Well its been a very long time since my last post here, the demand for watch repairs has increased so much since the last i wrote that the inevitable " i'll do it tomorrow " line has been well and truly used up. But today i'm back and back with a juicy classic reverse Panda Aquaplunge, the lesser seen version of the Aquaplunge line up. The chronograph version of the Aquaplunge uses the Landeron calibre 149, based on the previous iterations of the Cal 48 the 149 was produced between 1937-1970 and in no small amount of approx 3.5 million units with many parts often interchangeable with other related calibres. The version in this particular watch is rose plated, although more akin to a copper colour similar to that of Omega movements. In this instance the casing is a little grubby as to be expected with years of use, the movement is mainly solid with some rust in places, nothing that can't be sorted out. The dial is in pretty good shape and the hands have a nice natural patina to match, notice the arrow recorder hand and the diamond tip of the chrono hand. No bracelet as the customer supplied this watch ( along with many others ) as a watch head only, but my pick would likely be some sort of shark mesh bracelet. Below you will find a short array of disassembly photos, obviously in some cases I have to shorten the sequence but you'll get the general idea. These types of chronographs all work in a very similar way with only a few exceptions, quite enjoyable to work on for the most part but not without some flaws. With the movement assembled and running sweetly the only cosmetic work to complete would be a new glass, cleaning out & re lubing the pushers, and a general ultrasonic clean. The casing cold have been polished and bezel re-painted & lumed but it would have lost some of that retro charm that makes it cool. All in all a really pleasing watch, enjoyable to work on and a visual feast, i'm gonna miss this beauty when she's gone but i always have the photos for nostalgia. Til next time, take care & have fun :)
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