attached pictures below.

It is missing its bezel and glass which explains the damage to the hands and dirty paper dial, it is also non-working but won't be touching the movement until i have got further on Mark's watch repair course.

I know these watches are inexpensive even when they were new but would like to restore this watch if possible with a donor as I like the dial with the military style lume dots and red Arabic numbers around the edge, and it also has an original dated guarantee card in the case back.

Donor watches I have seen dont have this same dial type so was wondering what’s the best way to clean a paper dial? I have had success previously in cleaning grimy porcelain dials with a cotton bud moistened with distilled water and a light touch but I don’t want to turn this dial into paper mache.

Any advice would be very welcome indeed!

Thanks in advance

Adam.

[Nucejoe]

A one dip in lighter fluid to get rid of any grease, give it couple of hours to dry then a rubber pencil eraser.

[watchweasol]

Personly I would leave it alone as rubbing will destroy the surface glaze and expose the souft under structure.  Fit a new glass and accept it as is.

[RichardHarris123]

Can't fit a new crystal without the bezel.

[watchweasol]

These watches often come up on ebay, measure the size of the fitting for the bezel and check out the bay or try welwynwatches.co.uk who are second user parts suppliers, speedtimerkollection.com in europe being another. If you get stuck for parts I may have a couple of tis type in the box.

[mikepilk]

I would just dab the dial gently with Rodico.

Those "red dots" will be radium - take the recommended care should-i-be-worried-about-radium

Basically it's flaking radium you want to avoid, so I would keep the dial in a sealed plastic bag. Once you get a glass fitted it will be OK.