My mother just gave me a beautiful, vintage Longines watch. It's white gold, marked 18K on the back. The face is about 1/2 inch square surrounded by 24 diamonds. It would be quite lovely if the inside face wasn't absolutely filthy. Is the inside of the watch cleanable? If so, who should do it?
As an aside, does anyone know what a watch like this could be worth?
posted on March 31, 2001 02:05:03 PM
Your watches dial is likely cleanable but it must be done carefully...
If you don't have a local jeweler who you trust to work on your vintage watch, a gentleman who came highly recommended to me might be able to help...
I'm a collector of vintage Omega watches and he helped me with a particularly problematic tuning fork model early electronic unit....
Excellent work, although, because some parts had to come from Omega, the job took about 3 months to complete..
You can reach him here...his site isn't impressive but I was impressed by his work...
Regarding value....as I recently was in the market for a similar watch in Hamilton, I'd estimate the value for an unremarkable example to be in the 200.00-500.00 range ...that's in good working order and clean, original condition...I've seen some Hamiltons sell in the 700.00 range but those were exceptions...
The market on eBay for this item has been spotty....
A competant watchmaker or watch forum is likely your best source of value information...
