First attempt at ageing a SD - comments please....

[MadeOfCheese 0]

So I got a cheap DRSD from Reg, and although it is nice enough it looked way too new to be credible as a 40yr old watch. So I thought I'd have a crack at ageing it a bit.

 

Now, I freely confess that this was a very crude attempt, and I've gone a bit overboard in some areas, but I'm moderately happy with the results. I'm certainly more happy to wear it without worrying that it looks stupidly fake.

 

So here's what I did:

• Scratched the bezel insert with a nail file
  
• Hacked at the case with both the nail file and a bread knife :o
  
• Scrubbed the plexiglass with steel wool
  
• Replaced the bracelet with a 'Vintage Bond' Nato
  
• Hacked at the Nato with the nailfile and breadknife :Yawn:
  
• Discoloured the Nato rings and buckle with a lighter
  
• I've done nothing to the dial
  

And here are the results:

 

 

 

And the obligatory wristie:

 

I don't think it looks toooooo bad, given the brutality and ham-fistedness with which I attacked it B) , although the dial is obviously out of kilter with the rest of it now.

I think I definitely went overboard with the scratches on the case - some of them are in places where the case simply wouldn't get scratched (e.g. on the sides of the lugs and CG), and I think I overdid the scratching on the insert.

 

I'd also be grateful for any hints on what to do to the dial (bear in mind my caveman approach )

 

Anyway, I'm a big boy and I can take my punishment, so fire away - and don't spare my feelings, I'm here to learn!

 

Cheers

Cheese

[dingle 57]

nice work....still too new looking IMO

 

put it in a jar with change, screws, nails etc.........and SHAKE!

[Luthier 1]

So, it was a nice watch.

So, you used all wrong tools and techniques.

So, you killed a nice watch.

So, the strap is crap.

So, learn you must...

:yoda:

So, I'm kidding.

[dalboy 2]

Take it down to your local builder give it to his labourer to wear for 3 or 4 weeks job done..............all it will cost you is couple of pints..

[Luthier 1]

The aging the watch should start from dial and hands.

[MadeOfCheese 0]

Yeah, I figured Luthier would have a thing or two to say about this

 

I agree that the hands and dial need doing, but that would involve more knowledge than I currently have - the 'case-rape' was done on a whim and only took me about 15 mins!

 

Given that I've made a pretty crappy job of it so far, I'm happy to 'sacrifice' this watch to experimenting with taking it apart and pouring battery acid on the dial (or whatever the recommended approach is )

 

I assume there'll be a tutorial somewhere on taking the dial out, so i guess I'll get searching for that....

[MadeOfCheese 0]

Would mashing it into sand be a bad idea? Feels like it would help to remove the overall shine, but I assume sand would get into crevices and kill it utterly?

[Dr Yan 8]

Dont give up the day job just yet

 

only kiddin'

it needs more, put it in a box of gravel and grind that fucker.

you will get $2K on RG for it

[dalboy 2]

Would mashing it into sand be a bad idea? Feels like it would help to remove the overall shine, but I assume sand would get into crevices and kill it utterly?

 

 

No use kiln dried sand.....................used for jointing between block paviours

[Mystery Shopper 5,887]

Nice start. Obviously some deep gauges from the coral reef there! Here is a real 39 yr old watch with scratches.

[Amit 72]

Some people actually pay others to do shit like this to their watches.

And they're happy about it and proud to share it with others.

 

Still you gave it ago yourself and apart from the obvious dial it not too bad.

 

[Dr Yan 8]

A 51 year old watch !!

 

 

Worn every day till 7 years ago.Never serviced and still keeps time !

[SteveA 307]

Dont get it ,looks fucked up to me I like them shiny and new.But if this is your bag !

[solkryssare 109]

Good start mate! I dont think it needs more scratching. But edges needs softening and you could give it a good polish and brush, Finish with a light polish. To make it look like its been to RSC a few times.

 

For reference perhaps

[greg_r 81]

Don't forget the A1 sauce!

[Gazillionaire 0]

Don't forget the A1 sauce!

 

Is that 'Daddies' special sauce! :eeek:

[MadeOfCheese 0]

Dont get it ,looks fucked up to me I like them shiny and new.But if this is your bag !

 

It's an entirely valid point. I have a 15yo gen Seamaster that looks quite beaten up, but I also have a 50yo Omega of my dad's that's virtually pristine.

 

I guess some watches just suit that "used as a tool everyday" look and some don't. I have certainly seen some pristine old Sea Dwellers that look like new, but they somehow don't look as cool as the ones that have literally spent half their lives at the bottom of the ocean.

 

Also, I guess there's a feeling that the only way I could carry off something as rare as a DRSD is if it was a really beaten-up example that I was in the process of 'restoring'. Ideally, I'd like it to look like it was really beaten up, and that I've polished it up a bit and made it look a bit more respectable than it was when I got it, dead cheap, off some rufty-tufty North Sea sea dog who'd fallen on hard times...

 

Quite a back-story, huh?

[MadeOfCheese 0]

Good start mate! I dont think it needs more scratching. But edges needs softening and you could give it a good polish and brush, Finish with a light polish. To make it look like its been to RSC a few times.

 

For reference perhaps

 

 

That's exactly the look I want. Like an old cart horse who's been retired to a nice farm to live out the rest of his days in comfort

 

Seems like I'm getting quite attached to this watch....

[trailboss99 994]

The insert is the bad bit. Scratches are all wrong and the thing needs to be bleached so it looks old.

Here is a great thread on how to get the look you are chasing: http://www.rwgboard....topic=2700&st=0

just hang back on some of sfa's more extreme battering

[jeffw69 0]

[MadeOfCheese 0]

Thought that was a tiramisu at first...

[MadeOfCheese 0]

The insert is the bad bit. Scratches are all wrong and the thing needs to be bleached so it looks old.

Here is a great thread on how to get the look you are chasing: http://www.rwgboard....topic=2700&st=0

just hang back on some of sfa's more extreme battering

 

That how-to looks awesome! Some good tips in there - thanks

[MadeOfCheese 0]

Ok, here's an equally crude update.

 

Insert and dial attempted now.

 

Pics before I tell you how I did it

 

 

I'm moderately pleased with it. Except that now the date wheel is obviously out of place.

 

So, for your amusement and disbelief, here's how I did it:

- sat insert in bleach for 5 mins (about 2 mins too long, I'd say :()

- dabbed coffee on indices and hands with a cotton bud.

 

I could be accused of not really taking this seriously I suppose

But I think the effect's not too bad considering the lack of effort and discipline involved

In all seriousness, I am learning a hell of a lot doing this, even though I'm likely to kill the watch in the process....

 

Fire away, I'm anxious to hear your praise

[NCRich 13,746]

It looked really good when you started.

[MadeOfCheese 0]

Lol. Yeah, I've definitely gone too far. However, the dial at least is reversible...

 

Like I said, I'm viewing this as a learning exercise now. The watch is effectively a write-off.

 

But it's fun, and for the money it's pretty cheap fun too