Good day all. I'm wondering if anyone has ever had a Speedmaster case back refinished and, specifically, had lettering where the paint has worn away repainted? I'm assuming that the answer is going to be a resounding "don't ever do that," but I'm just curious whether anyone has ever taken the plunge and what the results were? Impact on valuation and collectability of the overall watch if that were done and done well? Thanks.
There was a discussion awhile back about the coating coming off an Apollo-Soyuz Speedyorite. Coating of Apollo-soyuz Speedyorite case back drop off | Omega Forums @Archer said there is an Omega procedure for repaintng a back, he attached pics. It wouldn't bother me if a back was refreshed to spec, but some people are sticklers for originality.
Not a Speedmaster, but I re-painted the bezel on my Bulova Accutron Astronaut. Turned out okay, I think. I also re-painted the numerals on my Speedmaster model 345.0808, but reflections are excessive.
Though I have never done it on a watch, you can try one of these lacquer sticks: https://smile.amazon.com/MRK51123-co-Industries-Lacquer-Stik-Fill/dp/B002BYWUMO/ref=sr_1_3 You can always strip it with lacquer thinner if it doesn't turn out.
I wouldn't mind doing this the next time I have my -71 serviced. I was wearing it when my son was born, so I have no plans to ever sell it or any worries about how it would affect the value.