Recently I bought a 1954 Reed for restoration. I’m doubting the originality of the dial (and the crown). The “B” in Bulova is small and “Selfwinding” is missing. Everything else is exactly as it should be. Any comments? Can it be original? Should I leave it as it is, or have it restored?
Hard to tell,dial could be redone without the "Selfwinding"statement. I would say the crown is not correct but it's possible it's just really, really worn down.
Leave as is.
Would appreciate you adding it to the watch database where the panel can discuss the merits of its model which can be one of two options. Reed vs Lord Springfield.
In reply to Leave as is. Would… by mybulova_admin
Thanks! I absolutely was planning to add it. Do you want me to add before or after restoring it?
In reply to Thanks! I absolutely was… by RSMT
My recommendation as a watchmaker is not to restore dials. Of course if the dial is rusted out, corroded and looks like it was in a war then I recommend "replacement" of the dial. But modern restorations of dials will never be the same as the factory paint and baking and gold filler. In my opinion the watch then becomes a resto-mod much like customizing a old car. Patina patina patina .. that is what you want save and a non restored watch dial that remains original will always fetch a higher price at a legit auction. Your dial as I see it looks great! Crystals can and should be replaced when they become so cloudy you can no longer see the time. John V. -Time & Again"
PS: NICE WATCH indeed!
In reply to My recommendation as a… by JEV1A
It’s finished and I’m very happy with the result!
