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PDB
·I normally go for the larger 37-38 mm 1940s and 1950s Omega's but have always had a soft spot for Zenith watches. So I though that I would start by buying something that I liked and was cheap and I could learn about as I go along. I have since found and bought the Zenith: Swiss Watch Manufacture Since 1865 book (probably should have done that the other way around) although it has not arrived yet.
So what I think I have is a:
1959 Sporto Cal 40
Original dial and hands
Original lume on the dial but missing on the hands
Nice clean original movement with its original perspex cover
The original case back that has been polished too much
A 37 mm stainless case that has also been polished a bit too much but could be brought back to life with some very light work
The wrong crown.
I did not pay much for it and I appreciate that these will never be particularly desirable but with a nice period strap, it would be a good daily beater....on and off. I like the aged dial look. The photos are at the end of this thread.
I would be grateful if someone could help with the following:
Which is the correct crown for the watch? This one
Also, should the case back be polished with the case sides having vertical lines, the lug upper surfaces polished and the crystal ring being polished? Or the crystal ring sides with vertical lines and just the upper part of the ring polished?
For example, the third image from the end of this thread (for some reason I can't seem to edit it to get the image back up here)
What are the hands made of?
Any complete 'howlers' of a mistake that I have made?
Here are the initial images before I do anything with it. I am going to start with a good service and check over.
So what I think I have is a:
1959 Sporto Cal 40
Original dial and hands
Original lume on the dial but missing on the hands
Nice clean original movement with its original perspex cover
The original case back that has been polished too much
A 37 mm stainless case that has also been polished a bit too much but could be brought back to life with some very light work
The wrong crown.
I did not pay much for it and I appreciate that these will never be particularly desirable but with a nice period strap, it would be a good daily beater....on and off. I like the aged dial look. The photos are at the end of this thread.
I would be grateful if someone could help with the following:
Which is the correct crown for the watch? This one
Also, should the case back be polished with the case sides having vertical lines, the lug upper surfaces polished and the crystal ring being polished? Or the crystal ring sides with vertical lines and just the upper part of the ring polished?
For example, the third image from the end of this thread (for some reason I can't seem to edit it to get the image back up here)
What are the hands made of?
Any complete 'howlers' of a mistake that I have made?
Here are the initial images before I do anything with it. I am going to start with a good service and check over.
Edited:
