first steps of my vintage project

[merlin699]

don't have a gen vintage in my mind, just want to have a custom vintage watch.
The movement, the dial and the hands are ready. the case still waits to be modded to a real old look. And the gunny-strap makes the watch - you can't get a better one for your money :mrgreen:

 

[Exploder]

So, what are the plans? Dial and hands in the oven? What about the case? Just beat it around or some "quick-rusting" plans? (Are there any ways to "quick-rust"?) I really must get my own vintagizing projects going, but I need some good examples - will you be the one? :wink:

Xplodr

 

[merlin699]

no - the oven stays cold - too risky. I sanded the top-side of the hands a little bit. Then I took the top layer of a MarinaMilitare base dial and the original dial of the molnija-movement and built the dial myself. applied lume to the lower layer and glued them together. Then I used for the dial and the hands the "cigar-method" - stunning results!
The next step on the case will be a polish. the case has to be shiny and then I'll work it over with some stones, old keys and some other stuff in a glass or something like that.
I hope it works... :roll:

 

[Exploder]

Ok. Have you tried putting a PAM dial in the oven? I have only seen it used on Rolex dials, and it seemed to work pretty good. What is the "cigar method"? Is that just blowing (thick) cigar smoke on it, preferably under som kind of glass/jar covering it for a while? I am REALLY looking forward to some close-up shots!

Xplodr

 

[merlin699]

yes - just put it in a jar with the face up and blow the smoke in a few times and close it tight. It's just for the color. I had in yesterday for 3 hours, but I want more so I did right now once again and I'll leave it again for 3-4 hours.
Unfortunately I don't have a "before"-picture but the lume-color was the same on both watches before the mod. This pics shows it after the first "smoke-run"

 

[Rocketeer]

Putting the bare case in the machine with a wash load does a good job of giving a 'lived in' look :wink:
If you want a more beaten look you can always tumble dry it :lol:

 

[merlin699]

Putting the bare case in the machine with a wash load does a good job of giving a 'lived in' look :wink:
If you want a more beaten look you can always tumble dry it :lol:

thx for this hint - that sounds logical - use your washing machine as time machine :wink:
maybe I'll give it a try...

 

[merlin699]

finally got the movement-ring:

and removed (accidently) the MarinaMilitare letters:

the movement is a beauty:

and a charm on the wrist:

but there are still some things to do...

 

[merlin699]

made the dial completely "new" because it was too thick and so I had problems with the hands.
Now the numbers are darker and I like it better. - Please don't look at the stem, I'll change it tomorrow...

 

[dadog13]

I really like the vintage look that you achieved...congrats!