Longines Czechoslovakian Air Force Watch Restoration? thread

[calvinktlim]

I bought 2 of these Czech Air Force watches a number of years ago. One of them was a complete example but the other had the wrong crown, crystal and hands.




I first found the original homage forum in a bid to get information on how to restore the incomplete watch and managed to find some hands for it. But i had no idea how to source the right crystal and a suitable crown. No idea how to find original parts as well...

Eventually i got busy in real life and stopped collecting watches for a while. But now i'm back and i hope to restore the second watch (not necessarily using original parts and i might even consider light polishing of the case).

I would like to start off with replacing the crystal with one that is closer to to the original.

Original domed plexi

Current flat glass


I googled for domed crystals but immediately got confused by the sheer variety. Can anyone advise what kind of crystal i would need?

I guess i will need to remove the bezel to fit. Any idea how to do so?









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[Tanukjaju]

This will be interesting!!

[calvinktlim]

This will be interesting!!

But i really need alot of advice from forum members. Would love to outsource this to my regular watchmaker but he is like the only rep amd homage watchmaker i know in Singapore and has a very long turnaround time and i already have a few projects svcing lined up for him.

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[miki360]

Beautiful watches i have to say! I always wanted one but prices are mad for these now.
Plexi looks similar to Sternkreuz hw, or hws plexiglass series so maybe you check them.
I have similar pilot watch with rotating bezel design and in my watch first I had to do is to take off rotating bezel from outside and then i was able to remove plexi.
Please update with more pictures when you got time.

[Yoda]

Nice watches!

For crystal I would suggest Sternkreuz HW as well.

If in doubt, check Cousins.uk to sort the profile.

How should the crown look, reference pictures?

[calvinktlim]

Here are some reference pictures i got off the net...

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[Yoda]

I bought 2 of these Czech Air Force watches a number of years ago. One of them was a complete example but the other had the wrong crown, crystal and hands.




I first found the original homage forum in a bid to get information on how to restore the incomplete watch and managed to find some hands for it. But i had no idea how to source the right crystal and a suitable crown. No idea how to find original parts as well...

Eventually i got busy in real life and stopped collecting watches for a while. But now i'm back and i hope to restore the second watch (not necessarily using original parts and i might even consider light polishing of the case).

I would like to start off with replacing the crystal with one that is closer to to the original.

Original domed plexi

Current flat glass


I googled for domed crystals but immediately got confused by the sheer variety. Can anyone advise what kind of crystal i would need?

I guess i will need to remove the bezel to fit. Any idea how to do so?









Sent from my LYA-L29 using Tapatalk

If the bezel and the inside of the case are on each side of the crystal, then you pry off the bezel by working your way around it with a case knife.
If you can see/feel the crystal edge inside the case, then it is press fit and you just push it out from the inside.
Try the last thing first, you won't damage anything by doing so.

[calvinktlim]

Some pics of the bezel construction from the underside. Tried prying it but didnt dare to use too much force.

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[Yoda]

The best way to use a case knife, is to press in and work your way around.

I can be wrong, but it looks like you have a plexi with a metal ring inside, they sit a little harder.

Thumbs from the inside, give it a try and see what happens.

[jrlmsla]

Here are some reference pictures i got off the net...

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I think in the two last pictures you posted the watch on the right is Longines’ reissue. Of the original. So the crown on the right in the last photo is new (logo crown).