Ever bought a watch fairly cheapish on ebay only to find out there something wrong with it??

I was feeling rather pleased with myself over a year ago when I bagged a 'non' Pasadena... until I tried to get the case back off....

It was on ebay, one US owner from new (the sellers father), poor photos, cracked & dirty glass.
When I got my hands on it, the one thing that struck me was the wear on the PVD case, it is perfect.. this watch has seen a lot or use, but clearly cared for.. the case is evenly worn with a beautiful titanium/gun metal sheen to the case edges, no scratches, the perfect patina.

Then I tried to get the case back off.

I’ve basic tools which wouldn’t budge it, all I ended up doing was badly scratching the mint case back. Bugger. So I sent it off to a good watchmaker I know. Not good news.. his pro case back tool couldn’t shift it (the super expensive machines). Months later, I was determined to get it open, so I superglued a meter long metal ruler to the caseback, clamped it up and wrenched, huge torque - Nothing.. I tried Plus Gas, the ice cube trick, another couple of attempts with the metal ruler/glue. Nothing. More months passed, it went to a friend of mine (fellow Heuerista) who reckoned he could sort it. He couldn’t budge it either, so he asked his mate/business partner to make a custom tool for it.. several of these broke, but eventually… success, it was off! Not even cross threaded.

So.. nearly one year later.. after a new glass (several attempts at that too), expertly repainted main chrono hand, it looks unbelievably beautiful. The dial is stunning, in perfect condition with just a creamy patina to the lumed hour markers and main hands.

This is a keeper, it’s been through a lot & I love it all the more for that. It just goes to show what can be done with some care, attention, perseverance, and of course, knowing the right people!

I had planned to spend a day polishing out the gouges on the case back.. but I think they should stay.. it’s testament to this watches journey.

A BIG BIG thanks to James & Mel at DB10 Straps for sorting it for me. Cheers fellas.

Cheers
Stewart