Tips for polishing hands etc..

[DJT2]

Hi guys, I've just finished my Hamilton 36000 restoration. I'm really happy how it has turned out apart from the hands & the metal work on the dial. The surface looks pitted, I've tried to clean etc but to no avail. I'd love to get some ideas on the best way to polish or restore hands etc..

Before

After

Dial hands & date window as you can see, they look pitted.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[SSTEEL]

I'm interested in hearing what others do too.  I have had some bad luck trying to polish hands, turns out some hands are brass underneath the chrome, so instead of the expected solid stainless steel, things went south quickly.  As to your date window frame, I am guessing that is plastic, which has been chromed.

[DJT2]

Ah yes, I never even considered the date window was plastic & I had a similar issue with polishing some hands to find they turned brass yellow. Had to replace them with a set of horotec jobs, which really detracted from the artdeco look of the watch.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[clockboy]

The only thing to do is find new hands & replace. The cheap chrome effect will just peel off if attempting a polish.

[DJT2]

The only thing to do is find new hands & replace. The cheap chrome effect will just peel off if attempting a polish.

Shame, thought as much. Other than Cousins, could you suggest a stockist that would sell a more varied selection of vintage style hands. Also, anywhere I could purchase dial date windows.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[rogart63]

Found this some days ago? He polish the hands with some kind of plastic polish? Check under hand installing tool? http://www.thewatchmaker.com.cy/watch-repairs-video-tips.php

Edited March 29, 2016 by rogart63

[SSTEEL]

Looks like fine lapping paste.

[Davey57]

A couple of times I have used one of those tarnish removing cloths. They are nice and soft, although a little fluffy, and they have improved the look of dull hands etc.

[DJT2]

Found this some days ago? He polish the hands with some kind of plastic polish? Check under hand installing tool? http://www.thewatchmaker.com.cy/watch-repairs-video-tips.php

Wow great video, it amazed me how he could hold the hand whilst polishing with tweasers. I'd drop it for sure. But thanks it has really helped.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[DJT2]

A couple of times I have used one of those tarnish removing cloths. They are nice and soft, although a little fluffy, and they have improved the look of dull hands etc.

Do you mean Cape Cod cloths?

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[svorkoetter]

I recently transplanted a dial and hands from an old case and movement (Vostok Komandirskie with 2414a hand-wind movement) to a new case and movement (Vostok Amphibia with 2416 auto movement). The hands looked similar to yours, and I was able to polish them using 5 micron lapping film (a bit finer than P2500 sandpaper), followed by 12000 grit MicroMesh (about 2 micron grit size). They ended up looking much better than before.

 

 

Edited March 29, 2016 by svorkoetter

[DJT2]

I recently transplanted a dial and hands from an old case and movement (Vostok Komandirskie with 2414a hand-wind movement) to a new case and movement (Vostok Amphibia with 2416 auto movement). The hands looked similar to yours, and I was able to polish them using 5 micron lapping film (a bit finer than P2500 sandpaper), followed by 12000 grit MicroMesh (about 2 micron grit size). They ended up looking much better than before.

 

 

Looks amazing. I've never used anything like lapping film, is it just the same usage as sandpaper?

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[svorkoetter]

Yes, it's basically extremely fine sandpaper, with a mylar instead of paper backing: http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=33004

And this is the MicroMesh: http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=62146

I bought a disc of the 12000x, and cut off small pieces to use on watch parts. I also have a full set of the foam-backed pads that I've used for a number of projects.

Edited March 29, 2016 by svorkoetter

[DJT2]

Yes, it's basically extremely fine sandpaper, with a mylar instead of paper backing: http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=33004

And this is the MicroMesh: http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=62146

I bought a disc of the 12000x, and cut off small pieces to use on watch parts. I also have a full set of the foam-backed pads that I've used for a number of projects.

Brilliant, I'll order some now. Thanks

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[clockboy]

Just wondering if Polywatch would work as a plastic polish.

[DJT2]

A while ago I bought some bergeon extra fine diamond polishing powder. I wasn't really sure what it was for & have never used it. Apparently I add it to a small amount of meths for extra fine polishing. Would this work?

[svorkoetter]

15 minutes ago, clockboy said:

Just wondering if Polywatch would work as a plastic polish.

Polywatch is a plastic polish.

[jeffc83]

To all:  Polywatch is a plastic polish BUT it is way overpriced for what it does.  Buy a tube of Simichrome and polish the plastic and/or crystal with that.  MUCH cheaper and it works on all metals as well.  Win win:D

[rogart63]

1 hour ago, jeffc83 said:

To all:  Polywatch is a plastic polish BUT it is way overpriced for what it does.  Buy a tube of Simichrome and polish the plastic and/or crystal with that.  MUCH cheaper and it works on all metals as well.  Win win:D

Here in Sweden we use Häxan  That witch in English  

[clockboy]

1 hour ago, jeffc83 said:

To all:  Polywatch is a plastic polish BUT it is way overpriced for what it does.  Buy a tube of Simichrome and polish the plastic and/or crystal with that.  MUCH cheaper and it works on all metals as well.  Win win:D

I think the problem with Simichrome is it is bit to harsh & thats why the guy in the vid uses a plastic polish.

[jeffc83]

Not sure why it would be too harsh though...the crystals come out fantastic, like new!  I have used both products many times (still have that polystuff too) but kept using the Simichrome instead because I ended up with the same result for a cheaper cost.  This is why I like being here, I just learned that I can use Häxan, provided I obtain it from outside the US;)  I also might learn that my crystals will MELT from the simichrome after 30 days, LOL

Edited March 29, 2016 by jeffc83