Great thread. Thanks for sharing the experience.

Billy,
My take on this is that the watchmaker was trying to guarantee water resistance and not simply good operation. While that it wasn't in any way dishonest, it was probably more than you needed. What good can come by exposing an heirloom like that to water? IMO, there is noting to be gained and too much to be lost by taking chances that a 40+ y.o. watch might leak.

I have a superb high end watch repair facility about a mile from my home. Stoll & Co. - America's Watchmaker: Main Page.

When they service my '69 speedy, they respect the patina and note in bold writing that it is not water resistant. I have no reason to wear a watch in the shower or when swimming, so this is not an issue.

So, perhaps the next time it is in for servicing, if originality bothers you, you can return the movement to the original case.

Very good point.
I had been wearing this as a daily since my Dad gave it to me. Maybe that wasn't the best idea. I really enjoyed wearing it though.
I will admit it is nice to have it back regardless.

These watches were meant to be worn. Wearing it daily is the best thing you can do, both for it and to honor what it means to you. Speedies are known to be alergic to water. The movement and the dial are the soul of the watch. It's still the same watch as before. What happened to it is nothing more than changing the tires and a valve job on a 73 S. Wear it daily and in good health. When it's time, pass it on to the next generation with instructions to use it daily and to refurbish it as needed. It will outlive us all and still be the same watch. May a piece of you, your dad and your decendents all live with the watch and watch over the (temporary) owner as it's passed from one generation to the next.

Have to agree with Cornpanzer here. Stoll is one of the best ever for watch repair and restoration. They also completely restored my original Schumacher Speedy :). Also, getting ready to have them change the dial on my wifes watch for our anniv. If in doubt, send it to them.

It is a busy time of year for us and I haven't had an opportunity to take the photos of the old case.
I will try to get them up on the weekend.
Thanks for letting me know about most of the speedy cases being a little porous. I probably should have checked here before going ahead with the replacement.
I have been wearing the watch daily again and will admit that it is keeping much better time and is still a pleasure to have on my wrist.