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Retrofitting tritium hands - Speedmaster Moonwatch

A
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Hi all.

First time poster here. I've just become interested in vintage watches and have made my first mistake...

I purchased a 3590.50 Speedmaster online, however when it came in I realised that the watch hands are luminova service hands.

Has anyone had any experience with retrofitting tritium hands and how difficult are they to find. I understand it will be extremely difficult to match the patina.

Thanks in advance,

Al.
 
Davidt
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Assuming they’re in good condition fitting them should be no different to refitting the existing hands after a service.

Make sure the lume on any hands you buy is in good, stable condition (or stabilised prior to installation).

The hand/dial lume often doesn’t match on original watches. I find the hand lume is often darker.

An alternative would be to have a vintage watchmaker or re-lumer ‘age’ your existing hands.
 
Donn Chambers
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Frankly, I think it would be easier to sell the watch you have and find an example with matching hands/dial than it will be to find good-condition tritium hands that match your dial.

or, another option, get a service dial so that it all matches, sell the tritium dial, then wear it and enjoy while you hunt for an all tritium version. You will likely be able to sell for a higher price with a matching dial/hands. Vintage purists will not be interested, but the majority of buyers would prefer matching modern dial/hands.
 
A
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Thank you for the advice.

Ultimately I'm keeping the watch for myself. It coincided with some big milestones for me. Plus I got the watch relatively cheap. However it had come back from an Omega service a year ago. So was always a gamble whether they swapped the hands or not
 
A
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Dan S Dan S
There are sellers who have a pretty good selection of Speedmaster parts. For example, https://www.instagram.com/speed__meister/?hl=en can probably show you a whole palette of lume colors.

Or you can keep your eye on eBay and wait until something appropriate shows up.
Thank you. Do you know how much a set of hands should cost?
 
Dan S
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A alakapla1
Thank you. Do you know how much a set of hands should cost?

I'd suggest doing some research using sold eBay items and listings here on the forum, with the understanding that you will pay more for the convenience of buying from a dealer.
 
A
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Dan S Dan S
I'd suggest doing some research using sold eBay items and listings here on the forum, with the understanding that you will pay more for the convenience of buying from a dealer.
Thank you. I'm very new to this. I purchased a new 1861 a year ago and now am bitten by the Speedmaster bug!
 
Dan S
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TBH, most people don't try to restore relatively modern watches this way, since it's probably not cost-effective. If it were a highly collectible 1960s or 1970s Speedmaster, it would make more sense. If the watch has sentimental value to you and cost is no object, then go ahead. But if you are sensitive to cost (as suggested by your price question), I would suggest just living with the watch as it is, or buy one that you like better.
 
A
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Dan S Dan S
TBH, most people don't try to restore relatively modern watches this way, since it's probably not cost-effective. If it were a highly collectible 1960s or 1970s Speedmaster, it would make more sense. If the watch has sentimental value to you and cost is no object, then go ahead. But if you are sensitive to cost (as suggested by your price question), I would suggest just living with the watch as it is, or buy one that you like better.
You're right. I might just invest in the moonwatch only book and do some research for the next purchase. 😀 Your guidance is greatly appreciated
 
140dave
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A alakapla1
You're right. I might just invest in the moonwatch only book and do some research for the next purchase. 😀 Your guidance is greatly appreciated
A very good plan and highly recommended, I scroll through mine all the time.
 
pmontoyap
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Another option could be having the hands relumed. I would send it along with the dial to make sure the watchmaker matches the color already on the dial.
 
A
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pmontoyap pmontoyap
Another option could be having the hands relumed. I would send it along with the dial to make sure the watchmaker matches the color already on the dial.
I've considered this. I'm in Australia, do don't know of anyone doing this locally. I might just leave it as it is for the moment
 
STANDY
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A alakapla1
I've considered this. I'm in Australia, do don't know of anyone doing this locally. I might just leave it as it is for the moment
watchyouwant watchyouwant
Ask Lewis in Perth....

Yes Adam in Perth does them.

Any pictures!!
 
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