...and I am again humbled by the generosity of people who are kind enough to support my efforts. Thank you very, very much.

I received two watches, both of them pieces I don't already have: a Beifang with lume (that worked at least at one point in time)...and a Donfeng with elegant long hands and "Tianjin" in an elegant script.

Beifang:









I think it says A06 under the balance wheel but my old eyes could easily deceive me...

Dongfeng:

Excellent gifts, sir! I always really enjoy the way you select such perfect strap colors for your new acquisitions; you could be a color consultant, I'd bet...seriously. As always, good work & congratulations, Ron! /

Nice!...question , do you restore those watches or leave them as?

eddiea wrote:Nice!...question , do you restore those watches or leave them as?

If the watch works well (and these two sure do) I leave them as is. I don't restore the dials either...spots or marks on the dials are left just the way they are. (By the way, the light (what looks like:) dirty purple "smudging" on the crown side of the Dongfeng dial is just reflection from the rock, not a dial stain)

If the watch doesn't work (which is quite rare) I have them serviced as I can afford to do so...and I'm taking about 5 or 6 watches to Mr. Cao in Beijing with me for exactly that purpose. I ask that any repairs be done with original parts.

Always interesting to see your watches. Ballpark, how many in your collection if you don't mind?

Very cool project- The website is fun and informative- I knew little of Chinese watches and movements. It's cool that you have those serviced when you go to China, must save you some serious skins.

mrneddles wrote:Always interesting to see your watches. Ballpark, how many in your collection if you don't mind?

Thank you :-)

Chinese, somewhere over 160 in good working order.
Non-chinese...about 35: Swiss, Japanese, North Korean, Indian.

...so: about a couple of hundred total

To all of you...I really appreciate all your very kind comments and the interest you show in my somewhat "different" collection. Thank you.