![]() ![]() When I first saw it, I couldn't understand how it happened because the movement was in tremendous condition and the watch looked like it had never leaked. If you look closely at the edge of the retaining ring in the photo above you will see a small amount of corrosion. Look also for signs of corrosion on the retaining ring. So look at the condition of the rotor which is the largest surface you will see. Obviously corrosion is a big red flag and will only occur if moisture has gotten into the watch. It is very difficult to tell the exact condition of a movement from a photo but there are things worth looking for. ![]() For a 7 day auction it is worth asking the seller to time the watch over 24 hours against Greenwich Mean Time. Many sellers are somewhat economical with the truth in their descriptions of both the condition and functionality of vintage watches. When you buy a vintage watch you only have the sellers word that it is running and keeping good time. Many watchmakers use RODICO to remove dirt and dust from dials, but I have never used it. I prefer a bit of discolouration to a lump of paint coming off so I'm very careful whenever I touch dials. I have found that on the vintage watches I have bought that a very light brushing with a cotton bud will remove a great deal of oxide and 'grime' from the dial and luminous markers. This is caused by the particles of 'silver' oxidising more in some areas than others. Silver dials are more problematic as they seem to show 'age spots'. The paint on the dial of a 30 - 40 year old watch will have oxidized considerably, so will the luminous material (most likely Tritium). Most sellers are unlikely to open the watch and show the dial and hands like in the photo above, but if possible try to get a close up of the dial. The dial could be redone and I'll show one later, but the worry is that the movement could be shagged and there may be other corrosion in the case. If it is trashed with paint flaking off then there is a possibility that the watch was flooded at some stage. Obviously the dial is a pretty important part of the equation. ![]()
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