Advice needed on bringing an old watch back to life
I have an old Cartier watch that has seen better days. In addition to all the scratches, it has a brownish tint to it that makes it look dull and dingy. The tint is difficult to see in the photo but I'm wondering if this is some type of coating.
Also difficult to see in the photo, the small bars in between the larger links are gold plated with much of it worn off.
I was thinking that the watch would look a lot better with a bright mirror polish rather than brushed finish. I assume this will take care of the brown tint as well. I'd very much prefer to make this a personal project and not send the watch off to someone. I'd like to avoid any real expense as I'm sure this watch has little $ value and no sentimental value.
How would you go about this? Also, is there any way to restore the gold plating on the small bars?
Most DYI guys go with the brushed finish. ScotchBrite pad. You could try brushing it with toothpaste if it is water resistant. That might remove the oxidation. It might as likely put water in the case.
A local pro would want $450 - $525 for tear-down and rebuild. Taking the bracelet apart is probably not going to happen, though.
If water gets in the watch it will probably require a full service. Your watch, your decision. If you want to try A with the intention of going to B if A fails, there is probably no foul as long as it does not sit wet for too long.
April 29, 2020, 01:30 PM
71 TRUCK
First and foremost do not think this watch may not have much value. Depending on the model it could be worth a lot of money. I did a quick search and it looks like it could be a Cartier Tank Francaise W51002Q3. Not sure, would need more information. Hard to tell from just one picture. It would be worth it checking with a watch maker/service center close to you to be sure. Another person to talk with is our own David Truong. Let us know how you make out with this watch.
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April 29, 2020, 01:37 PM
HRK
quote:
First and foremost do not think this watch may not have much value. Depending on the model it could be worth a lot of money. I did a quick search and it looks like it could be a Cartier Tank Francaise W51002Q3
If it is there are several for sale at this googled link, many listed from $2,000 and up..
This particular watch is a model 925 Argent. It must be the predecessor of the Tank Francaise because they do appear to be very similar. My watch has a quartz movement so it must be considerably less expensive than the automatics.
I'm not going to contact Cartier because it's a waste of their time and mine. They'll want a fortune and if I recall correctly they were sued (and lost) because of their servicing practices.
Basically, I thought I could polish the watch on my own using a polishing compound and an appropriate wheel or elbow grease. I don't have any experience so I'm probably mistaken as usual.
Although the style is dated, I do like the watch but just not enough to drop big dollars on it.
April 29, 2020, 02:43 PM
Woodman
You may be able to remove the movement easily enough. There should be a tiny hole in the quartz movement for insertion of a push-pin, which will release the crown assembly (the winder thing will pull right out).
April 29, 2020, 03:13 PM
dlc444
Not scolding, but you have been here long enough to know that Dave is the go-to guy for anything related to jewelry and watches. He always takes care of his own and will either tell you what you need to do or offer his services.
Talk to Dave.
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April 29, 2020, 03:36 PM
jhe888
Unless you know how to polish metal, you cannot put a bright finish on it without screwing it up. That is a real skill. Amateurs will dish out the flat surfaces and round off all the corners. The edges will look wavy and not straight.
Seriously, don't try it. I know you think, "How hard can it be." The answer is, very hard. Even when watches come back from factory services, like Rolex does, a re-worked finish looks a little off. If an inexperienced person tries it, it will look bad to awful.
It will look better in its current state than after an amateur polishing.
And that watch may not be super-valuable, but I bet it has some value. Cartier makes good jewelry. Check into what the factory, or what a competent watchmaker would charge.
If you want a project, buy something of low value on Ebay, like a battered Seiko and give it a go.
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April 29, 2020, 03:38 PM
pessimist
Yes, I know that Dave is the guy when it comes to this sort of stuff. If I was buying a new watch or I was prepared to spend a bit of money on this particular project, he'd be the first person I'd call. No doubt.
But this is one of those "it would be nice to have" projects to occupy some of my attention and time. I'm willing to put in the effort and take the risk of making a mistake. I'm just not willing to spend much money on this watch. Again, it's a quartz movement. If it was an automatic, I'd probably feel differently.
April 29, 2020, 03:43 PM
pessimist
quote:
Originally posted by jhe888: Unless you know how to polish metal, you cannot put a bright finish on it without screwing it up. That is a real skill. Amateurs will dish out the flat surfaces and round off all the corners. The edges will look wavy and not straight.
Seriously, don't try it. I know you think, "How hard can it be." The answer is, very hard. Even when watches come back from factory services, like Rolex does, a re-worked finish looks a little off. If an inexperienced person tries it, it will look bad to awful.
It will look better in its current state than after an amateur polishing.
And that watch may not be super-valuable, but I bet it has some value. Cartier makes good jewelry. Check into what the factory, or what a competent watchmaker would charge.
If you want a project, buy something of low value on Ebay, like a battered Seiko and give it a go.
Thanks, that's kind of what I was looking for. I'm going to take your advice and leave it be.
April 29, 2020, 04:20 PM
bald1
quote:
Originally posted by pessimist: Thanks, that's kind of what I was looking for. I'm going to take your advice and leave it be.
Having an item like a watch that shows the wear and tear from honest usage over the years is considered reflective of the piece's history and as "wabi" much preferred to restoration, be that professional or amateur. You've made a wise choice here.
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April 29, 2020, 05:41 PM
Jeff Yarchin
quote:
Originally posted by sig229-SAS: Ring, Ring, David Truong please pickup the white service phone....
Contact David and see what he can do for you, he is a great guy
Originally posted by pessimist: I have an old Cartier watch that has seen better days. In addition to all the scratches, it has a brownish tint to it that makes it look dull and dingy. The tint is difficult to see in the photo but I'm wondering if this is some type of coating.
Also difficult to see in the photo, the small bars in between the larger links are gold plated with much of it worn off.
I was thinking that the watch would look a lot better with a bright mirror polish rather than brushed finish. I assume this will take care of the brown tint as well. I'd very much prefer to make this a personal project and not send the watch off to someone. I'd like to avoid any real expense as I'm sure this watch has little $ value and no sentimental value.
How would you go about this? Also, is there any way to restore the gold plating on the small bars?
Just curious, is this a lady’s watch? My dad is a collector, and I’ve seen a ton of watches. The way this is shaped and the fact that the face is a different size than the band makes me ask. I’ll add to the crowd that says unless you have it valued, I wouldn’t change a thing. Value changes when things have been tinkered with.This message has been edited. Last edited by: irreverent,
