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To re-lume or not?

avidmark
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I recently acquired my first vintage Speedy, a 145.022-68T (also have a 3570). I would say it’s a fair + example with some known issues.
I felt comfortable with the level of originality compared to cost ($3900USD). I don't need a museum example as I only buy watches to wear them. I have purchased a period correct DON bezel (currently in transit), hour & minute hands are service and I believe luminova (currently looking for period correct tritium), pushers and crown I was told are service replacements but haven't confirmed. As can be seen the hour markers have no lume. Which is a shame but can happen on such an old watch. My question is should I have it re-lumed in an aged patina color (by a respected restorer in the UK), or just leave it? I love the warmth of patina but don't wish to devalue the watch further.

And of course he are pics

IMG_3310.webp IMG_3309.webp
Edited:
 
Dan S
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I don't think you can devalue the watch by reluming it if the original lume is gone. However, by the time you are finished with all the parts and restoration, you may wish you had bought a better example to begin with.
Edited:
 
avidmark
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Dan S Dan S
I don't think you can devalue the watch by reluming it if the original lume is gone. However, by the time you are finished with all the parts and restoration, you may with you had bought a better example to begin with.
Appreciate the advice. This example was still good for me as it was in my country hence no taxes/import fees etc. Also it's a labour of love as I like rescuing less than perfect things. Just like my rescue dogs and my Porsche 911 😀
 
SOG53
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No matter how many pieces you replace it will never be an original watch. I would save your money and just wear and enjoy it, as you planned.
 
avidmark
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SOG53 SOG53
No matter how many pieces you replace it will never be an original watch. I would save your money and just wear and enjoy it, as you planned.
That’s ok. It doesn’t have to be prefect as I feel some originality issues can be forgiven based on the age of these watches. But I would like tritium hands purely for my own aesthetic enjoyment to match the rest of the watch. I’m still fine with keeping the hour markers as is, just didn’t know if it would drastically devalue if re-lumed is all.
 
Dan S
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avidmark avidmark
That’s ok. It doesn’t have to be prefect as I feel some originality issues can be forgiven based on the age of these watches. But I would like tritium hands purely for my own aesthetic enjoyment to match the rest of the watch. I’m still fine with keeping the hour markers as is, just didn’t know if it would drastically devalue if re-lumed is all.
You could have the current hands relumed to match the dial at the time it is relumed.
 
Davidt
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I’d go ahead and have the dial relumed and have the new hands matched at the same time.
There’s absolutely no point having a relumed dial then spending good time and money chasing a tritium hand set
 
hansaboy
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I second @Davidt answer!
Since you mentioned UK, I assume you live there?

The watch should need a service (if not done recently, and with proof),
and you could have the dial and hands shipped to the best relumer:

https://www.alchemistrelumer.co.uk

James does wonders, and there are recent posts here regarding his work.

And Congrats to your 68!!!
 
avidmark
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hansaboy hansaboy
I second @Davidt answer!
Since you mentioned UK, I assume you live there?

The watch should need a service (if not done recently, and with proof),
and you could have the dial and hands shipped to the best relumer:

https://www.alchemistrelumer.co.uk

James does wonders, and there are recent posts here regarding his work.

And Congrats to your 68!!!
No I live in Canada. I purchased the watch from a fellow Canadian and he recommended Alchemist Relumer.
But i'm nervous sending vintage parts/watches in the mail as it's always a possibility they can get lost or stolen.
 
hansaboy
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avidmark avidmark
No I live in Canada. Purchased the watch from a fellow Canadian and he recommended Alchemist Relumer.
Ok, but it should work with the shipping?

A Forum member had some trouble with customs/shipping, but he must have had bad luck?
https://omegaforums.net/threads/145-012-restoration.177700/ Cover Image
Thread '145.012 Restoration' ·
Back in March I was the only bidder on a Speedmaster listed as a 105.012. It came with a 19mm flat link bracelet which I sold as soon as it arrived. After the sale the watch head ended up being...
semdot14 ·
 
hansaboy
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hansaboy hansaboy
Ok, but it should work with the shipping?

A Forum member had some trouble with customs/shipping, but he must have had bad luck?
https://omegaforums.net/threads/145-012-restoration.177700/ Cover Image
Thread '145.012 Restoration' ·
Back in March I was the only bidder on a Speedmaster listed as a 105.012. It came with a 19mm flat link bracelet which I sold as soon as it arrived. After the sale the watch head ended up being...
semdot14 ·
Hehehe..I saw now that you where answering the post...

But good luck, and please do come back with more info and pictures...!
 
avidmark
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hansaboy hansaboy
Ok, but it should work with the shipping?

A Forum member had some trouble with customs/shipping, but he must have had bad luck?
https://omegaforums.net/threads/145-012-restoration.177700/ Cover Image
Thread '145.012 Restoration' ·
Back in March I was the only bidder on a Speedmaster listed as a 105.012. It came with a 19mm flat link bracelet which I sold as soon as it arrived. After the sale the watch head ended up being...
semdot14 ·
was just reading that thread haha!
 
impaw
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That’s is my fear as well, loosing a dial (or whole watch) in the mail😱
Almost to the point that I consider buying a plane ticket and hand James the dial to him in person😅
 
Davidt
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Adds cost but express DHL from America to the UK is much quicker than cheaper options. I’d have no concerns shipping via DHL or FedEx.
 
avidmark
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Davidt Davidt
Adds cost but express DHL from America to the UK is much quicker than cheaper options. I’d have no concerns shipping via DHL or FedEx.
I would definitely not skimp on the shipping if I do.
 
avidmark
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After giving more thought based on the responses I’ve seen in this thread I’m heavily leaning to re luming. I’ve contacted Alchemist Relumer but havnt heard back yet. I’ve had a look on his website and I’m comfortable factoring that into the price I paid for the watch ($3900 USD). Hope to hear back from him soon.
 
avidmark
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hansaboy hansaboy
I second @Davidt answer!
Since you mentioned UK, I assume you live there?

The watch should need a service (if not done recently, and with proof),
and you could have the dial and hands shipped to the best relumer:

https://www.alchemistrelumer.co.uk

James does wonders, and there are recent posts here regarding his work.

And Congrats to your 68!!!
Ive tried contacting him twice through his website over the last few weeks but no reply yet. Is he not accepting new work?
 
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