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Suggestions on how to stabilize lume and clean watch hands

K
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Hello everyone,
I recently got my grandfather's Seamaster 168.023 officially serviced from Omega.

Unfortunately they replaced the hands of the watch (attached pics). But have agreed to change back to the original as I have them with me.

Before I ask them to replace the hands - i thought it would not be a bad idea to clean them a bit, and possibly stabilize the lume, especially because I suspect the Omega service in India might not do the latter at all while cleaning and replacing the hands.

Here service tools are not common, so I'll have to import them.

My question is -
1. Looking at the watch hands (attached), do you think stabilization is required

2. If yes, what should I use - i was thinking the lacquer in a bergeon lume kit. Can this be used directly or does it need to be thinned?

3. Should I attempt to clean the hands (and how)? I was thinking to get leather buff stick and pith wood as suggested in this video -

Thank you for answering a noob. This watch holds a lot of sentimental value, and i don't want to message it up

original watch hands~2.webp Before (Original Hands).webp After (New Hands).webp
 
SOG53
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IMO The original hands look fine as is, I think you can only damage them if you start scraping them without experience.
I would simply have the old hands re installed by watchmaker and enjoy the watch.
 
Davidt
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The only sensible options are to leave the service hands in situ, reinstall the original hands as is or have a watchmaker improve and reinstall the original hands.

If you attempt to them yourself then send to Omega for reinstallation, there is likely a high likelihood you’ll damage them. The lume can be very fragile and these hands will probably be plated rather than solid stainless. If you try and remove the oxidation you may well take the top layer off.
 
K
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SOG53 SOG53
IMO The original hands look fine as is, I think you can only damage them if you start scraping them without experience.
I would simply have the old hands re installed by watchmaker and enjoy the watch.
I think you're right, but should I try to stabilize the lume, you think?
 
K
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Davidt Davidt
The only sensible options are to leave the service hands in situ, reinstall the original hands as is or have a watchmaker improve and reinstall the original hands.

If you attempt to them yourself then send to Omega for reinstallation, there is likely a high likelihood you’ll damage them. The lume can be very fragile and these hands will probably be plated rather than solid stainless. If you try and remove the oxidation you may well take the top layer off.
In that case,.i won't try to clean them. Should I still try to stabilize the lume, or leave it be?
 
SOG53
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K knng
I think you're right, but should I try to stabilize the lume, you think?
No
 
Dan S
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I don't think that stabilizing lume in hands is particularly difficult, compared to most things that a watchmaker does. However, if I were going to do it, I'd want to practice two or three times on scrap hands, just to figure out any tricks that might be required. I'd want to think about how to hold the hands, what to use to apply the clear coat, and experiment a bit with the consistency of the clear coat.
 
K
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Dan S Dan S
I don't think that stabilizing lume in hands is particularly difficult, compared to most things that a watchmaker does. However, if I were going to do it, I'd want to practice two or three times on scrap hands, just to figure out any tricks that might be required. I'd want to think about how to hold the hands, what to use to apply the clear coat, and experiment a bit with the consistency of the clear coat.
Thanks, makes a lot of sense and that does give me some confidence to maybe try it out. Any suggestions on whether to use the lacquer directly or thin it before applying?
 
SOG53
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Even though I have discouraged this project, if you wish to proceed why dont you look in Watchmaking thread maybe they have discussion you can find, and if not just make a thread asking how to do it- lots of very good professional and experienced amateurs around. And good luck!😱
 
Archer
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To determine if the lume needs to be stabilized, I put the hand under the microscope and light them from underneath. Sometimes that is the only way you will see small holes or cracks…

57aea9a6-b30c-453f-8e69-d44d54cd2c01.webp


To stabilize the lume, simply apply clear binder to the underside of the lume, and let it dry before installing the hands.

0c520556-e54e-4dbb-8645-4349519ea5b8.webp 57aea9a6-b30c-453f-8e69-d44d54cd2c01.webp
 
Davidt
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With decisions like this I always try and think of the pros/cons of each option. Doing it myself vs having a watchmaker doing it.

I’m struggling to see any real upside to doing this kind of work myself other than saving a relatively small amount of money and perhaps learning a new skill but I’d rather learn this new skill on scrap hands, rather than a watch I like.
The obvious downside is that I balls it up.
The me the potential risk in doing this myself is far greater than the potential gain.
 
K
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Davidt Davidt
With decisions like this I always try and think of the pros/cons of each option. Doing it myself vs having a watchmaker doing it.

I’m struggling to see any real upside to doing this kind of work myself other than saving a relatively small amount of money and perhaps learning a new skill but I’d rather learn this new skill on scrap hands, rather than a watch I like.
The obvious downside is that I balls it up.
The me the potential risk in doing this myself is far greater than the potential gain.
You're right, bud. If there was an option of an expert in my city or country, I'd gladly take that option. Sadly I don't think that's the case. 🙁
 
K
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Archer Archer
To determine if the lume needs to be stabilized, I put the hand under the microscope and light them from underneath. Sometimes that is the only way you will see small holes or cracks…

57aea9a6-b30c-453f-8e69-d44d54cd2c01.webp


To stabilize the lume, simply apply clear binder to the underside of the lume, and let it dry before installing the hands.

0c520556-e54e-4dbb-8645-4349519ea5b8.webp 57aea9a6-b30c-453f-8e69-d44d54cd2c01.webp
Thank you, Archer! Do you do this kind of work for just watch hands , or any recommendations of people who do?
 
Archer
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K knng
Thank you, Archer! Do you do this kind of work for just watch hands , or any recommendations of people who do?
Any watchmaker that regularly works on vintage watches should be able to do this.
 
Davidt
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K knng
Thank you, Archer! Do you do this kind of work for just watch hands , or any recommendations of people who do?

What country are you in? I’m sure someone can advise on a good watchmaker.
 
drpaul
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I am from India too. Which watchmaker do you use. I use local uncertified watchmakers due to lack of other options. Where is the official service centre? Do you send it to Switzerland?
K knng
You're right, bud. If there was an option of an expert in my city or country, I'd gladly take that option. Sadly I don't think that's the case. 🙁
 
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