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They said the dial was relumed and I bid anyway: a gilt 5512 arrives (more photos added)

airansun
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Like many of us, from time to time, I have bought what appeared to be ‘compromised’ vintage pieces at auction, if they were cheap enough. (Even though I keep swearing off new acquisitions, I unfortunately continue to make exceptions.)

I saw this gilt 5512 (IV-65) in a recent auction, where the auction house disclosed the relume. The photos did suggest a poor relume job, but the watch looked okay otherwise. The caseback and movement looked very good. It was fitted with what appeared to be its original bracelet.

A0251B8C-0D9E-462A-958B-D39981A85EDC.jpeg


I’ve developed a thing for 60’s Subs, for some reason. I like the size and weight and love the dials. I appreciate being able to time things without running a chrono all the time. Gilt 5512s are hard to come by, particularly in decent condition.

In the live auction, although I was prepared to go somewhat higher, I got it with my first bid, to my surprise. While waiting for it to arrive, I worried. Given the lack of bidder interest, I’d obviously made a mistake. I held my breath.

When it arrived, I was surprised and pleased. I even spent some time doubting it was a relume - until I took some photos myself. On the wrist, it looks great. Even in your hand, it’s really nice. But the photos.

073B393C-6C74-4ACC-979B-E4ACC6781386.jpeg 0FA7A91C-08E8-43A9-9F79-0B82E62B05B5.jpeg 02B7E468-1300-4D02-B908-C73791349509.jpeg 9F431462-5540-417D-A724-ACDC758C924B.jpeg 0DA20AF2-FC0C-4E84-BCCC-F67E88F761B4.jpeg 3E116AF6-C2D5-41A8-B5F2-E4290878E5F4.jpeg


Other than the lume, the glossy dial is nearly perfect. My watchmaker confirmed that the watch hadn’t seen a lot use in its long life. The rivet bracelet is still tight. I paid about what a brand new Sub costs on the grey market right now.

I’m very curious to hear your reactions.
 
JwRosenthal
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It’s not great- but not horrific- a bit heavy handed and thick (and not really even all around), but we’ve seen worse. The question is- does it bug you enough to want to get it relumed properly or are you happy wearing it as-is?
 
airansun
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For the record, here is what the lume looks like immediately after exposure to bright light:

9066A728-9B95-4F0A-BDB2-76B92E57F8DC.jpeg


It fades out within about 15 seconds.

JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
It’s not great- but not horrific- a bit heavy handed and thick (and not really even all around), but we’ve seen worse. The question is- does it bug you enough to want to get it relumed properly or are you happy wearing it as-is?

Well, I’m torn. I’m leaning toward leaving it as is.

In hand or on the wrist, it’s pretty good. What you notice is the mirror-like finish of the dial.

I worry that with such a fragile dial surface, another relume is taking a real risk that it looks worse afterwards. I did check and notice that none of the real good watch restoring businesses in the US specifically advertise dial restoration or reluming.

Anyone here have experience reluming a glossy black dial, successfully or not?
 
Larry S
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
It’s not great- but not horrific- a bit heavy handed and thick (and not really even all around), but we’ve seen worse. The question is- does it bug you enough to want to get it relumed properly or are you happy wearing it as-is?
The watch looks great but….That lume has to go. Its already done so send it out to make this 5512 the lovely piece that it is. Perhaps he can do something with the pip too.
Edited:
 
JwRosenthal
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Larry S Larry S
The watch looks great but….That lume has to go. It’s already done so send it out to make this 5512 the lovely pice that it is. Perhaps he can do something with the pip too.
Are the pips or “capsules” the same on the 5512’s as the later ones- kind of a shiny ball in a holder?

And the damage already being done part I agree with- now it’s about restoration and no longer preservation.
 
Larry S
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
Are the pips or “capsules” the same on the 5512’s as the later ones- kind of a shiny ball in a holder?

And the damage already being done part I agree with- now it’s about restoration and no longer preservation.
Yep …Thats what my 5513 miraculously still has.
 
JwRosenthal
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Larry S Larry S
Yep …Thats what my 5513 miraculously still has.
I’ve seen repro pips that are colored to look like aged Tritium- perhaps the magical JH has some of those.
 
Fallout Boy
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airansun airansun
For the record, here is what the lume looks like immediately after exposure to bright light:

9066A728-9B95-4F0A-BDB2-76B92E57F8DC.jpeg


It fades out within about 15 seconds.

I am a little bit surprised: my EX2 with T <25 from 1995 does NOT react on any light or UV! 😕 No lume after exposure: nichts, rien, nada.

My Seamaster (full) T from 1968 does.....fore some seconds.
Edited:
 
MtV
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
I’ve seen repro pips that are colored to look like aged Tritium- perhaps the magical JH has some of those.

He does, and he really is as good as they say. You can discuss lume color with him, but also how luminous you want the newly applied, vintage looking lume to be, so that it’ll look correct even in the dark.
 
Kraal90
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airansun airansun
For the record, here is what the lume looks like immediately after exposure to bright light:

9066A728-9B95-4F0A-BDB2-76B92E57F8DC.jpeg


It fades out within about 15 seconds.



Well, I’m torn. I’m leaning toward leaving it as is.

In hand or on the wrist, it’s pretty good. What you notice is the mirror-like finish of the dial.

I worry that with such a fragile dial surface, another relume is taking a real risk that it looks worse afterwards. I did check and notice that none of the real good watch restoring businesses in the US specifically advertise dial restoration or reluming.

Anyone here have experience reluming a glossy black dial, successfully or not?
There is a guy in Italy named Roberto Tarabella.
Haven’t used him myself but heard he is good. Could be worth looking into.
 
airansun
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I am a little surprised at how few (if any) advocate leaving the dial alone. But you’ve only seen the photos.

James got back to me right away and sounded encouraging. @Larry S : I looked at Phillip’s website and there’s no mention of restoration dial services. I should reach out to him anyway.

I’m still torn, given the risks (including shipping back and forth).

Thanks everyone for the responses!
 
JwRosenthal
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airansun airansun
I am a little surprised at how few (if any) advocate leaving the dial alone. But you’ve only seen the photos.

James got back to me right away and sounded encouraging. @Larry S : I looked at Phillip’s website and there’s no mention of restoration dial services. I should reach out to him anyway.

I’m still torn, given the risks (including shipping back and forth).

Thanks everyone for the responses!
I would say just send the hands and dial so you could get service replacements if they were lost in shipping, but he also has the Pearl (and would need the bezel to install) - so that’s half the watch right there.
 
Larry S
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airansun airansun
I am a little surprised at how few (if any) advocate leaving the dial alone. But you’ve only seen the photos.

James got back to me right away and sounded encouraging. @Larry S : I looked at Phillip’s website and there’s no mention of restoration dial services. I should reach out to him anyway.

I’m still torn, given the risks (including shipping back and forth).

Thanks everyone for the responses!
I suspect that and have heard that his restoration services include dial work. Worth a call anyway.
 
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