NickO
1726
Aftermarket Movement Refinishing - Does Such a Service even Exist?
Jan 24, 2015,10:19 AM
Dear Forum,
With all the beautiful watches from the great independent's on this site, I am more than a little embarrassed to ask the following question. However, the answer is interesting to me, so I will storm on regardless 
I've located a watch that really speaks to me: I love the case, dial, design and aesthetics. The only downside is the movement. It is a base ETA 7750 (which I can live with) but the level of movement finish is rudimentary at best. It's a curious decision as no other discernible corners have been cut on the piece, including its beautiful rose gold case, so it is clearly made for people with little regard to the movement finish.
Before I shake my head and walk away, I wanted to ask the forum if there are any independent watchmakers or companies who would be interested in refinishing the movement for me? Given how ubiquitous an ETA 7750 caliber is, sourcing parts or an entire new movement to work with should not be too difficult.
A picture speaks a thousand words, and I enclose a graphic of what I am contemplating. Below is a modest base A. Schield movement on the right and the same movement as presented by De Bethune in their DB5 on the left (photo courtesy of SteveG). The ETA 7750 looks a lot more like the right, I'd like it to look a lot more like the left
Any guidance or thoughts truly appreciated, either posted here or by PM if more appropriate.
Thanks very much,
NickO
More than just a pretty picture. Try Vendio Image Hosting.
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Aftermarket Movement Refinishing - Does Such a Service even Exist?
By: NickO : January 24th, 2015-10:19
Dear Forum, With all the beautiful watches from the great independent's on this site, I am more than a little embarrassed to ask the following question. However, the answer is interesting to me, so I will storm on regardless I've located a watch that real...
Not much of help but....
By: Starman : January 24th, 2015-11:12
Hi Nick, Can't really answer your question, but do you actually care that much for movement finish? I think some brands do a great job on finishing their movements; some out there are truly pieces of art. But I think some of the saphire case-backs can be ...
Thanks, and yes the movement finish is important to me
By: NickO : January 24th, 2015-12:55
as I like a watch to be "in balance". It bothers me that the rest of the watch is so beautiful and yet the movement is finished so poorly. And I know enough about myself and this crazy hobby over 25 years that if it bothers me on Day 1, that by Day 180 it...
Had the same with ETA
By: Starman : January 24th, 2015-14:20
Untill I read about this movement, truly a reliable workhorse (I didn't mean to say that it is just a 7750). That made me decide to be less interested in the finishing of this particular movement; I know it is a good movement and I don't have to see it fo...
Hi Nick, here in the states, you could try asking
By: mkt33 : January 24th, 2015-14:00
Myrick Keaton @ I think he has the skill and machinery to probably do something for you... Obviously, he's got to have the time and the interest for your project but I am sure inertia can be achieved with the right negotiation :-) Hope all is well with y...
Hi Mike, thanks for the lead
By: NickO : January 25th, 2015-08:28
I will reach out to Myrick and see what is possible. Hope all is well with you, too - it has been too long! Best, NickO
It's not worth it.
By: andren : January 24th, 2015-17:47
Unfortunately, having someone refinish a 7750 is going to cost more than the movement is worth provided you can find someone who is actually willing to do it.
I think your best chance would be...
By: DonCorson : January 25th, 2015-03:00
to contact a watchmaking school near wherever you are and ask if they have a final year student who might be interested in doing this for you. I see no other way to have this done for a price that is less than several times the price of the movement. What...
Finishing or Re-finishing
By: David Walter : January 25th, 2015-07:53
Good advice Don . My feeling is if you want to have a better finish then you must forget "what the movement itself is worth" and never forget why you did it. Keep this in mind, putting a superb paint job on a VW still leave you with a VW
Thanks Don, good ideas!!
By: NickO : January 25th, 2015-08:50
Perhaps the best route would be to source a new movement. That would probably be the most cost-effective answer. However, for some reason I have a romantic notion of wanting to make this particular ugly duckling pretty. Of course there will be financial l...
RGM watches?
By: gmark2800 : January 28th, 2015-09:11
Maybe you can contact RGM Watches.
An alternative - a donor watch with beautiful movement
By: cazalea : February 5th, 2015-14:49
For example, get a Chronoswiss Opus for $4k and swap the decorated and skeletonized movement into whichever beautiful case you want. Parts will be readily available, the watch already works, and a bonus -- you won't have to pester your over-worked, under-...
