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Old 18 January 2021, 09:16 AM   #1
boopoppa
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replace pip/pearl or not to replace?

Hey all...

sorry if this has been discussed before.

Is it better to try and find a matched tritium pip for the bezel insert on a 70's era Tudor 94110 or is it better to just leave it alone?
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Old 18 January 2021, 09:44 AM   #2
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Hello Sir Boo, haven't we met before?

Tells us, please what do you have on it now?

Don't be shy, shows a couple of pictures!
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Old 18 January 2021, 09:51 AM   #3
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It depends ...
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Old 18 January 2021, 10:16 AM   #4
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My bezel doesnt have a pip (5513) and I will leave it like that when the watch is returned to me.
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Old 18 January 2021, 10:24 AM   #5
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The pip on my original 5513 bezel from 1967 is cracked and discolored and I’m leaving it like that as it was my grandfather’s and now mine for over 20 years. I do not want to disturb the originality of it or alter my sentimental value.


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Old 18 January 2021, 11:05 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by boopoppa View Post
. . .

Is it better to try and find a matched tritium pip for the bezel insert on a 70's era Tudor 94110 or is it better to just leave it alone?

Better than what?

Your watch is broken - fix it.
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Old 18 January 2021, 12:10 PM   #7
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Why wouldn't you replace it with a sympathetically aged pip from the annals of EBAY or somewhere else? Much rather place something there than leave a glaring hole.
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Old 18 January 2021, 12:22 PM   #8
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Why wouldn't you replace it with a sympathetically aged pip from the annals of EBAY or somewhere else? Much rather place something there than leave a glaring hole.
How do you know there is a glaring hole? Is there a photo I'm not seeing? I still have no idea what question the OP is asking, but I guess we are assuming that the pearl is missing. If that's the case, neither way is "better", it's just what the OP prefers. The empty bezels don't bother me, but lume pips are also nice. Up to the OP if he wants to spend $300-$400 for a tritium pearl. I have done it sometimes.
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Old 18 January 2021, 12:28 PM   #9
Styles Bitchley
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I find the empty hole to be unpleasant to see. But it just depends on what you think.
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Old 18 January 2021, 12:33 PM   #10
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replace pip/pearl or not to replace?

Find the appropriate one and replace it.
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Old 18 January 2021, 12:43 PM   #11
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I'd replace the pearl.

I knew a guy that had his crown stem and crown fall out of his Submariner. He looked and looked and never found it. He told me that he liked the look so much that he decided to leave it that way. He said that "he didn't need no stinkin' crown" and that he would just shake it to keep it wound. Go figure!
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Old 18 January 2021, 12:50 PM   #12
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How do you know there is a glaring hole? Is there a photo I'm not seeing? I still have no idea what question the OP is asking ----
This.

I've gently asked for a pic from current situation too!
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Old 18 January 2021, 12:54 PM   #13
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Tough call. A correct 40 something year old acrylic pip is liable to disintegrate when installing. Half the ones for sales as authentic vintage are probably aged aftermarket. Ofrei has a Lumi pip. A new Rolex Pip is feasible during service, but Lumi.
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Old 18 January 2021, 12:57 PM   #14
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Tough call. A correct 40 something year old acrylic pip is liable to disintegrate when installing.
If slightly heated they will not.

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Old 18 January 2021, 01:39 PM   #15
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I'd replace the pearl.

I knew a guy that had his crown stem and crown fall out of his Submariner. He looked and looked and never found it. He told me that he liked the look so much that he decided to leave it that way. He said that "he didn't need no stinkin' crown" and that he would just shake it to keep it wound. Go figure!
Funny story, that's really taking things to the limit. Setting the time would definitely be a challenge.
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Old 18 January 2021, 01:39 PM   #16
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Quote:
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I'd replace the pearl.

I knew a guy that had his crown stem and crown fall out of his Submariner. He looked and looked and never found it. He told me that he liked the look so much that he decided to leave it that way. He said that "he didn't need no stinkin' crown" and that he would just shake it to keep it wound. Go figure!
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Old 18 January 2021, 01:40 PM   #17
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Sorry...got my replies confused on different forum. Here’s the glaring hole that we speak of. Personally, I’m not that bothered by it. I just wondered what it does to the watch’s history to have a replacement pip.




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Old 18 January 2021, 02:22 PM   #18
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... the same as having a replacement, non correct crystal I suppose.

There are those who can take a modern pip and color match it to your dial.


Quote:
Originally Posted by boopoppa View Post
Sorry...got my replies confused on different forum. Here’s the glaring hole that we speak of. Personally, I’m not that bothered by it. I just wondered what it does to the watch’s history to have a replacement pip.




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Old 18 January 2021, 02:52 PM   #19
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Much rather place something there than leave a glaring hole.
Sometimes I rather enjoy a glaring hole.
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Old 19 January 2021, 02:56 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by boopoppa View Post
Sorry...got my replies confused on different forum. Here’s the glaring hole that we speak of. Personally, I’m not that bothered by it. I just wondered what it does to the watch’s history to have a replacement pip.
Nice Snowflake! If looking at the hole doesn't bother you just leave it alone, if you decide to put one in, is just a pip... I don't think will do any damage to "the watch's history"

Talking about damage I actually put a pip on two of my inserts... the first time I try to do it myself and crack the frik#*g insert, fortunately was not an expensive one, I learn the lesson and give the Mk3 to the watchmaker...
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Old 19 January 2021, 02:59 AM   #21
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To pip or not to pip. Clearly a very personal question. Glad we finally got a pic. Very lovely watch!
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Old 19 January 2021, 03:08 AM   #22
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Nice Snowflake! If looking at the hole doesn't bother you just leave it alone, if you decide to put one in, is just a pip... I don't think will do any damage to "the watch's history"

Talking about damage I actually put a pip on two of my inserts... the first time I try to do it myself and crack the frik#*g insert, fortunately was not an expensive one, I learn the lesson and give the Mk3 to the watchmaker...
Keep it in the bezel.
Use clear tape on the pearl.
Tape it to the bezel loosely.
Line it up and press gently.
I usually press the pearl against something soft, like a thin microfiber cloth.
I’ve damaged 1 out of probably 40 (pearls)
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Old 19 January 2021, 03:50 AM   #23
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Sorry...got my replies confused on different forum. Here’s the glaring hole that we speak of. Personally, I’m not that bothered by it. I just wondered what it does to the watch’s history to have a replacement pip.
It doesn't do anything to the watches history, it is part of it's history.

If the entire insert fell out would you get another? Certainly it is your watch to do with as you please, but there is no rule that old watches have to be beat up and missing parts to be worthy.
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Old 19 January 2021, 05:39 AM   #24
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I had the missing pip replaced on my 5508 a few years back when it went to the Ridley spa

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Old 19 January 2021, 06:07 AM   #25
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I had the missing pip replaced on my 5508 a few years back when it went to the Ridley spa

Strong argument for a pip I would say… Looks amazing!
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Old 24 January 2021, 11:52 AM   #26
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Replace it. In fact what's the real difference, put in a little ruby, emerald or diamond. Can't cost much for that size and would give it a cool personalized touch. Just my .02 worth.
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Old 24 January 2021, 09:10 PM   #27
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I'd not leave it empty, it looks stupid
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Old 19 August 2021, 12:15 AM   #28
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Hi there, is there anywhere online that does aftermarket tritium pearls? There was a great company on instagram that also did custom bezels in various shades of blue that also did pearls. Looking to fill the hole on a Tudor 7016.
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Old 19 August 2021, 09:46 AM   #29
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I would replace it with something a matched non glowing lume to fill the hole is an inexpensive option and one that can be easily popped back out if done properly...at least it is better than the hole and can be swapped for a pip later

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Old 19 August 2021, 11:11 AM   #30
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I would replace it with something a matched non glowing lume to fill the hole is an inexpensive option and one that can be easily popped back out if done properly...at least it is better than the hole and can be swapped for a pip later

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Definitely, that sounds good. Is there a go-to supplier of these here on the forum?
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