Remove a photo from Elgin PW

[Weight Driven]

Hi All,
I have a 14k gold Elgin 16s pocket watch that has an old photo glued to the inside of the case. The photo appears to be glued in pretty good as you can't even start to peel the photo as it is stuck tight. My question is is there a safe way, using a solvent, etc., to remove a photo? Thanks for any help with this.

[terry hall]

Is there a particular reason for removal?

Is it an OLD picture?

it is history of the watch....

I belive if you use a solvent, the image will suffer damage.

[Quinton Bradford]

Terry is correct...the photo is part of the case. I'm assuming the photo is old and not something glued into the case recently. Obviously, the gentleman that carried the watch thought enough of his family to keep the photo "close to his heart", which increases the sentimental value (Which can be of monetary value to some collectors). I feel that an old photo in a watch actually gives the watch proof of a "life"...proof that the watch was worn and cared for by someone, not just collected and stored.

[Weight Driven]

Thanks for the replies guys. I believe I will just leave the photo in place.

[Tom Huber]

I have an early Elgin 18S KW with the photo of a woman fixed to the dial. For reasons of watch history, I have elected to keep the pic on the dial.

Tom

[Dutto11]

Well now I feel bad, I have a very nice 12s Elgin Hunter Case that had a picture in it but didn't think it was worth keeping in it so I removed it and cleaned up the case.
In hind sight I should have keep it just the way it was.
I suppose it is all in what you like so if I get any more like that then I will leave well alone.
Gary