Nice watch. You might be surprised what a new crystal and a good cleaning will do. Dont make it look brand new, it looses all the history then.

Good luck

It was mentioned that the quote could be anything that I wanted it to be.
They will have to look at the internals and then work their way out to the cosmetic stuff.
I am not too sure that I want to replace the hands and face as I didn't really see a problem with them. A good cleaning should brighten them up a bit.
The outer ring (techymetre) needs to be replaced as well as the crystal and function buttons, but I am waiting for the quote before I make up my mind as to how far to go. It could be upwards of $1200 if there isn't too much wrong inside. To make it brand new looking it could be as high as 2k (can$)...
I don't think that it will reduce the sentimental value to me, even if it looks like a new watch when it comes back.
That is a great idea to ask for the old parts, I will have to remember that.

My 69' has some patina to the dials and the hands, but the rest is mint. I like light patina as it reminds me that the watch is older than me. :)

I agree with your plan. make sure to post pics when it is done!http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1232753556.jpg

+1

I was waiting for the part about it having been in someone's arse.

Cool shot of the watch! Very classy/ rugged looking when it's all cleaned up.
There was a new commemorative edition at the shop I took the watch to to have it checked out before shipping. Very nice...

When it gets back, I hope to give it back to my Dad.

I received the quote just after post #25, and it wasn't too bad!
$1200. Canadian dollars includes new movement, crystal, bezel (tacymeter) ring, full polish on the casing and new band. It should be back in the second week of March.
I am looking forward to seeing it.

Cornpanzer, that your CGT?

Excellent, glad to hear that you're getting it running again.

Please post a pic or two when you receive it back.
Thanks

have my dad's USAAF issue watch. i get it cleaned every other year. shows no sign of ever stopping.

Cool watch. I have an early vintage one as well. I had resto work done several years ago but I rarely wear it, mostly due to the damn acrylic crystal.

sub'd. I want to see the after shots.

my Timex just hid under the dresser.

Me too. Cool thread.

Just curious why it needs a new movement as opposed to just a cleaning/servicing? I'm guessing that was a big chunk of the cost, although the bands are surprisingly spendy as well. Mine just needed a band and crystal as I recall, but that was 7-8 years ago.

Definitely post some before/after pics!

I was wondering the same thing.
Regarding the band (bracelet) is the one on your dads original? If so, I would want to try to restore it as I dont believe that the original bracelets are available and the current style is different from what they used in the 60's.

Last thing you want is to spend all of this money on restoring a classic piece and then have it look like a new one. Kinda like hanging a 964RS tail on a 73 RS. :)

I had the same bracelet on my speedmaster and it broke after about 5 years. I looked for an original one but ended up using the omega leather one that also came with the watch. Now I need to find another original band since the leather one is now toast.

They didn't say exactly why it needed a new movement but I would speculate that 20+ years on the left wrist of a left handed rig weldor would have something to do with it!
The pins in the band were pretty much done. There were several links that were so worn that I don't believe the new pins would stay in.
I looked at the band on the commemorative edition and it didn't look different than the original.
Mind you I wasn't being all that critical when I viewed it and they weren't side by side for a comparison.
I have seen the bracelets on fleebay but who knows what they really are....

If it was missing a chrono pusher that's a spot where water could enter, rusting out the movement. For that reason you'll be instructed not to use the pusher under water.

As for the comments about not using the chrono or tachymeter, well there are a lot of reasons-timing your parking meter time, measuring your speed over a marked milepost, timing food deliveries, etc etc.

The thing about the old vs new style bands is true. I don't recall the exact differences but it is noticeable. Like a dumba$$ I must have let the shop keep my old band when they did the work, or else if it's here I sure can't find it. :(

It is back!!!
Somewhere between the quote and its arrival the price was inflated a bit.... Who was it that mentioned the verbal vs. a written quote? Oh well what are you going to do, they have the watch and you have the money. I was just excited about getting the watch back.
They did send the old parts back, too.
Pictures to follow.
Thanks for following this thread and for all your input!
Edit: The difference between the bands is very noticeable when they are side by side, but the new band is very nice.
I am very happy with the way it turned out.