Would you bother... GMT opinions please!

[HERITAGE82]

Hello all... I have this 16750 that I put aged aftermarket hands on which match the plots on the dial and glow beautifully. However, I do have the original hands that have a pleasant, but non matching patina (hour & seconds hands are a shade darker than the minute and GMT hand).

The dial is not perfect by any means since it has hand drag circles and the 9 o’ clock tick marker is a bit crooked (not sure what happened there). However, it looks great on the wrist.

I am keeping the original hands anyways in the box for originality purposes. Would you bother having them installed on the watch considering the aftermarket hands match very well and have great lume?

I appreciate your thoughts and advice in advance!




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[whofeelitknowsit]

I don't understand - why did you put aftermarket hands on it?

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by whofeelitknowsit

I don't understand - why did you put aftermarket hands on it?

At the time I wanted working lume, and the hands match better than the original ones. However, now am torn between putting them back on and having it be original or just leaving it as is with the hands stored away. I am just curious as to the forums opinion on how the aftermarket hands look and if they feel it’s better to put the original, even though non matching, hands back on the watch.

I know it’s up to me, but figured I’d put it out there anyways.

[cpefy3]

That tick marker would drive me crazy. I like how the aftermarket hands match closer to the dials color.

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by cpefy3

That tick marker would drive me crazy. I like how the aftermarket hands match closer to the dials color.

I know it’s terrible!! Once you see it it can’t be unseen.

I have been on the look out for a nice matte dial with patina, but finding one is difficult and the prices are

[Ripcode]

Since you have the originals stored away, keep the aftermarket ones in place (if that is what makes you happy).

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by Ripcode

Since you have the originals stored away, keep the aftermarket ones in place (if that is what makes you happy).

Thank you for your opinion

[MorningTundra]

Hands and dial tritium seldom degrade perfectly in sync. And I quite like this effect.

It’s a beautiful watch but personally I’d put it back to original and authentic condition with the parts with which it was born.

If I found myself really needing lume, I’d buy a second, modern watch.


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[chows99]

I have similar issues with my tick markers at 10 and 24 positions whereby the paint chips off. I have totally looked past that. Vintage is about accepting the flaws with the beauty. I loved my 1675 and this little things do not bother me at all.

[rolexbrand]

Your opinion is noted

[Do0ver]

I would keep the aftermarket hands. I love wearing my 1675 but, I HATE waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to see what time it is.

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by Do0ver

I would keep the aftermarket hands. I love wearing my 1675 but, I HATE waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to see what time it is.

It is nice to see the time at night without turning a light on. Also, the look of the watch is still vintage since the hands are aged.

Thank you for your opinion.

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by rolexbrand

Your opinion is noted

Ummm ok

[twnturbo]

Are those aftermarket hands causing the drag marks ,probably right ? i'd get them off of there before they do anymore damage to the dial.

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by twnturbo

Are those aftermarket hands causing the drag marks ,probably right ? i'd get them off of there before they do anymore damage to the dial.

No the drag marks were done previously, which makes me think that the original hands were replaced at some point in the watches life since they did not cause the drag marks either.

[HERITAGE82]

I decided to put the original hands back on the watch since more than anything I didn’t want them getting lost at some point down the road. As you can see the GMT & seconds hands are a few shades darker, but it looks good overall... and the WIS in me can relax now that it’s original again. Lol

Thank you for your input!


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[Tools]

Good choice.

Many good shops, such as LA Watchwerks, can stabilize and tint original hands to better match plots. They could likely repair your crooked minute marker too.

Nothing wrong with "original", but you don't have to live with damage.

[aaamax]

Looks good with the originals.
That tick marker thing is weird. How does that happen?? iI don't think it's an application like the actual plots are.
I have a old Serif 5513 where one of the damn plots them selves somehow developed a tear/wrinkle and drives me absolutely nutty. My watch guy said he wouldn't dare trying to "straighten" it out....
There's vintage for ya.

[ralphie]

Definitely cast my vote for the original hands. Congrats on owning such a beautiful piece.

[BrazenC5]

Call it the 9 o'clock tick error dial and you'll have a line of rabid collectors beating down your door to pay a premium.

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[cpefy3]

Originally Posted by BrazenC5

Call it the 9 o'clock tick error dial and you'll have a line of rabid collectors beating down your door to pay a premium.

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[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by ralphie

Definitely cast my vote for the original hands. Congrats on owning such a beautiful piece.

Thanks for the kind words

You know with so many stunning near perfect examples on the forum it’s hard to accept the flaws in what we may have. However, I have worked hard on appreciating these watches with their flaws for what they are... old




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[HERITAGE82]

So I got some clarity from the original owner about the hands. The original hands caused the hand drag marks on the dial and therefore he purchased these as replacements. So that is why the hand drag on the dial doesn't correlate to the condition of the hands.



Knowing this does it make sense for me to source a nice matte (@$2000++) or a glossy (@$1000) dial for this watch or leave it as is?



I am currently positive in terms of money invested vs. market value, but wonder if I add a thousand or thousands of dollars to the money invested in the watch am I going to find myself upside down value wise.



Would love to hear your thoughts...

[donq]

I’d leave it alone and wear it.

[Fabrice M]

what matters is that you have the original.