Cheap Dh

[Nige]

Found a Silvana DH on eBay the other day in some obscure ex Russian state,and as I've wanted a German ww2 military watch for some time I thought I would take a chance,it was listed as not working and from the pictures I could see it was without its crown, on arrival I had quite a job removing the case back,and by the look of the scratches others had tried too. I don't think it had been removed in a long time and when removed I was pleased to find the movement complete albeit very dirty,water had got in past the stem at some time and the dial was very dirty and moldy and the hands rusty, and the keyless work rusted solid, I stripped the watch down and all parts except keyless work were ok so set about cleaning.as I don't have a cleaning machine all was done by hand and I'm still learning as I go! In the areas on the bridges where the corrosion was worse the silver finish is worn away but that aside when reassembled the watch ran fine, I then set about the dial with much trepidation,but after a gentle start found the dial to be very sound so a little more time and effort got a good result. before.and after.now the watch is reassembled and running fine but still needs the case repaired and rechromed and some more pics taken so more to follow,but as this watch only cost £18 with £5 postage I think I've done ok.

[Geo]

Hi Nige, you've done exceedingly well to get it running and looking as good as it is. I would never have believed you could have salvaged the dial, what method did you use to clean it? The case is going to be a bit of a challenge too. You will have to silver solder a new bar in place before plating. I'm keen to see the finished result.

I hope our oracle Will chimes in with some history information.

[WillFly]

That's a great job, Nige - and, when it's finished completely, you'll have a watch worth many, many times what you paid for it. Those D-H watches from WW2 are much sought after. They're more or less the equivalent of our own A.T.P. or W.W.W. military watches - but possibly quite a bit rarer. Don't forget to show us the final product. How are the hands faring?

[anilv]

what does DH mean?

[Geo]

what does DH mean?

Have a read of this Anil, it's very informative.

http://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/990103944/m/425100906

[Geo]

Contrary to what I said earlier would you not be better to just have a new bar fitted to the case and leave it as is? You will wipe out the historic patina and probably de-value the watch in the process if you refinish it.

[WillFly]

Contrary to what I said earlier would you not be better to just have a new bar fitted to the case and leave it as is? You will wipe out the historic patina and probably de-value the watch in the process if you refinish it.

I think, on the whole, I'm with Geo on this one. I think it's perfectly acceptable to polish up and refinish a watch case with no actual historical value. WW1 and WW2 watches, in my opinion, have a story to tell - which is written in their physical condition, as it were, and I've never messed with mine. "Messed`' would be the word that would describe my efforts!

[anilv]

Thanks Geo... something I need!

Anil

[oldhippy]

That's a very fine job you have done there congratulations. I bet that watch has a few tails to tell.

[frenchie]

I would never have believed you could have salvaged the dial, what method did you use to clean it?

Please please please !!!

[Nige]

Hi all sorry took so long to reply,in answer to your question Geo,I cleaned the dial with "artists picture cleaner" from Windsor and Newton it's for cleaning old oil paintings as I paint a bit I came across it in an art shop and used it to clean a moon face dial before I restored it,the method I use is with a cotton bud and gently apply in a circular motion in a small area at a time,obviously check it first but I've done a few and had no problems, and as to the hands Will,they have come up ok but I've not gone to mad,I think your both right about the case and I won't rechrome it,

[Geo]

Thanks for the info on cleaning Nige, I appreciate it. I think you are doing the correct thing by not having it re-chromed. :)

[WillFly]

It looks good, Nige - a nice piece of history in working order. Excellent work!

 

Will

[Nige]

Thanks for your kind words guys,all I need to do now then is fit a new bar,I don't know how silver solder is done so ill have to get my brother to do it,he's quite stacked out with work so i,'ll have to wait my turn,I'm looking forward to wearing it.

[seang]

Hi Nige,

 

Nice work on the Dial and Movement, you have a lovely watch and great piece of history there.

 

If you want the lug and fixed bar repaired professionally I'd recommend Adam Phillips http://www.watchcaseworks.co.uk

 

I've just has this back from him:

 

Before

 

After

 

[Geo]

Excellent recommendation Seang.

[Nige]

Thanks for that seang I will check him out,much appreciated,

[Geo]

You had better make it cleat that it is only the bar that has to repaired and not a complete re-finish.

[Delroyb]

First post on here, amazed it has taken me so long to find this forum. I will do a proper intro later, but just wanted to add a plus one recomendation for Adam Philips. Used him for the first time last week on a Breitling 181 case, very badly pitted and lost most of its chrome. Came back looking amazing and original not like it had been re-chromed! Will put a post covering that particular restoration up soon.

[Geo]

Welcome to the forum Delroy and thanks for pitching in from the start. I'm looking forward to reading your article.