Originally Posted by
walkerwek1958
I spend time trying to source original/ correct parts for old watches and I've developed a hierarchy: Correct movement parts are a must, without them the watch won’t work properly so this is where the money has to be spent. Hands and dials are a close second, these are the bits that make the watch look right. Next is the crown, I like to see a correct crown provided it’s waterproof, but I won't compromise water resistance simply to retain an original crown, if I can’t fit a new seal or source a correct replacement the watch gets a plain generic that’ll keep the water out. Folks try telling me they’re not worried about water resistance on an old watch but I usually persuade them otherwise, total lack of WR severely limits the wearability if a watch.
Next on the list is the crystal, I favour good quality generics if the original can’t be sourced for sensible money, provided the crystal fits and does its job I don’t see a problem.
We then come to the strap. For the majority of vintage watches the original style strap no longer exists, whatever the manufacturer supplies ( at great cost) will fit and has the manufacturers stamp on the back but thats where the similarity ends, I recommend buying a decent quality strap of your choice instead, straps are a personal choice and make a big difference to how the watch looks and wears.
Finally, we come to the buckle. Usually the original has been lost so a replacement has to be sourced, and I have to question how important it really is to pay silly money for something with the manufacturers emblem, we really are into diminishing returns territory here. However, most watch enthusiasts buy with their heads not their hearts so they’re happier paying £60 for a buckle than £60 for a new mainspring barrel.
Sometimes it makes sense to take a step back and get these things in perspective.
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