Marker/lume tidy up

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Sidnos

·Dec 26, 2019

Hi all,

So I’ve picked up this rather battered 4205 and was wondering if there was anything that could be done to improve the lume/markers and hands whilst keeping as much original as possible?

I realise these aren’t valuable watches (this one is from early 1980’s) so won’t be spending a fortune, new crystal for sure as this is almost illegible due to scratches and a service.

It keeps good time and once charged up holds a decent power reserve.

Forgive the iPhone photos!

Thanks all and hope everyone had a pleasant Christmas!

 

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Sidnos

·Dec 27, 2019

Guess not 😗

 

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ahsposo

·Dec 27, 2019·Most fun screen name at ΩF

I would change the crystal and do nothing else. You may want to google wabi-sabi.

In fact here's a link, I did it for you.

 

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Sidnos

·Dec 27, 2019

ありがとうございました

 

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ahsposo

·Dec 27, 2019·Most fun screen name at ΩF

You're welcome!

 

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Dan S

·Dec 27, 2019

It's quite common for people to have these watches re-lumed. Not my personal preference, but pretty acceptable in the Seiko community.

 

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JwRosenthal

·Dec 27, 2019

A good watchmaker may be able to clean up the lume a bit in both the dial and hands. I have had a few that I got that looked like this and some careful cleaning revealed that it was mostly surface grime. @Archer has posted about the Bergeron gel sticks- those may be your ticket to see what you can carefully clean up.

 

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ahsposo

·Dec 27, 2019·Most fun screen name at ΩF

If you want a new looking Seiko diver why not buy a new one? They're not that expensive. Then spend 20 years giving it that "Life of Adventure" look...

 

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Sidnos

·Dec 28, 2019

Thanks all, I’m not after a new look and this model is no longer made, just wanted to see if there was a way of cleaning the makers and hands gently as these are in a particularly grubby state.
I’ll certainly look at the Bergeron gel sticks option.

Thanks again!