A very tired SM300 given a second life

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obstando

·Apr 25, 2020

I’ve owned this 68 SM300 for around 8 years having bought it from the family of the original owner. It was used professionally as a dive watch for many years and shows the ravages of time and neglect. Whilst the watch was with Simon Freese for service I was debating whether to have the dial re-lumed or not. Ordinarily I would say I’m someone that would generally avoid the dial being touched but this one was in pretty bad shape and after many about turns I decided that the dial would go to James Hyman for him to see what he could do. The watch has now been serviced and re-assembled and is currently with Simon awaiting collection (which due to Covid may be a while yet) and I have to say I’m very happy with how it turned out. The bezel insert will always be what it is and it will stay that way as a reminder of past times but to me the watch is now enjoying a second lease of life.

 

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size11s

·Apr 25, 2020

Looks fabulous, great watch and great treatment decisions based on what you want for your watch to give you pleasure. As it should be.

 

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High Hope

·Apr 25, 2020

That looks terrific. Good job man! Was the face cleaned? The photo of it in its original, removed state makes it appear to be spotted with salt water.

 

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obstando

·Apr 25, 2020

High Hope

That looks terrific. Good job man! Was the face cleaned? The photo of it in its original, removed state makes it appear to be spotted with salt water.

Yes I believe it was lightly cleaned and re-lumed

 

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cristos71

·Apr 25, 2020

Looks way better than it was, I think you made the right decision, enjoy!

 

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WatchCor

·Apr 25, 2020

Absolutely wonderful decision to give it a "facelift". You gave it a proper luxury treatment: service by Mr. Freese and relume by Mr.Hyman. 👍

 

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MMMD

·Apr 25, 2020

I always fear the worst when I see a thread title like this, but *phew* this looks like a very nice result. Congrats!

 

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Widows Son

·Apr 25, 2020

Very nice!!! You rescued it from a life of neglect!!!

 

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imageWIS

·Apr 25, 2020

Looks fantastic, congrats!

 

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JwRosenthal

·Apr 25, 2020

Looks great. I think Hyman struck a nice balance of color tones to keep it in line with the aging of the bezel coloring and not make it look poppin’ fresh.
I wouldn’t have been happy with it the way it was before as they get difficult to read when they go that dark....or maybe it’s my aging eyes.

 

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Davidt

·Apr 25, 2020

I think I saw this on James insta?

This was an ideal candidate for a relume. Looks great.

 

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Chaz Goldenrod

·Apr 25, 2020

Wow that turned out great, nicely done!

 

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bardamu

·Apr 26, 2020

Well done, wonderful result. Speaking of reluming jobs, the problem imo nowadays is not much about having the watch touched, but having it touched by absolute professionals, and you did the right choice here. Wear in good health 😉

 

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obstando

·Apr 26, 2020

MMMD

I always fear the worst when I see a thread title like this, but *phew* this looks like a very nice result. Congrats!

Haha! Sorry for the fright. It’s good to see such positive responses as I too would usually shudder at the possible horror story to come

 

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whippetman01

·Apr 26, 2020

obstando

Haha! Sorry for the fright. It’s good to see such positive responses as I too would usually shudder at the possible horror story to come

James and Simon are just brilliant!

Not forgetting 321Only for bezel restoration

 

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Damo

·Apr 26, 2020

Very nice, great improvement 😀

 

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jaguar11

·Apr 26, 2020

A tasteful improvement indeed. Looks great!!

 

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_awatchsnob_

·Apr 28, 2020

This is a proper example of a “professionally restored” timepiece, congrats