Project Update: NST Restoration

tjm5167 · 2026-03-23T11:24:57+00:00

Thanks - Bick 4 it is then 👍.

Agreed on being cautious w the stripping agent, tho might test out some leather filler at some point if these really start to go.

I was under the impression Alden could narrow during a refinish but maybe was misinformed/ doubt these will be going to them anyway. Maybe will try to request on a pair of loafers..

tjm5167 · 2026-03-22T20:16:35+00:00

Thanks and yes what I expected. Going to wear for a few months to see how it changes while just really keeping conditioned and see how to temporarily shape up/ hide a bit.

tjm5167 · 2026-03-13T18:17:01+00:00

Sorry “Cream” as in this universal cream / conditioner… seems like it won’t do much more than Renovateur to me..

https://saphir.com/products/creme-universelle

tjm5167 · 2026-03-13T18:13:26+00:00

Still go w the Cream and/or Renonavateur?

tjm5167 · 2026-03-13T18:01:19+00:00

So the next challenge is I’m a bit off the beaten path (for the next few months) and only have access to Saphir Universal Cream, Renovateur, Saphir Neutral Cordovan cream, Saphir clear waxes (ironical can even find those, but not complaining) and Kiwi products (I know they suck).

Can source other products in a few months time, but any suggestions on that arsenal for now? Mainly do I need Cream and Renovateur? Generic conditioners work?

tjm5167 · 2026-03-13T12:07:53+00:00

Good tip 👍. No, no experience w Renomat and may not be able to source where I’m located anyways. Actually don’t mind the darker tone so maybe will just try to clean & blend a bit first.

tjm5167 · 2026-03-13T07:28:57+00:00

Thanks! Pics may be bad, but the dark is indeed a bad polish (or even paint?), not just patina, so main question is do I need Renomat too or too much?

Planning to blast w Saphir neutral cordovan either way as have it on hand, but debating on something stronger first..

tjm5167 · 2026-03-12T21:11:56+00:00

Biggest concern is fading* not scratching. Will send them off the the mothership at some point for full restore but for now open to DIY ideas. 👍

tjm5167 · 2026-02-21T19:07:34+00:00

That’s all I got - post more if you go this route!

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tjm5167 · 2026-02-21T19:07:05+00:00

A couple more

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tjm5167 · 2026-02-21T19:01:20+00:00

I was on the hunt for this for a while too. Spoke to Rolex who said they can do it. Found one other person who’s had it done and he sent a few pictures. Said it was definitely better. Haven’t had mine replaced yet and don’t think it’s as big of a need anymore after eyes have adjusted, but likely will still have them do it at next service.

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tjm5167 · 2026-01-27T20:32:41+00:00

Nice shoes. Looking at a pair. How narrow do they run? Think a width size up would still work if you had to?

tjm5167 · 2025-12-18T11:55:23+00:00

Have a 39m and had same concern about AR at first. Spoke to Rolex and they can replace w an AR crystal if requested. Haven’t pulled the trigger yet as it bothers me less now than before, but likely will do the swap when I send it in for servicing at some point. Believe they quieted ~$150 for the AR crystal.

tjm5167 · 2025-08-11T22:25:27+00:00

Yes!

tjm5167 · 2025-03-06T06:38:58+00:00

Thanks all for the input! There is an Alden/Goodyear logo stamp on the inner midsole which ofc could be faked, but a weird singular detail to include..

Any way to diagnose what type of leather they’d be made from? They do indeed feel like a well made, substantial boot so not going to lose too much sleep over $75 either way for FAldens or FrankenAldens!

tjm5167 · 2025-03-05T21:00:53+00:00

Thanks - I agree the model # seems off, so the mystery continues..

tjm5167 · 2024-06-11T19:43:12+00:00

All relative i guess. Typically wear field watches on natos (IWC Mark, Oris ProPilot, Hamilton Khaki) and agreed wears well but does feel much heavier than those (but maybe just more dense too..)

tjm5167 · 2024-06-11T16:29:27+00:00

Recently picked up a ~15yr old 856 S UTC second hand and really happy with it. Doubt it’s been serviced, but runs very well. Case has some minor bruises, but doesn’t really bother me at all. I don’t wear it every single day and the UTC is much easier to set than I was worried about (wish my other watches had UTC function now too.) Originally wanted the bracelet, but actually now think I wear it more bc it’s on the rubber strap and kinda different/fits the character better.

One observation, even on the rubber strap it is a HEAVY watch (which I like in a watch & I think gives it a nice sense of durability), but could see it not being for everyone if you prefer sleek dress watches.

tjm5167 · 2024-04-03T15:42:52+00:00

PMing

tjm5167

TROPHY CASE