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Post by carl on Feb 8, 2015 19:16:57 GMT -6
Had lunch with a few friends today. One of them, born in Japan, brought along his Seiko Bell-matic, his first watch, which he purchased in Japan 50 years ago. The Bell-matic has an alarm set by rotating the internal bezel and operated by the pusher just above the crown. He only recently dug out this watch after having stored it for a number of years. Apparently the various models were made in the 60s and 70s. I really like this watch, and advised him to get it serviced - as it has never once been serviced - and cleaned up, but not polished. Particularly interesting is the quite intricate bracelet, with the Seiko clasp. The watch operates, but from what we could see, not the alarm. He does go to Japan at least once or twice a year, so I thought maybe it best to get it serviced there. I am by no means an expert on vintage Seikos, so was at a loss to give him further advice. Actually, I really have a fondness for this particular watch, and felt compelled to take a few photos: Thanks for looking at my thread. Carl
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Post by rw16610 on Feb 8, 2015 20:52:17 GMT -6
That would look so good fully serviced or restored! It'll be worth his time and money getting this done some day.
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CHIP
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Post by CHIP on Feb 8, 2015 21:24:39 GMT -6
Those are very cool and I almost bought a fairly minty one for 300 bucks.
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Baco Noir
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Post by Baco Noir on Feb 8, 2015 21:26:30 GMT -6
Wow, how cool to have a watch you have owned for 50 years still. Was that plexi I assume? Did you tell him about polywatch?
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Post by carl on Feb 8, 2015 21:45:01 GMT -6
Wow, how cool to have a watch you have owned for 50 years still. Was that plexi I assume? Did you tell him about polywatch? Thanks for reminding me, Roger. The thought crossed my mind, then we all got talking about other things.
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maxwell83
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Post by maxwell83 on Feb 9, 2015 1:34:02 GMT -6
Good vintage stuff... Japan made I hope
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Post by ianmedium on Feb 9, 2015 4:11:52 GMT -6
If that's plexi the give it to me for twenty minutes and I will have it looking new! The crystal scratches are a bit too deep for just Polywatch to work but with my sanding and buffing method along with a final buff with Polywatch it should do the trick!
Our friend the German watch maker should be able to handle the service Carl, if memory serves I think he has worked on these before. It's a beauty
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Baco Noir
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Post by Baco Noir on Feb 9, 2015 7:44:07 GMT -6
If that's plexi the give it to me for twenty minutes and I will have it looking new! The crystal scratches are a bit too deep for just Polywatch to work but with my sanding and buffing method along with a final buff with Polywatch it should do the trick! Our friend the German watch maker should be able to handle the service Carl, if memory serves I think he has worked on these before. It's a beauty Good point. With no cyclops, sandpaper and polywatch will do the trick in no time.
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maxwell83
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Post by maxwell83 on Feb 13, 2015 5:41:11 GMT -6
Skratches on glass are visible.. not in good condition
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Baco Noir
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Post by Baco Noir on Feb 13, 2015 8:17:36 GMT -6
Skratches on glass are visible.. not in good condition You'd be amazed at what a little TLC can to to revive a 50 year old watch that's never been serviced. If it were me, since this isn't a Red Sub type high value vintage watch, I'd consider doing a full polish and replacing the crystal. Maybe first just having the crystal replaced and bracelet and case cleaned to see how much that transforms it. If it looks good at that point, I'd leave it, but I would not be afraid of a polish on that piece.
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Post by ianmedium on Feb 13, 2015 22:31:46 GMT -6
I agree Roger, in fact when you consider this has been worn by one person for all its life it's comdtion is actually remarkable. Personally I would not polish the case, that's a lifetimes history in every Mark but I certainly would the crystal as that is a more practical concern and it makes such a difference to the look of the dial. Honestly though it's probably got plenty of depth of material left to just need a polish rather than replacement, it would be nice to keep it as original as possible I think
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