Surprising result on an off-brand Ultra/OPS

Hxt1

New member
Your case is going to require skilled attention. There's a chunk missing.
Yes I saw that when I happened upon the auction.
I may just get the movement serviced, have the second hand installed, crowns operational/replaced, and wear it as a beater grail... a walking contradiction.
I plan on keeping it, so I could either go all out and restore it completely, or leave it as is (cosmetically) and appreciate its "character".
 

JimJupiter

Moderator
Staff member
Enicaristi
Sherpa
Hey Harvey,

than congrats to that interesting watch. As you have seen from the Sotheby's results yesterday, there would have been cheaper ways,..but not with a Birks dial. If you have a emotional relation to it, take your time to overthink what to do. Full service on the movement is a good start, but dont forget the missing date wheel. Case is something you can do later, fingers crossed the crown will work again.

Takes us with you in this journey and keep us updated. Interesting project for sure!

Best Nico
 

Hxt1

New member
Hey Harvey,

than congrats to that interesting watch. As you have seen from the Sotheby's results yesterday, there would have been cheaper ways,..but not with a Birks dial. If you have a emotional relation to it, take your time to overthink what to do. Full service on the movement is a good start, but dont forget the missing date wheel. Case is something you can do later, fingers crossed the crown will work again.

Takes us with you in this journey and keep us updated. Interesting project for sure!

Best Nico
I was also surprised by the results of the Sotheby's auctions, but I think most people going to Sotheby's are looking for Rolex, Patek, and so on. Our Enicars have flown largely under the radar.
I don't so much have an emotional attachment to this piece, more like an obsession. Within 3 days of seeing and learning about these (Ops, Ultras) I knew I just had to have one. I was fixated on a Rolex Explorer, but my budget dictated that I would be stuck with a lower grade piece than I really wanted.
The Enicar really grabbed my attention so I just went for it... Unfortunately, every one I wanted got snapped up before I could get my offer in.
When this one popped up, Birks signed, well used and worn, with history, and needing lots of care, I thought: hey, this makes perfect sense, why not bid on a watch I know very little about, that I'll likely have a hell of a time getting parts for, etc, and why not make this specimen my very first serious Enicar, I mean, how bad can it be!? Hahahah.
I'm doing it backwards, I think.
May as well jump in with both feet, right?
Thank you for the message. I think I'm going to like this place!
Harvey.
 

Hxt1

New member
Well, the watch arrived today, seller was a stellar guy! I've got a good bit of work cut out for me.
Ok for starters, the case does not have a gouge in it after all, which is a big relief! I've attached pics but they really don't do it justice.
The handset appears to possibly be a recent(ish) replacement, they are very shiny and new looking, lume is intact and pale lime in colour, no patina.
The dial is quite clean, a couple of minor blemishes, but I didn't expect perfection after seeing the state of the case.
The good news is that the red/brick colored primer/filler is just paint! The black PVD is intact underneath, so I will begin carefully removing the paint.
I'm torn as to whether I have the case refinished or just clean it up and leave it as is.
One of the members here has a set of proper hands, a movement with datewheel, crystal, and crowns for me. I'll be wiring the funds for that today.
Ok here are the pics
 

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JimJupiter

Moderator
Staff member
Enicaristi
Sherpa
Thats great, the backside of the case looks better than expected! I guess some parts you will find here through members relativly easy, some prabably needs more time. Good luck and keep us updated.
 

Hxt1

New member
Update:
Ok, I have 4 watches with the watchmaker now including this Enicar. It's now officially been "forever" since I dropped it off. I dropped by the shop to do some gentle harassing last weekend, and he started on it yesterday! Should have it next weekend. Update pending.
 
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