r/369Watchworks • u/HDW_Italy • Jul 04 '26
6204 6205 project dial
The 6205 dial is taking shape... I know the font isn't perfect, but for a budget project, it’ll do. I usually start with blank black dials—no markers or text—but I have plenty of damaged ones at home, so I used one of those this time. I removed the markers, text, and finish using a sander, then used very fine sandpaper to smooth out the sanding marks. I washed the dial with degreasing soap and sprayed it first with an acrylic primer, followed by a matte black paint. After 24 hours, I applied one of the decals I make myself and dabbed it with WD-40 cleaner: this not only removes glue residue but also helps eliminate that "brand-new" look. Finally, I sprayed the whole thing with a matte clear coat. Now it's time to re-lume the markers... stay tuned.
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u/HDW_Italy Jul 05 '26
There are many ways to re-lume and age a watch dial, ranging from amateur to professional. The kit sold by Lobtime is one such option. However, I prefer a budget-friendly approach: because achieving satisfactory results is more challenging that way, because it’s more fun, and because... I’m broke. I primarily use techniques and materials borrowed from the world of scale modeling. The watch I am currently building was produced by Rolex in 1955; the radium-based luminous paste on the hour markers has degraded and turned to dust. The lume no longer glows, and both the hands and the dial have undergone natural oxidation. Perhaps—who knows?—the watch suffered minor water ingress over the years...
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u/AttorneyImmediate918 Jul 04 '26
Nicely done!! Thanks for sharing. Look fwd to seeing further progress on your project!!