Aged Cali dial pilot

[93EXCivic]

So this build isn't going to be to everyone's tastes but basically I am building an California dialed pilot made to look old.



The crystal was attacked with sandpaper and polywatch.



The case was given a bath in sulfuric acid with nickel coated nails to make it look aged. The case went with a couple watches to my watchmaker to get the tube installed so I only have the back right now.



The dial and hands got a bath in very thick coffee to give them some patina.



The crown is bathing in mutric acid right now to remove the chrome coating from the brass.

I need to install the seconds hand on the Seagull 6498 (incredible frustrating job), get the case back in, install the crystal on the front, cut the stem to length and then make a temporary plastic movement ring. The plastic one will be replaced by a custom brass one down the line


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[Blanchy]

Sounds like a good project.

I'll look forward to seeing more pics

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[watchdaddy1]

Can't wait to c more

[Henry Krinkle]

I am most interested in seeing the case when it comes back.

[scottjc]

Interesting concept, I look forward to seeing your progress.

[93EXCivic]

The crown after its acid bath.


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[93EXCivic]

Making progress. Just need to get some movement hold down tabs, cut the stem to length (with proper crown) and add an O-ring to the caseback.


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[tribe125]

You have a broader selection of acids than might be found in the average home...

[is that my watch]

So this build isn't going to be to everyone's tastes but basically I am building an California dialed pilot made to look old.



The crystal was attacked with sandpaper and polywatch.



The case was given a bath in sulfuric acid with nickel coated nails to make it look aged. The case went with a couple watches to my watchmaker to get the tube installed so I only have the back right now.



The dial and hands got a bath in very thick coffee to give them some patina.



The crown is bathing in mutric acid right now to remove the chrome coating from the brass.

I need to install the seconds hand on the Seagull 6498 (incredible frustrating job), get the case back in, install the crystal on the front, cut the stem to length and then make a temporary plastic movement ring. The plastic one will be replaced by a custom brass one down the line


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just mention the California the other day this will be good

[93EXCivic]

You have a broader selection of acids than might be found in the average home...

That is because I am professional (or something like that).

Seriously though if anyone is going to try any of these aging tricks with acid be careful. It is nasty stuff.


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