Hi David,
Thank you for the advice, your input is appreciated. I feel as though I am
stuck between a rock and a hard place.
I'd like to get the piece authenticated and learn about its background, I need
to see if IWC will do this with the hands and dial removed. I'm looking for a
good horologist to potentially carry out this work, if you can recommend
anyone in the UK I'd appreciate it.
If IWC won't authenticate without the dial and hands, then I feel that I have
to go down the route of replacing the radium with Superluminova, as advised by
Hebe earlier in the chat. Hoping that the levels of radiation are reduced
enough for the authenticity process to be carried out.
I would like to learn as much as I can about the watch, its inscriptions, the
crown, and the journey that took it to France during the war. To do this I
need IWC's input, but don't want to spoil the watch in the process.
I'll present these questions to IWC and will also seek the advice of
independents.
Thanks again,
Stewart