So I have a 145.022-69 with the original hands. I also have old NOS replacement hand set that has started to patina in the packaging. So the dilemma is this: I want to put the replacement hands on as it will look better, but how badly will it affect the value of the watch?

 

Sunlight shot

 

Surely your first concern is how it looks and the pleasure you get from that - value's secondary. Also, if you keep the original hands, you could reinstate them prior to selling. But will you ever want to sell such a nice one?

 

x2 on keeping the originals if you replace the hands right now. Make the watch how you want it, and restore to 'original' if you ever go to sell it.

 

If you're just going to wear it then do what makes you happy and put the NOS replacement hands on. If you ever decide to sell it then either put the originals back on or sell them with the watch and you'll probably get the same price either way. Do you have a vintage bezel to put on it as well or do you prefer the clean replacement bezel?

 

Probably, my attention span is low! Id rather retain value over a slight preference for better hands.

 

Dont have the original bezel unfortunately.

 

I think the hands you have on now match the dial well, better than the replacements would.

I'd leave as is.

 

Leave as is. The replacements will stick out like a sore thumb. The ones on it look great.

 

Leave as is. I like those hands as they are.

 

Those replacement hands don't look very old. Hand kits like that are a fairly new thing - can I see a photo of the other side of the package?

 

Thanks guys, Ill stick with the consensus and leave them on. Wouldnt have asked if I didnt value your opinion.

 

Yes, bar code and such = not too old

 

Isn't the number in the lower right corner a date stamp? Dec 2015?

 

That's what I wanted to see. By the "NOS" description, wonder if the OP bought these from Watchco, or whatever they are calling themselves these days...abouttime.ch or something. So once again, nothing old about these as they are Luminova hands.

Note that the code is the week and year of production, so not sure if the 12th week of 2015, or the 15th week of 2012. Either way, not old.

 

I wouldn't risk the remaining hand lume flaking loose & falling through the pinion hole, knowing my luck it would happen on the first day of a holiday & the watch would need to stay packed, although no wrist tan line I guess! ... play safe & put the new hands on

Regards
Mr.H

 

If it were mine, I wouldn't touch it! It looks fantastic, and honest. However, you have to love it! If your preference is a fresher look, swap them out, but be certain to keep the originals in a safe container to ensure they don't get damaged in storage.

 

Thanks for posting this question and the pics. I have the exact same watch and the inverse same dilemma. I have the replacement hands installed but have the original hands as well. They are showing age like yours, the paint is coming off in some places. I was wondering what they would look like. I had pretty much decided to put them on and I think your thread helped convince me.

Well done.

 

I was mislead about the hands, not to worry! Any thoughts on the hand lume flaking loose and falling through the pinion hole? Low risk or high risk of this?