1979 Submariner ref 1680 Re-Lumed

[Gaff65]

I've recently inherited my Dad's Submariner ref. 1680 and as the patina on the hands is missing on the dial markers, I assume it was re-lumed at some point. My question is this...When a dial is re-lumed, is the original Tritium removed or just painted over? If painted over, is there any way to remove the second coat to restore it to the original Tritium? Thanks in advance to whomever cares to chime in.

[Dan S]

Lume is usually removed and replaced. However, hands and dial lume often age differently, so I'd suggest showing photos. Also, you might want to see how the lume responds to UV.

[Gaff65]

I’ll post pics once I’m able. I’m new here so have to get ten posts up before pics are allowed.

[Dan S]

You can post photos at any time, you just need to size them correctly. After 10 posts you can post links to photos hosted elsewhere.

[Gaff65]

Originally Posted by Dan S

You can post photos at any time, you just need to size them correctly. After 10 posts you can post links to photos hosted elsewhere.

When I click to insert an image, it opens a window requiring a URL where the photo is hosted. I don't see any other options.

[Kingface66]

Click the blue “Go Advanced” below the text field. It will open more options including an icon that looks like a paper clip

[Gaff65]

Thanks for the tip!

[swaini3]

Emmmm, I think your question comes from the difference in color between the hands and the dial?. Its not necessarily relumed and Its difficult to tell if your dial has been relumed from that pic. You need macros and a UV light to make sure. The dial and hands do not always age / patina the same way.

[Greglaw]

You should compare to grandpappy’ s watch?

[Dan S]

I agree that macro and UV shots would be helpful, but I'm inclined to agree that the dial is re-lumed based on the fact that the shapes of some markers are more sloppy than I would expect.

[Gaff65]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I agree that macro and UV shots would be helpful, but I'm inclined to agree that the dial is re-lumed based on the fact that the shapes of some markers are more sloppy than I would expect.

My thoughts exactly. I assume this would have a negative impact on the value of the piece, not that I would ever sell it.