Another 4365 Air King!

[R.W.T.]

This one came to me via this forum I believe. So many I lose track of where they come from. This one...got run through the dryer...a zillion years ago I think...case tube was toast and it wasn't running....21 years in a drawer I hear.

So...First we have the watch as it came. Note second had fell off during the tumble cycle :-)

Next we see the inside...oops no case retainers. Oh no...broken screw in movement ring...:-/ About 24 hours in vinegar and the remains are gone. :-)

Missing a movement mounting screw as well...:-/

Broken balance staff...both pivots actually. Luckily no jewel damage!

Movement serviced and running!

And re-cased with new tube!

Actually the top coat flaking on the dial doesn't appear nearly so vibrant in the flesh.

I didn't touch it. Just put it back...it's patina...

Watch is + or - about a second a day on the wrist now. I had to do some poising on this wheel. It's not even showing to be adjusted to any positions on the movement but we can assume Precision is 2 at least. This one is keeping wide chronometer specs at full wind on the machine in 6.

This watch just wanted to do everything right. It's very healthy. New crystal. Water test.

It's going to make the owner very happy I'm sure.

Proper screws and retainers in place :-)

[fmc000]

Amazing as usual. Congrats.

[waspy1]

Love those deco numerals!


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[R.W.T.]

Yeah and it's a pretty big watch for its day! I mean...one could do a lot worse eh?

If I hadn't already had 10 zillion Rolexes that would be a very cool watch to own imho.

[motoikkyu]

Beautiful watch! I love your restorations!

[rgvodden]

I am the person who ran it through the dryer...

I was about 21 years old and it was in the pocket of my jacket, we came home from the bar and wanted to get the cigarette smoke out of our clothes so we tossed them in a quick "air tumble cycle". I was horrified, and lived in shame until I met Tommy here in the forums 30-odd years later.

Tommy was amazing throughout the whole process. He managed to find all the parts it needed, and kept me up to date on his progress. For example, very early into the repair, he sent me this:
"It’s pretty darned good right now for it’s age and grade, at full wind chronometer specs in 6 positions!
This movement was never graded that high.
Some of the positions are obviously closer to the edge of spec but really we are dealing with what was probably a 2 position movement.
I’m very pleased."

My avatar is the watch on my wrist...

Thanks again Tommy!