- 9/9/19
- 162
- 308
- 63
Just wanted to share another of my projects; in a similar vein as my vintage Patek builds, this one is another example from the late 1940's/early 1950's period.
To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what the reference would be for this one; it's probably closest to a ref 4217... Best guess, anyways.
The project started with the dial (as most of my builds begin life), and progressed from there. The movement was probably the biggest challenge; the V454 in this one looked clean and in good working order when I purchased it. Even upon receiving it, it looked great. But when I took the dial and hands off, I discovered heavy rust in the keyless works. I sent the movement to my watch guy who worked on it off and on for 9 months; bless his heart
The movement spent a lot of time soaking in a bath of penetrating oil, and finally the few rusted screws holding the bridges on came loose, and things could be cleaned up.
So, this was another long lesson in patience... But one that paid off in the end.
Here's where it all started; that beautiful guilloche dial with champleve signature. In surprisingly great shape for it's age...
35mm steel case, custom fabricated...
Slim, elegant profile...
And that gorgeous V454... Not perfect with plenty of signs of age... But it has a charm all it's own. Shame it's hidden behind that caseback...
Easily one of my faves! If anything because it's a little obscure and different...
Thanks for looking!
//ubi
To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what the reference would be for this one; it's probably closest to a ref 4217... Best guess, anyways.
The project started with the dial (as most of my builds begin life), and progressed from there. The movement was probably the biggest challenge; the V454 in this one looked clean and in good working order when I purchased it. Even upon receiving it, it looked great. But when I took the dial and hands off, I discovered heavy rust in the keyless works. I sent the movement to my watch guy who worked on it off and on for 9 months; bless his heart
The movement spent a lot of time soaking in a bath of penetrating oil, and finally the few rusted screws holding the bridges on came loose, and things could be cleaned up.So, this was another long lesson in patience... But one that paid off in the end.
Here's where it all started; that beautiful guilloche dial with champleve signature. In surprisingly great shape for it's age...
35mm steel case, custom fabricated...
Slim, elegant profile...
And that gorgeous V454... Not perfect with plenty of signs of age... But it has a charm all it's own. Shame it's hidden behind that caseback...
Easily one of my faves! If anything because it's a little obscure and different...
Thanks for looking!
//ubi
