Workshop Case Study: Restoring a 1940s Military Chronograph — Process, Costs, and Ethics (2026)

Workshop Case Study: Restoring a 1940s Military Chronograph — Process, Costs, and Ethics (2026)

Hook: Restoration is both craft and ethics. This 2026 case study follows a 1940s military chronograph through diagnostics, parts sourcing, conservation decisions and resale considerations.

Initial Assessment

We started with a complete photographic log, time-stamped and given to the owner. The watch had a replaced crown, minor dial re-touch, and a movement with several non-original screws. The question: conserve what remained, or restore to 'like-new'?

Decision Framework

1. Historical integrity: if the watch's story mattered — e.g., military provenance — favor conservation.
2. Functionality: ensure safe operation without unnecessary part replacement.
3. Market expectation: some collectors prefer usability; others pay premiums for untouched condition.

We documented each choice. That documentation is now central to resale value and mirrors modern transparency playbooks used by other craftspeople; see an artisan’s journey and how public narratives are built in interviews such as Noor Hamid's maker interview.

Restoration Steps & Cost Breakdown

• Diagnostic & photographic log — €120
• Movement service (parts & labour) — €450
• Dial conservation (stabilisation, not repaint) — €280
• Case cleaning and light polishing (minimal) — €150
• Reassembly, timing, and final QA — €100

Total: €1,100. Note — costs depend on parts sourcing and documentation needs. When parts must be fabricated or sourced internationally, lead times expand. For project-based service models, publishers are adopting playbook structures that help estimate commissioning schedules similar to complex installations in other trades; see commissioning playbook structures at Heat Pump Commissioning Playbook for analogous planning mindsets.

Ethical Choices & Communication

We made two ethical commitments:

• All replaced parts were stamped and photographed; originals were returned to the owner in a conservation bag.
• A service dossier accompanied the watch, detailing interventions and materials used.

These steps increased buyer confidence and supported a stronger resale outcome than if work were undocumented. Transparency reduces suspicion and potential disputes.

Resale Outcome

Six months after restoration the owner consigned the watch and realized 1.35x the cost of restoration above pre-service valuation. Why the premium? Buyers valued clear documentation and the conservative approach to dial work. The lesson: conservative restoration plus documentation often outperforms aggressive cosmetic upgrades.

"Document the work. Keep the originals. Conservative conservation usually preserves both story and value." — Marcus L. Byrne

Practical takeaway: If you own an heirloom, choose a restorer who will provide digital time-stamped records, return originals, and publish a simple service report. This is the operational equivalent of widely-adopted transparency playbooks in other sectors and increases long-term buyer confidence.