mac_omega
1375
Leave it as it is!
Hi John,
leave it as it is! It is a perfect vintage....
If you decide to give the case a soft by hand polish you can do the same with the hands...
Then it will be matching...
but if I were you I would not do anything but having serviced the movement by a local watchmaker who is trained on swiss watches
(and not only changes straps and batteries like many do nowadays!).
These tiny imperfections give character to the watch and make the difference between a new watch and a real vintage icon!
just my thoughts - and I am a picky collector... 
kind regards
Erich
The start of my ref 96 restoration project..
I finally pulled the trigger and I have a ref 96 on its way to me. For such an iconic reference there's surprisingly little detail that I've been able to dig up on the internet. I'm therefore looking to you - yes you - for help, guidance and positive rein...
Good looking watch.
The spring bars are 18 karat gold, I would suspect the buckle to be a squared Patek buckle (sometimes referred to as the European buckle). I don't know of a book dedicated to the 96, but if you send it back to Patek, I would expect them to supply the acce...
Such a nice watch!
I would send it to Geneva. As an economist I would not start a brain surgery. Best, Kari
The watch is in...
Hi John, The watch is in very good condition as far as can been told by the single picture. There seems to be a tiny blemish on the originally looking dial - DO NOT touch the dial (under no circumstances) and leave it as is - it has a very beautiful vinta...
more details..
Thanks Erich. Until I get it into my hands I can't be certain of its condition. These pics seem to suggest that it's in ok condition. I had been considering a re-dail (the blasphemy!) as the seller stated that he thinks the dial is not original however to...
Leave it as it is!
Hi John, leave it as it is! It is a perfect vintage.... If you decide to give the case a soft by hand polish you can do the same with the hands... Then it will be matching... but if I were you I would not do anything but having serviced the movement by a ...
First 'live' pic
Picked it up this afternoon. I'm absolutely delighted with it. Within a few mintues of wearing it the size makes perfect sense. There's a very good reason this watch was in continuous production for around 50 years....
The most difficult and important point
The dial is covered with cellulose lacquer, I heard. Maybe it's the most difficult and important point in your restoration. Now even Patek and famous dial restorer Causemann cannot choose that. HIROTA