The Smiths.

[bobbee]

"All men have secrets and here is mine, so let it be known"

I have had a hankering for a nice Smith's De Luxe ever since reading about them over at MWR, and even more so since the epic 'Everest' thread right here on TZ.
After winning and receiving this:







1958 example, I set about cleaning it up after removing the movement and the Bonklip, which was secured to the watch with tight fitting and old but serviceable shoulderless springbars.

"Oh my sacred one"

...was absolutely filthy with crap 'DNA, as some call it, so after removing the filth covering between the lugs, the case back and front, around the crystal and inside the case back:

"The devil will find work for idle hands to do"

...I then started on cleaning up the dial (if possible).
It took a while, but the best I could do to remove the build up of the brownish pink coloured coating from what I believe to be from belonging to a heavy smoker from the smell, the result is below.
It looks a lot better with the naked eye, believe me!

"For we have been through hell and high tide"

"Heavy words are so lightly thrown"

"Because I've only got two hands"

"And you must be looking very old tonight"

"And I'm feeling very sick and ill today"

Next was the Bonklip, and it took a lot of work, copious swearing and several soakings in WD-40, shaking and rubbing the links together, brushing with brass and plastic brushes before I was satisfied.
Below are a couple of sheets of tissue, the first after just two minutes of scraping, the second after rubbing down the bracelet when I thought it was clean enough. If only...
I can't emphasize enough just how hard it was to clean the bloody thing, hindsight and a cheap ultrasonic cleaner would have saved time, energy, kitchen roll and money in the swearbox!

"I'm too tired, I'm so sick and tired"

So much so I forgot to take some f#*¥$¿g photographs of the movement strip down, except for one of the underside...

"So what difference does it make?"

Quite a lot, I hope you'll agree.








And finally, to misquote Polly Styrene and the X-ray Specs:

"BONKLIP, UP YOURS!"

not really, I love it. Just don't want to go through all that trouble again...

[SimonK]

Well done, great job and great write-up.

[bobbee]

Thanks Simon, much appreciated.

[walkerwek1958]

What did you use to clean the dial? I think you've been fortunate that it's cleaned up OK.

Cousins sell some very fine-tipped pointed cotton buds, using those would enable you to get right into the numbers. The danger with dial cleaning is the risk of the surface coming away, you have to be v. careful, sometimes the top layer of lacquer parts company.

Strongly advise the purchase of a cheap ultrasonic bath. Put that bracelet in hot strong detergent in a jar, place it in the bath, you'd be amazed how much dirt comes out.

[chrisgillett]

That looks lovely. I’m new to this show but Smith’s have already come over my radar and are approaching my ‘list’.
Do you have specialist skills or a keen amateur for this sort of renovation?
/C

[bobbee]

What did you use to clean the dial? I think you've been fortunate that it's cleaned up OK.

Cousins sell some very fine-tipped pointed cotton buds, using those would enable you to get right into the numbers. The danger with dial cleaning is the risk of the surface coming away, you have to be v. careful, sometimes the top layer of lacquer parts company.

Strongly advise the purchase of a cheap ultrasonic bath. Put that bracelet in hot strong detergent in a jar, place it in the bath, you'd be amazed how much dirt comes out.

I used saliva on a piece of tissue, testing on areas where least seen.
This was having little effect, so I tried WD-40 in the same area (round the very edge, and on the 'M' in Made in England), and as I have done the same on other dials, little and clean off again and again until I got to a point where I happy.
I have done several in this way.

That looks lovely. I’m new to this show but Smith’s have already come over my radar and are approaching my ‘list’.
Do you have specialist skills or a keen amateur for this sort of renovation?
/C

Keen amateur, been doing my own hand winder clean and oil for about five or so years now.
Thanks for the kudos Chris.

[MADDOG]

I saw that across on MWR , and have to say that you made a cracking job of that.

[RAJEN]

Excellent job, well done👍

[bobbee]

Excellent job, well done

Thanks R!

- - - Updated - - -

Excellent job, well done

Thanks R!

[alfat33]

Bob, that is a really excellent job, looks great. I’ve had some success with WD40 on dials as well. Lovely watch.

I would go out tonight, but I haven’t got a Smiths to wear

Well now you have!

[Benji053]

Good post, bobbee.

[bobbee]

Bob, that is a really excellent job, looks great. I’ve had some success with WD40 on dials as well. Lovely watch.



Well now you have!

Thanks Simon!
Paul thinks I was lucky, but like you I have done it before, always take care to test small areas on the edge though because not all dials react the same.

Good post, bobbee.

Thanks Ally! :)

[bwest76]

Lovely job and even better write up.

copious swearing and several soakings in WD-40, Then you got on with the watch

The next template for your watch servicing?

[bobbee]

Thanks B, lots of swearing in just about every service I do, and that WD-40 does get everywhere...

[alfat33]

When I use WD40 to clean a dial I use a very fine soft paintbrush to gently apply a tiny amount, then swab off with Rodico

[Kirk280]

Paul I was about to jump on you for saying IPA is a non-polar solvent....until I read the rest of the sentence! 🙃

Nice thread btw Bobbee

[bobbee]

I wasn't being serious, I was continuing the joke made in the post by bwest76.
I spray a small amount in an old plastic lid, and use it in tiny amounts to clean the dial.

- - - Updated - - -

Paul I was about to jump on you for saying IPA is a non-polar solvent....until I read the rest of the sentence! 

Nice thread btw Bobbee

Cheers Kirk.

[walkerwek1958]

Paul I was about to jump on you for saying IPA is a non-polar solvent....until I read the rest of the sentence! 

Nice thread btw Bobbee

Wish I still had access to the solvents and chemicals I used at work, I could clean anything!