Re: Replacement dials
Louis, et. al.:
I've taken a full day to think about this subject before replying so as not to just have a knee-jerk reaction. I understand very well that the availability of replacement parts that are indistinguishable from the originals devalues the market and obscures historical originality. I also understand the feelings of a novice who purchases what is believed to be an original watch only to later discover that the dial (or case, or winding wheels, or whipspring, or whatever) is a replacement (been there, done that)
But that doesn't mean that the replacement dial (or whatever part) is a fake. I've looked at a number of definitions, from various sources, of the word "fake." The majority of the definitions use terms like deceit, deception, fraud, sham, cheat or swindle. Indeed, these are all the terms that some people are applying to replacement dials. And that is the problem that I have in accepting the use of the word "fake" to refer to replacement dials. Specifically, in their manufacturer and distribution, there is no demonstrated intent to defraud.
I will agree that there are dishonest watch dealers who will knowingly claim that a watch bearing a replacement dial is all-original (or won't state that it isn't). And, there are other somewhat dishonest watch dealers who, lacking the knowledge to tell one way or the other, claim that such a watch is original. But this is an entirely different situation. Such dealers might claim that a filled case is gold or that a shiny white case is silver. I also agree that a watch lacking the correct original dial has significantly less value that one that has such a dial. I am by no means saying that I think third-party replacement dials are the equal to original dials. Stopping dishonest dealers has nothing to do with whether you call a third-party dial a replacement dial or a fake dial, although it is regrettable that novices can't spot the difference and get stuck with a lesser purchase for what may be a high price. But that is what makes them novices, be it antique watches, or cars, or radios or computers, if they don't know what they're buying, they're going to get stuck.
For 60 year, or 80 years, or perhaps longer, third-party replacement dials have been sold in this country. Some have been made here, others elsewhere (it really doesn't matter). There is a market for them because people wanted (and still want) to replace damaged or missing dials so that a watch can be used for its intended purpose. A part of the market existed (or exists) because the watch owners wanted (or want) a different-looking dial on their watch. And the market existed (and still exists) because most of the watch companies aren't around to supply original factory replacement parts to fill the demand. Here's an interesting question: If Hamilton - which still has corporate existence - produced today a 16-size, enamel, Montgomery dial, marked "Illinois - Bunn Special - 23 Jewel - 60 Hour - 6 Position" that was in all respects identical to the ones made 70+ years ago, would that be an accepted, original factory dial?
There is an argument that the dial has special character, unlike any other part of the watch, such as a mainspring, or a staff, or a setting lever. Why should that be? All are parts needed to make the watch functional and all have had non-factory replacements be made available. A watch with a replacement dial is what it is. It is valued as such and that is the penalty that is paid.
An underlying concept in all of this is that watches ought to be left in their original condition. Different people view this in different ways. Some purists say that this pertains to all watches (a valid viewpoint). Others say that this only applies to historically significant watches (an equally valid viewpoint). Others say that a watch ought to be put in the best condition possible (also a viewpoint). And then there are those who say "It doesn't matter, I'll do what I need to do to sell it." This, too, is a viewpoint.
If a watch has a badly busted up dial, or is missing a dial, should it remain that way forever? Or should a third-party replacement dial be mounted so as to allow the dial to be used? It all depends upon your viewpoint.
