Hi, I recently received this civilian version and am greatly enjoying it. Terrific wrist presence and it looks good even on my skinny, round wrist. A few questions: 1. The numerals look almost metallic under a 10x loupe. No sign of having ever been lumed. Is this typical? 2. The "198" on the lug. Significance? 3. Can anyone suggest a source for a replacement second hand? 4. It seems as if the pointer snapped off. You can see the area outlined in red where it attached to the bezel. Can someone suggest how a replacement can be fashioned? Or a good craftsman to do it? thanks, Todd
That really is a great-looking watch ! I'm not a good source for answers to your questions, but certainly someone here will chime in before too long with some help... I just adore those hands, and the case shape is magnificent, too... Congrats! OH, and I forgot, Dibs, please!
I don't think this has the answer to your questions but it's a good source of info anyway : http://milspectime.com/?p=722 And mine says 'hi'
Thanks DD and Traveler, And yes, I'm familiar with that site. But as you say, the answers are not there. Waiting for the experts to arrive... best Todd
Have you asked Longines for a (free!) extract ? At least that would give you the origin. They are exceptionally helpful so they might be able to suggest something for the hand. https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-extract-of-the-archives-now-67.17871/#post-193352
Thanks Traveler, I'll do it today. How cool that they offer the service for free as opposed to IWC who now stick it to you for $300!
Well, it won't be free very long if this gets constantly given in public so everybody and their brothers, cousins, and uncles can cause a log jam at Longines' historical department.
Given what I spend on watches I don't think the cost of an extract would put me off of getting one if I had to pay for it..... And I'd rather a fellow OF member be aware of it and take advantage while it's there...
Thanks Traveler...I'm an IWC guy and have paid a few times for their service. And if Longines decided to start charging I'm sure I wouldn't be dissuaded. As you say, given what we spend on watches, it's not that big a deal. And I appreciate the camaraderie! cheers Todd
It's possible the lume was removed as it was Radium. I've seen this on other versions of the watch. Nice catch.
Yes, I've also seen others like this. And perhaps you are correct about removing the radium. thanks Todd
I just found out that the watch is a franken... my fault entirely as the seller gave me pics of the movement and inner caseback engravings which clearly don't match. The "198" on the lugs are also discordant with the other numbers. I thought nothing of this prior to my purchase and looked at the condition only. Interesting in that I thought I did my research/homework prior to purchase but don't recall reading anywhere that the case and movement numbers were supposed to match. But..it is a nice watch, and the price was reasonable, so I'll just enjoy it as is.
You wouldn't be the first new collector to make that mistake. You certainly won't be the last either.
Yeah, but at this point I thought I was beyond such newbie mistakes, and feel more than a bit foolish. The seller is a lovely person who, I'm sure, would take the watch back. But there is no way I would even ask, as it is so completely my mistake.
Most buyers probably would not have recognized a 'franken', so you are to be commended! Perhaps the seller was as surprised as you, but you certainly have recourse, because ignorance of the seller isn't a legitimate excuse if he/she advertised it as an original. It's a beautiful watch, but if you decide that it doesn't sit well with you, then you should not feel any guilt in sending it back for a refund...
That has to be the ugliest Frankenstein I have ever seen! Not a very good representation of the OP's watch, IMHO...
Thanks DD. I really like the watch. Just a bit disappointed. But not enough to return it, as it wears beautifully and looks even better in the flesh than in the pics. Case has been polished, but very sympathetically, and the lugs remain sharp and fat. Dial is excellent and the movement is pristine. So I'm going to hang onto it for now. And if I someday happen across an issued version with good provenance I'll just put this one on the market. Obviously with full disclosure. cheers, Todd