Malaysia Watch Forum
Main Forums => General Discussion - Vintage Watches => Topic started by: bezelnut on August 20, 2013, 02:06:41 PM
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Is there such a thing as re-lume a watch? Planning to revive the lume of an old vintage. Nothing fancy or tritium, and watch from a company that's no longer exist nor remembered, thus sending back to factory is not an option.
Looking for the cheapest option too, as watch is dead cheap, not worth spending big money restoring it. I'll even take DIY as an option. :angel:
Anyone have experience or knowledge of where/how this can be done?
Sidenote for mods: Not sure where to put this thread, if not apropriate, please move it accordingly.
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I personally don't like to relume vintage watches.. Keep it in original condition (if wasn't too bad) :)
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it can be done in msia for sure
even tritium is available still
other option is mixing the color to match the age....
diy is not easy... u need to open the case, remove the crown, movement, hands...
mixing the correct portion of luminous compound n binder, apply it before it dry, technic of applying it....
i did some rough job on bezel... just filled in engraved sunken area...
http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,30.msg18369.html#msg18369 (http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,30.msg18369.html#msg18369)
tough
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I know of that's one very popular from other forum. But it should be costly, try search for International Watch Works. I have not try though
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I personally don't like to relume vintage watches.. Keep it in original condition (if wasn't too bad) :)
I'd read about re-lume will hurt the resale value very badly, so it's better to keep is as original. However, since I'm working with a watch which already has no value left, also no emotional string attached, I'm with a mind-set to try something different, to experiment, to have a re-lume project.
Thanks for the advise btw.
it can be done in msia for sure
even tritium is available still
other option is mixing the color to match the age....
diy is not easy... u need to open the case, remove the crown, movement, hands...
mixing the correct portion of luminous compound n binder, apply it before it dry, technic of applying it....
i did some rough job on bezel... just filled in engraved sunken area...
http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,30.msg18369.html#msg18369 (http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,30.msg18369.html#msg18369)
tough
Thanks so much. I'd searched this forum for such topic before, but somehow did not come across your thread.
You'd inspired me, and also make me more daring to try re-lume myself. The diy job must have been a lot of fun.
Btw, cannot find the noticlume website you'd mentioned. However, I do found watchlume, where they sell something like "lume paste" in a syringe, on their site & Ebay too. I cannot visit Jln Sultan, as I'm from Sarawak. Wonder any shop near Kuching sell these powder? Also, beside the powder & binder, do I need other chemicals?
I know of that's one very popular from other forum. But it should be costly, try search for International Watch Works. I have not try though
Thanks. I read about IWW too, also another guy call Kent Park, also doing restoration work, but as I'm not restoring anything valuable, not wise to spend so much and send the watch abroad. Still many thanks for the info.
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Anyone have experience or knowledge of where/how this can be done?
I am with kcgan on this. Vintage pieces should be left as they are. IMHO, re-luming (however skilfully executed) just removes the vintage feel from the watch. If the re-luming is unskilfully executed, the end effect could be more disappointing.
Perhaps you can post a pic of the watch you wish to get re-lumed. ;)
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Msia hv a famous dial refinish master
Best quality n best price as well
DIY is fun... Do it with ur cheaper watch...
Not sure swak can get lume compound!
Even Jln sultan one only carry burgeon lume... Which not that good to my knowledge!
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I am with kcgan on this. Vintage pieces should be left as they are. IMHO, re-luming (however skilfully executed) just removes the vintage feel from the watch. If the re-luming is unskilfully executed, the end effect could be more disappointing.
Perhaps you can post a pic of the watch you wish to get re-lumed. ;)
Thanks for the advise. Will post a pic when I'm free.
Msia hv a famous dial refinish master
Best quality n best price as well
DIY is fun... Do it with ur cheaper watch...
Not sure swak can get lume compound!
Even Jln sultan one only carry burgeon lume... Which not that good to my knowledge!
Noted. I'll find my supply online i guess.
Yeah, I enjoy DIY a lot too. Have my fair share of DIY's in daily living. I guess I now bring this practice into watches too. :D
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Halo my friend...finally got your dream watch...please post some photos :Cheers:
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Btw the DIY lume paste cost about USD 15-25 only at Ebay.
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Thanks. Before getting lume paste, I should get myself watch repair kit 1st. ;D
Will post pic later. That day already promised to post, but forget to take pictures.
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Haha...take your time cause i will be waiting ;D
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Enkidu & Tet, sorry for long wait. Here's a few shot of my watch. Just arrived home, grab camera, shoot & post. ;D
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSCN4997_zpse2bb7b40.jpg)
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSCN4999_zps0e120bf0.jpg)
As you can see, the two hands supposed to have lume, but had since deteriorated. The minute hand is now nothing more than a hole.
Cropped for a better look at the two hands.
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSCN4999crop_zps268c778f.jpg)
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i wouldnt hesitate in luming the hands, tho i leave the dial alone.
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Thanks for the input, truly appreciate it.
I'm not going to do anything to the dial, mainly because I have totally no idea what to do with it. :laugh:
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Congrats !!! Like the marker and hands plus the date at the bottom...very unique. Assume you got it from Ebay. Please show me more pics after your experiment :Cheers:
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Thanks. I bought it because of the adorable small day window too.
Will update after tools arrive.
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actually im wondering how are the hands going to be lumed?
there isnt a cavity for it, just a empty slot.
or has the bottom of the cavity on the minute hand dissapeared?
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I don't know, maybe originally the lume filled the hole I guess, or maybe it just rust through.
Either way, I'll have to open up the watch and take out the hand to really know what is what. Problem is the tools are still in route shipping.
I'll keep you guys updated.
Regarding how the lume will stick, I think I'll have to improvise along the way. Maybe to rebuild the bottom of the cavity.
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Nice old beauty. Love the day window.
For me, I wouldnt relume it as the new colour might look at odds with the vintage feel of the watch.
But if it's for your testing and experiment, hmmm... cant you use another not so nice watch? haha
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Thanks for the compliment.
Do you have some not so nice watch laying around? Can give them to me? I don't mind to carry out experiment with them. haha. ;D
Joking aside, yeah, the lume color probably will not match up, but I cannot live with it's "empty" hand either. I must find something to patch up the hole. Dilemma again.
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To apply lume on hands like this
It's done at the back of the hand
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DIY is not an easy job I guess, I would recommend to ask those master to do it.
Lume the hands again would be a good move ;)
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Thanks for the advice.
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Morning Bezelnut...your tools arrived ? Sometimes, its nice to DIY but eventually when you are stuck than you will be cursing and later will send it to experience watch repairer. I am good in taking things off too but when come to fixing it back, there will be some nuts left behind :HammerHead: Just an advice but if you can manage to DIY than later we can talk some business term. My Sifu cannot cope up with my need to repair so need your assistance instead. Dont charge me too expensive can liau :Laughing_on_floor:
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Haha, thanks for the trust, but don't put too high hope on me, I have my fair share of DIY casualty also.
No, non of the tools come to my door yet. eBay said the hand remover should arrive by this Friday, but the lume powder mix is estimated mid of this month or later.
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Found this waiting for me in my mailbox when I arrive home today.
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSCN5060_zpsb2d93066.jpg)
Hooray. :Dancing_banana:
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Found this waiting for me in my mailbox when I arrive home today.
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSCN5060_zpsb2d93066.jpg)
Hooray. :Dancing_banana:
Cool. Did you get the dial protector and the tools to install the hands?
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Cool. Did you get the dial protector and the tools to install the hands?
God, i don't even know these exist until now.
I'm in extreme awkward & embarrass situation right now.
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bezelnut ahh a fellow kuching lang!
usually I'd just get my dad to send our watches to Asia Watch Co. near the open air market; he and the owner are chums, not sure whether he does restoration work e.g. re-lume though.
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Cool. Did you get the dial protector and the tools to install the hands?
God, i don't even know these exist until now.
I'm in extreme awkward & embarrass situation right now.
Some basic tools you may need before you crack open your watch....
Hand setting tools...
(http://i320.photobucket.com/albums/nn322/TheHobbit_01/Collection/IMG_0625_zps22789dde.jpg)
case back opener, snap back type
(http://i320.photobucket.com/albums/nn322/TheHobbit_01/Collection/IMG_0620_zps315120cc.jpg)
loupe
(http://i320.photobucket.com/albums/nn322/TheHobbit_01/Collection/IMG_0627_zpsf9a5dcc5.jpg)
spring bar removal tools
(http://i320.photobucket.com/albums/nn322/TheHobbit_01/Collection/IMG_0624_zps4d7129dc.jpg)
tweezers
(http://i320.photobucket.com/albums/nn322/TheHobbit_01/Collection/IMG_0621_zpsae1d9081.jpg)
case back opening tools
(http://i320.photobucket.com/albums/nn322/TheHobbit_01/Collection/IMG_0622_zps559e72b0.jpg)
rodico
(http://i320.photobucket.com/albums/nn322/TheHobbit_01/Collection/IMG_0626_zps1885fa30.jpg)
dial protector
(http://i320.photobucket.com/albums/nn322/TheHobbit_01/Collection/IMG_0623_zps74c97562.jpg)
These are just some but not all. You will need things like movement holder and others.
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Wow, many many thanks Mr Hobbit.
So my checklist now look like this
Hand setting tools-non (still embarrass I missed such an important piece)
Case back opener, snap back-Got it.
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSCN5062_zps4418d1d8.jpg)
Loupe-Magnifying glasses
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSCN5064_zps938718e6.jpg)
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSCN5063_zpsef166396.jpg)
Spring bar removal tool-Got it.
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSCN5065_zpsb3adac0a.jpg)
Tweezer-Got it.
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSCN5066_zpsdd643f9d.jpg)
Case back opener, screw back-Got it.
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSCN5067_zps6fd3f8d6.jpg)
Rodico-Non. Can use plasticine? ;D But I promise I'll use finger cots.
Dial protector-Non. (Look simple enough, maybe DIY one??)
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSCN5077_zps76d77829.jpg)
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Time to test my home-made dial protector.
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSCN5077_zps76d77829.jpg)
Subject of the night, this lucky guy. Had been in my stash for a long time.
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSC_0013_zps3e29047d.jpg)
It has a very nice strap thou.
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSC_0014_zps198837f4.jpg)
Ok, photoshoot session over.
20 minutes later...
Movement is out!!
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSCN5068_zpsa9502acd.jpg)
And moment of truth...It fits!!
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSCN5069_zps78fe3f09.jpg)
Removing hands.
8 minutes later...
Sucess!!
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSCN5074_zps9b3bcc1d.jpg)
A prove that the dial protector works and the dial is still mint.
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSCN5076_zps8b42a731.jpg)
Total cost of dial protector:
1 unwanted business card.
5 minutes of cutting and trimming.
:Jumping: :Jumping: :Jumping:
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bezelnut ahh a fellow kuching lang!
usually I'd just get my dad to send our watches to Asia Watch Co. near the open air market; he and the owner are chums, not sure whether he does restoration work e.g. re-lume though.
Sorry, missed your post earlier.
I know that shop, but never ask about re-lume thou. Thanks for recommendation, appreciate it.
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Good job...inventing your own dial protector :Cheers: Remember to show the finishing :Dancing_banana:
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Good job...inventing your own dial protector :Cheers: Remember to show the finishing :Dancing_banana:
lol. Not invent la, just fabricate. :P
Thanks for compliment & definitely will continue to grow this thread.
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Good Morning Bezelnut....any outcome ?
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Perhaps this is what you are asking for?
(http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae101/bezelnut/DSC_0025_zps91560fb0.jpg)
;D ;D
Stay tuned for more.
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OMG !!! KRYPTONITE !!! Got to warn Superman :Laughing_on_floor:
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This is getting interesting.
I'll stay tune to this thread. :thumbsup:
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wow.. learned something new everyday!
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If ur watch never done before, i do not recommend to do so as crack open the watch case doesn't seems to be good thing to be done
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Leave it as it is. The value of a watch will drop significantly if you redial or lume the dial. Original patina wins all the time.
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Msia hv a famous dial refinish master
Best quality n best price as well
DIY is fun... Do it with ur cheaper watch...
Not sure swak can get lume compound!
Even Jln sultan one only carry burgeon lume... Which not that good to my knowledge!
Chrisyen, would really appreciate it if you could pm or post the dial refinished master contact in malaysia. I have a project in mind.
Thanks in advance
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Lume can order online from watch material supply houses
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Any updates on this? curious to see whats the outcome for DIY Re-lume
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hi guys,
any recommended shop in klang valley area that can do watch luming?
i plan to send my pasar malam watch for luming..
tq in adv.
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lol why did i discover this very interesting thread only after so long..
anyways please do update us on how your diy reluming went.
personally i am also looking for a place i can send my watch in for reluming. preferably in penang.
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If anyone has found a shop that provide re-lume, please share contact and photo with us. Thanks.
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what is le lume? never heard of
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Is there such a thing as re-lume a watch? Planning to revive the lume of an old vintage. Nothing fancy or tritium, and watch from a company that's no longer exist nor remembered, thus sending back to factory is not an option.
Looking for the cheapest option too, as watch is dead cheap, not worth spending big money restoring it. I'll even take DIY as an option. :angel:
Anyone have experience or knowledge of where/how this can be done?
Sidenote for mods: Not sure where to put this thread, if not apropriate, please move it accordingly.
I will not suggest you to DIY it as you will spoiled the waterproof. :Startled: :Startled: :Startled:
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Please just let it be..
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speaking of lume , does any member here has any idea...if you were to buy a new watch , generally how long does the lume last say at least 80% of their lume brightness can last ? also does that mean if i buy a pre owned watch that is above 10 years old , i can expect that the lume no longer can be as bright as it was originally ? thank you
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Tritium lume generally have a half life of 12.5 years. Means that the intensity of the lume will get to 50% of its fresh counterpart on its 12.5 birthday.
On the other hand, Phospholuminescent lume like superluminova, lumibrite, etc.. generally does not degrade over time. I have a 9 years old diver with superluminova still shining like a torch today.
Hope this helps !
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As some of the MWF members have said, I personally would leave the watch dial as it be without re-luming it as I prefer the real vintage look of the watch