[jln319]

Hello Gents,

I know there are different schools of thought on restoration so I was hoping to get opinions from the experts. I've had this 6217-8001 for quite a while and haven't done anything with it. I think it's time. The case isn't in too bad condition and the movement is okay. The date wheel is stained. It's the dial that I am most concerned. It is in pretty rough shape. I go back and forth on restoring it. What do you guys think? Restore, replace, or leave it alone... Thanks!

 

[jln319]

Yes, I guess I knew that already, actually looks pretty obvious as I see it posted now...

 

[jln319]

You could try

davidbill.co.uk

They seem to do some amazing work, but I doubt it'd be cheap!

I'm in the colonies, so I'm waiting for a quote from Kirk Rich in LA. But I may check davidbill out. Thanks!

 

[jln319]

I'd vote for polishing the markers to remove surface rust and sealing the dial to arrest future deteriation, but leaving everything else as is.

The lume isn't in too bad shape, and the surface of the dial looks amazing.

Cool dial - congrats.

Thanks. I have contemplated that too... Don't know why I'm so indecisive. It's just such a great little watch with a big part of history I sort of feel like I'm desecrating it if I restore it... Pretty Silly I guess...:undecided:

 

[jln319]

I will definitely post any estimates I get.

 

[jln319]

No worries, hijack away. Seems relavent to me...

 

[jln319]

Thank you everyone for all the input and pictures. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and advice. I am seeking out estimates on restoration and will let everyone know what I find and the fate of the dial...

 

[jln319]

I heard back from Kirk Rich Dial Co. in Los Angeles. They said they could restore it to "as new" for around $140.00US and it would take 2-3 weeks. I've seen some of their work and it is quite good. He also said he has done many seiko dials. I asked if he could provide any pictures but I haven't heard back yet. I have a couple other inquiries out, hopefully I will hear back from them. Stay tuned...

 

[jln319]

It didn't seem an outrageous amount...

 

[jln319]

International Dial Co quoted $185.00US for complete restore with lume. They said they would have to make a printing die to preserve the lettering otherwise they would use a generic die and get it as close as possible. The close as possible option would be around $110.00... So far the cost does not seem prohibitive. Guess it's time to make a decision...

 

[jln319]

I would go with the $185 being as it includes the die and relume, what would a good relume cost you ? $75/$100 ?

Thats what I was thinking too...

 

[jln319]

Make sure they replicate the sunburst pattern on the dial finish!

This is the only thing that I am worried about now. Niether have said they can reliably do that...

 

[jln319]

Quick update... Dial has been sent off to Kirk Rich Dial Corp in Los Angeles. I just couldn't leave it "as is". Too far gone for me... I went with this company because he has done restoration work for the Seiko Service Center here in the US and seems to have a good reputation. I will post picutres when I get it back in 2-3 weeks. Stay tuned...

 

[jln319]

Update: I am still waiting for the dial to be returned to me. Obviously 2-3 weeks was overly optimistic and I didn't really believe it but I thought I would have it back by now. I asked for an update on January 6th and was told it would ship on the 8th... Still waiting. Sent of an email asking for another status yesterday, no word yet...

I realize and even expect estimates to be just that and I know with the holidays things can be even slower. The 2-3 weeks has now turned into 8 weeks and counting...

 

[jln319]

And the Saga continues... They told me today that they had to make new dies for it, that was the delay. They said I should be getting it back within the week. He used the words "finished to perfection" so I am very anxious to see it as well....

 

[jln319]

Well, I don't agree with the "finished to perfection" quote I received from Kirk Rich Dial. Overall, I'm disappointed. It's not a bad job but not how I wanted it to turn out. The silver surfaces are polished fine even though the picture doesn't show it. The lettering is a little weak in spots and is the wrong font. Obviously the flat black paint is a huge disappointment. The lume color seems a bit off but not too bad. I think they probably do fine work on late model dials but these older vintage dials, not so much. The first picture is what it looked like when I sent it to them. The last picture is my other finished 6217. I doubt this one will look the same but then I was very lucky to find the other one. These are iPhone pictures so not great. I may try to take better ones in a few days.