GMT Master - flaking lume

[bkn79]

I recently inherited this watch from my late grandfather - 1960s GMT in original condition. It's currently being serviced by Rolliworks, just the movement and bracelet.

I don't like how the lume is flaking off the minute hand. I asked them about it, they can send it to the UK to be repaired, color matched to the other hands and dial. I presume the work will be done by James Hyman (the lume alchemist) although I need to confirm.

What is the group opinion on flaking lume? I don't like the way it looks personally, am I alone in this feeling? Would this repair significantly degrade the vintage value? I plan to wear the watch and probably not sell it - although I want to maintain the vintage character (and value).

The repair cost is not insignificant - probably $300-400 (shipping not cheap). However, I assume it is not really realistic to obtain matching hands any other way.

Thanks for any insight!

[Tools]

Stabilizing lume is a common and acceptable practice to keep vintage hands and lume from further loss.

Leave it alone and it will all crumble to dust and contaminate the movement requiring a full cleaning that otherwise might not be needed.

[Dan S]

As Larry mentioned, you can stabilize it, or you can repair it, or replace it. I don't think that a well repaired hand will reduce the value compared to the current situation, so it's your choice.

James Hyman is one of many people who can re-lume hands, some using period-correct tritium lume salvaged from other watches. Some of the others are competitors of Rolliworks.

[bkn79]

Thank you both for the response. I think that makes sense. I'll probably go ahead and get the lume fixed then.

[Bazil]

You have a beautiful watch there, update the thread if you do get it sorted, be nice to see more pictures of this beauty !

[996marty]

That should be a straightforward fix in the hands of James he’s got a great reputation on doing such things.
Great looking watch which will look even better once the hands are redone

[bkn79]

Thanks all, I am very excited about the "restoration" and getting it back in my hands!

It was sitting in a box at my uncle's house for the last 20 years after my grandfather died. It was purchased in ~1966 in Rio. It was still running when it was given to me, but certainly needed servicing. I think all of my family will be happy to see it being worn again.

[Patto]

Any decent watchmaker should be able to re-lume and colour match the minute hand and stabilise the others. I do this regularly by mixing watercolour paint with luminova. It's a fairly routine operation.

[Tom1675]

I know you didn't ask but a correct insert with some wear would elevate this piece because that dial is gorgeous! It wouldn't be cheap but it's a solid investment...