Hi all, I hope everyone is keeping well during these trying times. Weather outside is glorious today but myself and the family are stuck inside so I wanted to share my Speedmaster adventure with you all. Some may find it helpful in future, but even if not hey so what right. My first Omega was a dark side of the moon which I bought at the same time as a bullhead Rio olympics limited edition. I’d never bought two watches at the same time and strangely enough on this occasion I was even egged on by my wife... Fast forward a few years and I wanted a birth year watch (1979) and a Speedmaster felt like the right choice but the more I read about it (here) the more a 1979 felt unremarkable. One day I may get a Rolex 5513 maxi to tick that box.. Meanwhile I dialled things back a few years, toyed with the idea of a transitional (the applied metal logo caught my attention) but ultimately settled on this CB 105.012, with extract showing production year 1967. It’s not a safe watch, I wanted something to wear, and I know it’s not collector quality in that it’s been well polished, pushers and crown are I think replacements, and the lettering at the bottom has partially come off (the second “T” and part of the track). But I thought the price reflected these things. Now the more I wore it the more the lume bothered me as it had shrunk, and was kind of non existent. So on the recommendation of others here I enlisted the services of James Hyman who relumed it for me and also repainted the hands to an off white colour. Here is the watch before: After: Side shot, crown isn’t original right? (Upturned feet) Back: On a “collected man” strap with omega buckle (reproduction, personally I couldn’t justify the cost of an original for a tiny bit of metal, I’m not bothered enough by it) And finally a night shot: Any feedback or thoughts are welcome, also any “education” or good to know for me regarding my watch. I know reluming divides opinion but I think James did a terrific job and for me it was the right choice. I can now enjoy wearing the watch that little bit more
Just my 2c: After the relume there is a very sharp contrast between the well worn bezel and the like new lume which catches the eye. That doesn't match IMO
I like it. Originality is obviously key when assessing the value and collectability of a watch but I think more importantly you have to like it. The re-lume is obviously well done to an excellent standard and as long as you are happy with it that is all that matters.
Looks way better to me. It's all well and good people saying originality is key, originality is value, shabby lume is great because it's original, blah, blah, blah...but a watch that maybe isn't 100% "original" but that is 100% asthetically pleasing on the wrist has a far greater daily value to the person wearing it than the other way around. And I personally wouldn't pay less for your watch now that it's been re-lumed.
Looks great! I don't have any problem with a sympathetic relume but I also agree the bezel jumps out now as pretty hammered, so just replace that and you are good
As an interim measure you could install a new aftermarket bezel. These can be had from Omega for around $300 if you know of a watchmaker with a parts account. My CB with a decimeter. I have struggled with reluming the hands and touching up the chipped paint on the hands as well. There is no clear consensus on what effect this would have on the value.
Thanks guys, I knew it would divide opinion and FWIW I agree there is more contrast with the bezel after the relume, I liken it to a freshly touched up classic car sporting some tyres that are very well worn :-D But the bezel is 50yrs old at the end of the day and although I’d like to I can’t justify the cost of a replacement DON. Maybe at some point I get a DNN for it. I’m guessing I could get something for the DON in exchange, even though it’s well worn (but importantly no dings, which I dislike much more) BTW regarding the hands I thought my seconds hand at the very least was a service part as it shone a little more brightly than the other hands, so personally I think it looks better these now match at least.
Good job for this relume! Great address to keep ! Step by step, this watch will be easy to upgrade... as said, maybe one day, a new bezel, then, why not, find a good price for a flat feet crown?... and why not again another day a Nasa Nato?... then you will feel like on the moon!
Relume is fine but hands are too white, a more creamy white would create less contrast from my point of view.
you did what works for you, and while it won't please everyone, you're happy with it. ... and FWIW i think you did the right thing.