Orator Chronograph

[harrison72]

Hi, my first posting, I will try not to step on any ones toes!

First thanks to Mark for his videos, they are an insiration.

My question is about an Orator chronometer I have been cleaning, it has a Landeron 47 movement. The dial is severly corroded (see photo) and probably not reconditionable. There is an Orator dial from a Landeron 48 movement advertised in the States, quoted as 33mm dia. My 47 movement dial is 34.5mm dia. Any idea if the dials are interchangeable between the two Landeron movements? Or where I might find a dial or maybe a reconditioner?

[WillFly]

The movements look virtually identical in Ranfft:

 

http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?13&ranfft&&2uswk&Landeron_47

 

http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?13&ranfft&&2uswk&Landeron_48

 

If the plates, hand positions etc., are the same, then the issues are with the inner case size.

 

I'd go for it, myself.

 

PS: And welcome to the forum!

[harrison72]

thanks Willfly, and I meant Mark's videos were an inspiration, typo trouble!

I found Dr Ranfft had answered the same question in 2008 (on another forum). He mentions 4 small changes between the L47 and 48, including two changes to allow easier access to the dial fixing screws. In fact mine is a 48 not as I believed a 47.

I'm still looking for a dial like the original which is a bronze colour with copper numerals if any knows of one,

regards

[Geo]

Welcome to the forum Harrison, I hope you enjoy yourself here. You may be looking fir quite some time to get a dual that matches the original style and colour of yours. Have you considered having it refinished?

[harrison72]

thanks for the welcome Geo. I have considered refinishing, but don't know who to approach,

regards

[Geo]

I've not used this company myself, but the boss (Mark) has had said good works about him in the past.

Here's a link:- http://www.davidbill.co.uk/