biggarmodels Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 hi guys, i guess i`m just looking for a bit of info, i was given a gold plated tudor oysterdate approx 34mm wide not including the crown [vintage] it is self wind has drilled lugs and has a rolex crown although the tube needs replaced due to poor threads, the watch keeps great time and only looses seconds over a 48 hour period so cant be too bad, hopefully the pics will load and you will see what i`m on about...really i want to know how old it is, would it be suitable for a franken project, i have no way of removing the case back unfortunatly, thanks in advance.......b Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biggarmodels Posted September 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 jeese.....i stuffed that up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 That sure is a fine piece A method I have had success with removing casebacks, is to put on a pair of dish-washing gloves, and then press with the thumbs to rotate the caseback anti-clockwise. It can sometimes take a lot of effort, and feel like your thumbnails are about to separate from the nail beds, but I have found it a very successful method Best of luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biggarmodels Posted September 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 thanks teejay, tried that......thats why i`m typing with my nose lol seriously though i took it to a local jeweler and he says its a special size tool ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biggarmodels Posted September 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 i guess i just want to know: is it worth repairing or is it not economical ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 thanks teejay, tried that......thats why i`m typing with my nose lol seriously though i took it to a local jeweler and he says its a special size tool ?? No problem If you can't get it loose with just thumb pressure, you can sometimes use use the flat sides of two allen keys to apply pressure on the ridges, in the same anti-clockwise direction, to loosen the caseback enough for the rubbergloves to then take over Failing, it probably would be a case of using a specialist tool... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 i guess i just want to know: is it worth repairing or is it not economical ? That's something only you can answer for yourself... Personally, I would say it looks like a really nice watch Throw it on a nice strap, and you'll be good to go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biggarmodels Posted September 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 thanks again teejay, the teeth on the case back dont sit proud so there is no way in for alan keys, i know what you are saying about putting on a strap and just wearing it, but its not really my thing, i`m a stainless steel kind of guy, i just thought if it had no real value it may be usefull for a franken...or would this be sacrilege ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
professor_yaffle1 Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 Duck tape usually does the trick for me - tear off a good length and then ball it up, sticky side out, and then add another small piece (sticky side to sticky side) so that you have something to hold onto. Press the sticky ball onto the caseback and you should be able to get it to turn........if not then you'll need the proper case-back tool, although if you take it into a local jeweller and ask them nicely they might open for you Nice piece though, not sure what movement that would be, but it's worth asking around, either to then sell it on, or maybe take the challenge a build your own franken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 thanks again teejay, the teeth on the case back dont sit proud so there is no way in for alan keys, i know what you are saying about putting on a strap and just wearing it, but its not really my thing, i`m a stainless steel kind of guy, i just thought if it had no real value it may be usefull for a franken...or would this be sacrilege ? No problem From the look of the photo, I would have thought there might have been enough tooth there to press a flat edge against them, but photos can sometimes exaggerate details Ahh, that's fair enough Well, once you get the caseback off, you could always try transplanting the dial and movement into a more modern case (which you could then always beat up to look old ) Something like a DJ case would probably look pretty good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biggarmodels Posted September 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 thanks for the tips guys...alas..i`ve tried all the tricks with no joy. teejay....i never thought of a stainless dj case!!! thats got me going ..good thinking ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 thanks for the tips guys...alas..i`ve tried all the tricks with no joy. teejay....i never thought of a stainless dj case!!! thats got me going ..good thinking ! No problem, glad to be of help The good thing about DJs, is the variation in bezel type and bracelets. Although I'm not a fan of the fluted bezels and 'tri-link' bracelets, that's what I think would look best with that dial/hand combo Either that, or a flat bezel with an oyster bracelet All I can suggest with the caseback, is keep trying, and eventually, it'll open up for you I'm not sure if it would be a good idea to use a penetrating fluid like WD40, or if the vapors could affect the oils in the movement, that would definitely need the confirmation from an expert before trying, you certainly wouldn't want to cause any damage to the internals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biggarmodels Posted September 4, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 4, 2009 has anyone any idea how old this watch is? just curious Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted September 4, 2009 Report Share Posted September 4, 2009 I'm not too sure, but I would say at least mid 70's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biggarmodels Posted September 4, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 4, 2009 hmmm the more i look at it the nicer it looks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted September 4, 2009 Report Share Posted September 4, 2009 I'm an SS fan myself, and I think the dial would definitely look good in an SS case Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hank7502 Posted September 4, 2009 Report Share Posted September 4, 2009 They are worth more if you just leave it alone. Don't even polish it. Maybe service the movement, that's all. Good collector's item. Good luck with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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