Does reluming a watch hurt the value?

eatabagel

And for the counter-point, now we await response from user Superluminovapassion.

BenBagbag

So says @Radiumpassion! 😒

😁

Tony C.

Handy Dandy chart...

OBVIOUS relume = damaged values; the greater the value of the watch, the greater the relative damage

SENSITIVE relume (i.e. "hmmm, could be original...", yet detectible) = little if any damage to values, and probable increases to lower/mid range watches; possible increase OR damage to value or high-end watches, depending on the state of the original lume, and/or detection methods employed

OUTSTANDING relume (i.e. superior color, and texture) = certain increase to values of lower/mid-range watches; increases in value of high-end watches, with the exception of those subject to serious testing (e.g. radium), which may have their values damaged

FLAWLESS relume (i.e. superior color, texture, and period correct chemical composition) = certain increase in value across the board


footnotes

yes, high-end re-lumers do, at times, use radium

yes, tests for radium are done with increasing frequency, and often kill deals (for expensive watches) or lower asking prices

no, smartphone apps are not necessarily an accurate gauge of the presence of radium, as they lack the sensitivity of purpose-built radiation detectors

Tony C.

Not only are sellers not necessarily honest, but even those who are can easily be fooled by re-lume. So your entire premise is faulty.

Davidt

Looks like most of the lume is still present to me?

Is it just the lighting??

Tony C.

Not only are sellers not necessarily honest, but even those who are can easily be fooled by re-lume. So your entire premise is faulty.

Tony C.

Seller honesty is only a meaningful factor if one is unable to judge originality for themselves. In other words, if you learn to confidently discern re-lumes, then sellers' representation are rendered irrelevant.

As I mentioned above, even honest sellers can be fooled by re-lumes, so how would it be helpful, under such conditions, for such a seller to claim originality?

While it would obviously be beneficial if everyone were honest about everything, we live in a world in which virtually everything, and especially in the commercial and political categories, should be treated with suspicion. And the best way to traverse the various minefields is to learn to rely on your own judgement.

marco

I am the proud owner of a 2998.5 (attached). Its lume is GONE. I have friend who could relume it to the point of it being almost undetectable. He does work for hi end dealers.
I mentioned here that I was considering a relume and was howled down with constructive advice not to. I would like it to look better but now realise I would be shooting myself in the wallet if I went ahead.
What we want is not always good for us. I would probably enjoy the watch more but that would be tempered with the knowledge I had destroyed some intrinsic value, unless I kept this info to myself, but invariably honesty is the best choice.

ANALOGUE

I thought I could use the competence here 😀
I have this (in my opinion) lovely Tudor 7016 from 67-68.

The dial is great but the minute and hour hand has some dark areas, and the seconds hand is a bit lighter. I suspect that it is newer (as the insert is so it would make sence).

I think about matchning the hands lume to the dial, but I cannot make up my mind.

Assuming I am 100% honest if I sell (which I would be), do you believe it would affect the value of the watch? Positively or negatively?

A pic on the watch

bags1971

Ive been following this thread with some interest as I own a watch which has had the lume plots redone by James Hyman.

My personal opinion is I don't think the value has been hurt much as I think the watch is now more attractive

My only gripe is I feel the lume is too orange James has said its a easy fix to change the colour what do you think change the colour?

MacEd

Would you consider watchmaker did a good job on relume (chronograph hands) ?