This Alpina has seen it’s fair share of action in the last 70 years and is looking a little worse for wear.
The watch has the German air force property stamp on the case back (D in front of the serial number). This watch was used a long time after the war ended as I counted 10 different service marks on the case back and had a chunky funky 70’s Swedish steel bracelet.The movement tries to run dial down, but stops when I move the watch in different positions.Removing the dial I notice that the setting lever spring has a crack and has lost its tension.Removing the cap jewel I notice the top pivot has literally been worn down to dust.Besides the expected old grease and dirt the movement is in pretty good shape.When taking out the setting lever spring it finally broke.The movement is almost ready for cleaning as the setting mechanism comes out.Here you can see the old mainspring before I take it out of the barrel.After cleaning I replace the balance staff and see that the balance moves freely.I fit a new mainspring in the barrel.My camera ran out of power and by the time it had gotten some charge the movement was almost back together and running.The watch is preforming very well.I have put the setting mechanism back together with a replacement setting lever spring and the movement is ready for the dial.The dial has not aged very well and luminous compound has turned almost the same colour as the dial. In my opinion that does not look right on an aviators watch.I clean off the old varnish and compound before applying a thin layer of new varnish.After the varnish has dried, I mix up a little custom yellow luminous compound. And yes I’m pretty pleased with how that turned out.The dial and hands back on the movement looking good.The movement goes back in the case, now running well in every position.Now that is what I call a transformation!In my opinion the watch now has the right amount of patina and looks great.
That watch looks great! what did you use to clean off the old varnish?
I cleaned it of with hot water.
That’s a really nice job with the dial. Looks great!
Great job Mitka.
A very fine watch have you alone to thank for a new lease on life!
The cleaning and re-luming of the dial was extremely successful.
The cal 592 was introduced in 1938 according to Ranfft. I have never seen one without a shock protection system. I think this was part of the initial 592 design.
Wow wow wow, great job Mitka especially on the new compound, so very good!
Great job !
May I ask what varnish you use ?
Thx
You did very well on that dial. Excellent job.
Looks great! I would never have worn it before the restoration; now it looks presentable. By the way, when did they start using shock absorbers like incabloc if this watch is 70 years old?
It was invented in 1934 by Swiss engineers Georges Braunschweig and Fritz Marti. But I have not seen it in any pre 1940’s watches.
Wow, that’s amazing! I know you’ve talked about your dial restoring before, but what did you use on that Mitka?
Just hot water to dissolve the old varnish and compound.
Wow! Very serious indeed. I presume you also polished or replaced the crystal? The reluming is the nicest I’ve ever seen. Can you post a lume shot?
Hi Stefan,
Thanks for you kind commend, I will add another photo:) Yes I changed the crystal as the old one was done for.
I agree, a damn fine reluming job Mitka.
Agreed!