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

  1. airansun In the shuffling madness Dec 4, 2022

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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.
     
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  2. JwRosenthal Dec 4, 2022

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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?
     
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  3. airansun In the shuffling madness Dec 4, 2022

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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.

    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?
     
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  4. SC1 Dec 4, 2022

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    Mark020, GuiltunderGlass, MtV and 3 others like this.
  5. Dan S Dec 4, 2022

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  6. airansun In the shuffling madness Dec 4, 2022

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    Larry S and SC1 like this.
  7. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Dec 4, 2022

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    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 Dec 4, 2022
  8. JwRosenthal Dec 4, 2022

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    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.
     
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  9. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Dec 4, 2022

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    Yep …Thats what my 5513 miraculously still has.
     
  10. JwRosenthal Dec 4, 2022

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    I’ve seen repro pips that are colored to look like aged Tritium- perhaps the magical JH has some of those.
     
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  11. Dan S Dec 4, 2022

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    The pearl for this watch would not have a metal bezel. Just a tritium-filled plastic pearl.

    https://omegaforums.net/threads/can-you-empathize-finding-small-things.123306/
     
  12. JwRosenthal Dec 4, 2022

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  13. Fallout Boy Dec 5, 2022

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    I am a little bit surprised: my EX2 with T <25 from 1995 does NOT react on any light or UV! ::confused2:: No lume after exposure: nichts, rien, nada.

    My Seamaster (full) T from 1968 does.....fore some seconds.
     
    Edited Dec 5, 2022
  14. MtV Dec 5, 2022

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    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.
     
  15. Kraal90 Dec 5, 2022

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    There is a guy in Italy named Roberto Tarabella.
    Haven’t used him myself but heard he is good. Could be worth looking into.
     
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  16. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Dec 5, 2022

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  17. morethan1 Dec 5, 2022

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    I hope you decide to get it redone and then show us the results
     
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  18. airansun In the shuffling madness Dec 5, 2022

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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!
     
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  19. JwRosenthal Dec 5, 2022

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    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.
     
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  20. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Dec 5, 2022

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    I suspect that and have heard that his restoration services include dial work. Worth a call anyway.
     
    airansun likes this.