[mks4]

An interesting topic for sure! Interestingly, if we were on the Rolex forum talking about one of the earliest Submariners, this wouldn't even be a question. Touching the dial would be sacrilege and a dial like this with this type of aging (yet still possessing clarity) might even garner a premium.

But we're on the Seiko forum and while I understand that the values are not near Rolex territory, the direction here seems to be to thoughtfully restore.

My opinion on these things is that you only get original once. Heck, maybe sell it as tropical to see if you can generate enough funds to buy one you really love?

 

[mks4]

If the object, the dial in this case, was incredibly rare, or of significant historical value, then I'd go the conservation route for sure. But it's not off some rare and valuable Rolex.

If it was conserved I doubt it'd look quite as good as the one posted by estrickland. Though, funnily enough, the conservation route would likely be the cheapest path. The markers and lume could be tidied up quite easily, but the dial is what it is unfortunately.

I have a feeling that full restoration would cost a small fortune and may not be financially worth it.

But it boils down to what you want from the project. What level of 'perfection' suits you. Personally I do like a watch to look fairly decent, and that dial doesn't do it for me, it's over the limit. Trouble is that if you have the dial restored then the rest of the watch needs to be mint too, or the 'balance' will be wrong.

So....you could either go with an overall conserved look and I'm sure it wouldn't look too horrendous under a crystal. Or you go with a really well presented one. Your choice.

Interesting discussion, and one for which there is no definitive answer I suspect. Where are we placing 6217s in the grand scheme of things?!

Well said...you're correct that it's not rare or valuable like a Rolex. My reason for bringing up a sub is that (other than the 6159 and 6215), this is kind of seen as the "granddaddy" of Seiko professional divers.

I'd never suggest doing something for investment sake, but I suppose your question about where we place the 6217 in the scheme of things is a highly worthwhile one to ponder! Personally, I don't ever see these going down in value and where they're priced today (call it $1200-1700), they seem poised for more appreciation as they're relatively easy for people to afford if on a Swiss budget.

By the way, to the OP, what do the hands and bezel look like?


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