Lume Restoration.... opions sought

[spoilsofwar01]

Basically this is my new project watch, and I now seek opinions in regards to what to do about the hour marker lume , (its possible that it has been relumed at some point as it looks a little mucky but then again its a 50 year old military watch ) the rest of the dial I will have left alone.

I'm interested to learn if these can be sympathetically cleaned, or if its better to clean off the old and relume with a matching colour to the hands?

any suggestions?

Smiths 4.jpg

Smiths 1.1.jpg

[Burlington]

Can’t help with the lume question but that’s a great looking watch as is ! I think if it were mine, I would be tempted to do nothing at all with it, but wear it.

[RolexZen]

Pretty cool. Is this the 35mm W10?

It's a cool collectible for sure, but not really an investment piece, so I (personally) wouldn't worry too much about keeping it as original as possible if you can restore it to a watch that you would enjoy more. Good idea to at least investigate what your options are, and then you can decide whether or not to leave it as is or do a bit of restoration. I agree, if you can keep the dial as is and just remove and restore the lume on the hour markers to match the hands, that would be very nice.

[Old Expat Beast]

I would leave it like that. Looks authentic. No need for a facelift.

[spoilsofwar01]

many thanks for the input, I wont be doing anything until the New Year and I'm happy living and learning about it. The Smiths W10 has had a bit of a revival prices are steadily increasing, a good original example will set you back £1000 ish..... I had a call when it came in and it was offered to me for £775, I wore my best poker face and highlighted the issues (in my mind as soon as I saw it, I wanted it) I pussy footed around for awhile, the price was lowered to £600.... more examination and ummmmmmm? and thinking, I placed the watch on the counter and said thank you for the call... at this point the seller said "make me an offer!" I agreed a straight bank transfer for £550, the deal was done

back to the watch I'm going to have the ding sorted out, and take things from there. many thanks for the input it just help clarifies the road to be taking...... more as it happens.

[Old Expat Beast]

I would leave that ding too. It's a military watch with history, and that ding is part of the story, and character.

[spoilsofwar01]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I would leave that ding too. It's a military watch with history, and that ding is part of the story, and character.

Hi Adam, fella if it wasn't so in my face I could live with it, honestly it hits me in the eyes every time before I even get to look at the dial, I will however be leaving the minor nicks...... now if we was talking 5517 here then yes I wouldn't touch it for the world, All the best "H"

[Justindo]

Nice watch. I'd keep it as is.