Ink missing in engraving.

[Doc Mark]

Greetings, Friends,

I'm looking at an Hamilton 992B, and though it seems nice, I note that much of the ink that's in the engraving on the movement, is missing, or spotty. On at least one of the similar watch from this seller, I note the same situation. Is this caused by improper cleaning of the plates? Can it be remedied? Thanks, very much, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc Mark

[Tom McIntyre]

At one time it was standard practice for watchmakers to refill the engraving on watches when cleaning or other manipulation had caused losses in the filling material.

It is still an easy task to replace the material. I have seen airplane dope used effectively for the purpose.

[Doc Mark]

Hello, Tom,

Many thanks for the information. The watch seems to be in fine condition, otherwise, and is supposedly keeping time to within a few seconds in 24 hours. Still, I might wait to see what turns up in Del Mar, before I jump. What, may I ask, is "airplane dope", and in what way is it used to fill the engraving? Many thanks, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc Mark

[Tom McIntyre]

It is the paint used on fabric model airplanes. It is applied with a toothpick and any overflow is wiped clean from the plates.

[Doc Mark]

HI, Tom,

Ahhh, comes the dawn! :smile: Thanks, very much. If I decide to get that particular 992B, I'll give the "airplane dope" a try. Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc Mark

[Jon Hanson]

EMAIL BILL TAPP--THERE IS SOMETHINK ELSE BUT I CAN THINK OF IT THIS MOMENT.

[Walt Wilkins]

I agree with Tom, I have been using the same Testors bottle of black enamel for many years, long enough that the bottle is glass, not plastic. I highly recommend using the technique.
I will be at Del Mar, stop by my table, we can discuss it.

Cheers, Walt

[Doc Mark]

Hello, Walt,

Many thanks for the extra information. Where will you have your table at the show? What sort of setup do you have, so I can find you? Also, will you have pocket watches for sale? Hamilton 992B, in perfect running order, by any chance? :wink: I did not buy the one I was checking out the other day, as the seller actually talked me out of it. How's that for honesty?! Please drop me a line, before Saturday morning, and I'll try to find you at the show. I'm 5'8" tall, will probably be wearing a bolo tie, wear glasses, and have long brown hair, worn in a braid. (18th century reenacting, you know!) :wink: :smile: Hope to see you there, Walt, and thanks, again, for the shout. God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc Mark

[Walt Wilkins]

There will be a chart showing where we are, I don't remember whose name the tables are in, I suspect it is Goetz, but could be Wilkins, Chapin or Hegner.