Who would have imagined that the badly-scratched case-back becomes an artform . . . beautiful work, as always!!

Jeff

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: 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.

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: Cheers
: Stewart