Here's A Nice Old Thomas Russell From The 1920S-1930S

[WillFly]

You see lots of Thomas Russell pocket watch for sale, but rarely a Thomas Russell wrist watch - and one as old as this that's in working order. And I got it for a song!

 

It's very tempting to get this one totally restored - case replated, dial refurbished - and the case back is very worn. On the other hand, I might just clean it up and enjoy the age and patination! The dial on this is lovely.

 

Any advice on the best way to clean a dial?

 

[Geo]

That's an interesting old time piece. part from gentle cleaning I would keep it as is.

Regarding the dial, I would just give it a very delicate clean with a cotton bud dampened with a very week solution of Fairy Liquid. Finishing off with a bud dampened with pure water to make sure there was no residual detergent left on the dial. Whatever you do, do not put it in an ultrasonic cleaner as it could blast off some of the finish. I know, because I tried it once when starting this horology lark.

[WillFly]

Thanks Geo - I'll go carefully with the dial, etc.

[bobm12]

 

 ...And I got it for a song!

That's why it is an advantage to be a musician! I love the watch! Congratulations, Will.

 

 

dampened with a very week solution of Fairy Liquid

Hi Geo, how does it compare to Palmolive? We don't have Fairy here...Any different with other washing soaps? I will be refinishing dials soon...Thanks in advance.

[Geo]

Hi Geo, how does it compare to Palmolive? We don't have Fairy here...Any different with other washing soaps? I will be refinishing dials soon...Thanks in advance.

I'm sure Palmolive will do just as well. :-)

[Legarm]

Baby lotion is brilliant, leave for about an hour and check. If yo do leave it too long it will remove decals etc......

[bobm12]

Thanks guys, I'll try both in my dials to experiment with!

[WillFly]

Arrived today - and not as dirty as I thought. Needs a clean, though - starts on the first wind but then stops for a bit... A simple little 9-jewel movement - probably one of the oldest wrist watch movements I have.

 

 

 

[WillFly]

All cleaned up and serviced - with a nice new crystal. I didn't touch the dial, in the end.

 

[bobm12]

I love what you did with the watch Will, it has lots of character and is a nice vintage watch to enhance your already excellent collection! Great job and great addition.

[daz]

A great job with the watch Will..

 

And the right call with the dial, it's patination adds to the watch and a nice new crystal enhances it further, one for the collection I think...

 

 

Best Wishes

 

Darren