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Should I replace the lume on the hands of a Vintage watch that was previously relumed?

  1. Beepos Apr 18, 2017

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    Hi y'all,

    I bought this beautiful Breitling 817, a fabulously rare beast, several months ago. The seller told me that the original owner had them ruled while still in the Italian Paratroops

    However, it was obviously relumed in the past. The hands should be this orangish color: http://s215.photobucket.com/user/Dracha_photos/media/817_NOS.jpg.html

    But mine are a greenish color. They also glow with light exposure for a few mins

    The watch is due for a service. Should I ask the watchmaker to recolor the hands to the orange, or should I let them be?
     
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    R3D9 likes this.
  2. R3D9 Apr 18, 2017

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  3. R3D9 Apr 18, 2017

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    And, I really should have mentioned at the top - that is a gorgeous watch and IMHO, definitely worth investing in ;)
     
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  4. Beepos Apr 18, 2017

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    Haha thanks-I got super lucky with this one!

    If anyone has any experience with people who do good work in the USA, please also let me know! Should I decide to get the hands changed, I'd defibitely like a pro doing it
     
  5. trackpad Apr 19, 2017

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    Gorgeous piece. I wouldn't think twice about having it done. As it has already been pointed out, whatever was lost in the first relume won't be made worse by a more professional and sympathetic effort.

    So I wouldn't hesitate to do it. But don't rush it, take your time to find someone with a good track record. Then enjoy what will be a beautiful watch.
     
  6. Beepos Apr 19, 2017

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    Thanks!

    Any suggestions? Anyone used a reluming/recoloring service before?
     
  7. trackpad Apr 20, 2017

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  8. Sculler22 Apr 20, 2017

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    Jack at IWW is well-known for re-luming skills.