So I have a 214 Accutron that needs new glo-in-dark paint on arms and dial. It is nearly 50 years old and the glow does not last more than 30 seconds. My thought is I'm not sure if my jewler can do it maybe he can open it but a hobby shop can paint the rest? Secondly can I use a better quality glow paint and still maintain its orginality?(the technology has gotten better since then ) And lastly I'm thinking of switching color to blue from green for paint but may stick with green. Thoughts?
The brightest stuff nowadays and sought after by divers, is "Superluminova". Regular lume isn't as bright, but depends on the look you're going for. Various colours are available: Yellow, Green, Orange, etc. Since none of these utilize radiation to produce the glow, they will all fade after awhile until 'recharged' by light. Since the hands must be removed to do it, I recommend a watchmaker rather than a jeweller, unless said jeweller has watchmaker training. This is true for any mechanical or quartz watch even, but especially for Accutrons. Too much pressure re-installing the hands, especially the sweep, can cause serious damage.
So my jelwer said he could not do it he would have to send it out. He could neither quote me a ballpark estimate. I like the idea of the superlumia. But am not sure what the costs might be $50? $500? Or something in between. I called around an d the other jewlerrs referred me back to my current jewler so no help there. Since my watch is recently refurbished mechanically I do not want to send it to any unnamed yahoo. Any suggestions?
There are places that do professional re-lume, and dial resto, but you have to send in the dial and hands disassembled from the watch. International only does dials, but there are other places that specialize in lume, I've not utilized them, but a Google search should turn up somebody. You would still need someone to remove/replace dial and hands. Cost shouldn't be that high, but it is a bit of trouble, so you would have to weigh all the factors. You may also find that the lume is far too 'new' for the watch. Super Luminova is quite bright, (colours are very vibrant, also) and goes well with Dive watches.
Thanks for the advice folks. For now I will hold off. But the paint is chipping , but not terbriblly yet; so until I find a suitable watch repairman whi can do rhe work I'll only wear the watch during the day. I am a younger man but I have collected many things and the number one killer of any vintage item is ignorance. Your advise is to me worth it's weight in gold.