Replace main hands only on a Speedy Day Date?

fredo_omega · Dec 22, 2023

Not sure if this is the correct subforum to post, but it makes the most sense here to me, so here goes:

I have a silver dial Speedy Day Date (aka Triple Date), 3523.30.00, 1999 production. I love everything about the watch except for the main hands visibility. There's so much info on the dial, and the overall color scheme being largely monochromatic, it's easy for my ageing eyes to lose sight of the hands and be able to tell the time at a quick glance when on my wrist. Which is kind of job function number one, you know?

So I'm wondering whether I could acquire some new hands for the watch, ideally something like all-black, and have a watchmaker replace the existing hands? So long as the hands are designed for the same case size so that they'll line up correctly once installed, I don't necessarily think I care what model they originally come from, right? I understand this introduces a frankenwatch element to the timepiece but if I intend on keeping it long-term, I don't care about that, it's my watch.

Any insights appreciated........

Makesbelieve · Dec 22, 2023

fredo_omega
to tell the time at a quick glance when on my wrist. Which is kind of job function number one, you know?

I would have to disagree,

Given the fact that most of us carry a far more accurate clock in our pockets (our phones) telling the time is a function way down the 'what my watch should do' list (status object, male jewelry, outward expression of a hobby, all sitting much higher on the list). Placing some black hands on this beautiful monochromatic watch would really ruin the overall aesthetic and design philosophy.

That being said, if you're one of the lucky few people on the planet who don't own a phone then I can see your point.

My 5¢

Archer · Dec 22, 2023

The movement is ETA 7750 based, so you could find plenty of hands that would fit the posts, and you would just need to make sure they are of the right length. There are Omega models with black dials that might work well for finding more visible hands.

fredo_omega · Dec 22, 2023

Archer
The movement is ETA 7750 based, so you could find plenty of hands that would fit the posts, and you would just need to make sure they are of the right length. There are Omega models with black dials that might work well for finding more visible hands.

That's kind of my thinking, that any set of hands for a 39 or 40mm case size with the same shaft size as the Valjoux should work? They wouldn't even need to be Omega hands per se if someone chose to go down that path, though that would obviously be my preference. I bet there are some Seamaster or Railmaster hands in the back catalog that would work for me.

Davidt · Dec 22, 2023

I’m sure a watchmaker could simply paint there ones black. You need to be able to wear your watch for its main purpose and if you can’t in the current configuration I’d look at that option if you or your watchmaker struggle to find a black hand set

Pastorbottle · Dec 22, 2023

Yeah probably easier to go for the Dulux overhaul (for those who may not know, Dulux is a paint manufacturer)

fredo_omega · Dec 22, 2023

Davidt
I’m sure a watchmaker could simply paint there ones black. You need to be able to wear your watch for its main purpose and if you can’t in the current configuration I’d look at that option if you or your watchmaker struggle to find a black hand set

I didn't think of that. Just paint the existing hands, sure, why wouldn't that work? An Omega CW21 tech would have the right paint I'm guessing. I wonder if I'd get this going by just going to my local AD and see what they say, though if memory serves me I don't think they're doing any of that work on site anymore, I'm pretty sure they're farming it out to Omega themselves.

Pastorbottle · Dec 22, 2023

Go to an independent watchmaker

Archer · Dec 22, 2023

fredo_omega
I didn't think of that. Just paint the existing hands, sure, why wouldn't that work? An Omega CW21 tech would have the right paint I'm guessing. I wonder if I'd get this going by just going to my local AD and see what they say, though if memory serves me I don't think they're doing any of that work on site anymore, I'm pretty sure they're farming it out to Omega themselves.

It’s unlikely they will mod this for you. Your best bet for that is an independent.

Paint is not a great idea to be honest...it will not look near as good as new hands will.

Pastorbottle · Dec 22, 2023

Dependent upon the skill of the painter and the quality of the paint, I see no reason why it wouldn’t look good. The biggest problems I see are the paint getting into the spindle hole of the hand reducing its diameter and the possibility of paint flaking off in the future,
The first problem is tricky, the second is why good quality paint is required

Archer · Dec 22, 2023

Pastorbottle
Dependent upon the skill of the painter and the quality of the paint, I see no reason why it wouldn’t look good. The biggest problems I see are the paint getting into the spindle hole of the hand reducing its diameter and the possibility of paint flaking off in the future,
The first problem is tricky, the second is why good quality paint is required

Sounds easier than it is. Trying to paint around the lume, keep it all even...been there done that...

Replace main hands only on a Speedy Day Date?

fredo_omega

Makesbelieve

Archer

fredo_omega

Davidt

Pastorbottle

fredo_omega

Pastorbottle

Archer

Pastorbottle

Archer

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