At what point is a watch not restorable?

[mcass]

I came across this on eBay (quite possible posting this may put it out of my price range....LOL) and it got me to thinking. At what point is a watch no longer serviceable or able to be restored. Part of me says this looks like a fun long term project and the other part says there aint no way.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Mens-JP-Pinguoin-17-Jewel-Formula-Analog-Watch-For-Parts-Or-Repair-/272217539969?hash=item3f616e0581:g:9z8AAOSwD2pXFn~r

[clockboy]

Its always posible to restore if parts are available or if you have the skills & equipment to make the parts.

Rust is the killer.

[ro63rto]

At what point does it change from a "restoration" and becomes "Triggers broom"?

For those wondering......

Trigger's Broom:

[Mark]

1 hour ago, ro63rto said:

At what point does it change from a "restoration" and becomes "Triggers broom"?

For those wondering......

Trigger's Broom:

 

LOL - you beat me to it, first thing I thought of when I saw the title of the thread was Trigger.

[ausimax]

Restoration of a watch like that depends upon the availability of parts or donor movement/s and the cost of those solutions, I have quite a few that are restorable, but the cost of the parts exceeds the end value of the watch.

Not so much a consideration if you want it for your collection, I'm not much into collecting I just like restoring them and cost becomes a factor as I try to sell some on to finance more victims, I would like to get hold of a chrono to restore but I get peeved if I can't find the parts to do so. So I have to consider all those factors before I buy a project. 

So do your research, find out what movement the watch has then search the availability of donor movements or parts if the fault is known and work from there.

Max

[mcass]

If parts are rusted, because they are so small, is it safe to use naval jelly or vinegar to remove the rust and then polish the piece?

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[Cad101]

It's not a question of removing the rust its what the rust has eaten ,pivots cogs wheels etc and then you run into the cost of replacing those parts it starts overpricing the watch beyond its worth or if your like me begrudge paying £ 15 plus p&p  for a setting lever spring which is 3 times what I paid for the watch in the first place (but then I am a tight Yorkshire man) but if money is no object and you can find the parts needed and its a watch you've always wanted and you dont mind putting the hours in cleaning parts why not.

[anilv]

Basically if you have the skills and resources, anything is restorable.

 

A bit off-topic (well ok.. totally off topic)..you can jump to page 57 to see the finished article.

http://www.ssvc.org.uk/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=35155

 

[StuartBaker104]

Indeed.  Since we are now OT. If only I had the patience, skills and resources that these guys have...

http://www.bluebirdproject.com/K7/index.php?id=49

We gave them some help with the engine fuel system which had been at the bottom of lake Coniston for 40 years, but that's nothing compared to what they've done by themselves.