Rich:

I agree with the hierarchy that you have presented, and you make the most critical point: that all this depends on the particular watch and its owner. I would take more liberties with a Pasadena than with a Chronomatic. There are also some watches that will do better with the reluming than some others . . . the distinction between putting the dots on the metal markers and touching the dial itself is interesting.

Thanks for this posting.

Jeff

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

: Jeff

: On a Monaco i'd rather see all lume plots in the no1 ideal
: scenario. However this is rare, so 2nd choice is some orignal
: plots, 3rd is no lume plots and 4th and the absolute worst
: scenaro on a vintage Monaco is a relume. Relume is less
: acceptable on a Monaco than most other Heuers, but i'd also
: inlcude any watch where the lume is applied directly to the
: dial/flange, so some Carreras, Silverstones etc...these variants
: should be left alone..!! Never in my opinion relume onto the
: dial, rather leave well alone!

: However on watches with steel markers i think a relume is much less
: of an issue. Sure nice to have original lume but if it can be
: relumed direct onto a steel marker by a an expert who can colour
: match then that is ok in my opinion. For eg i have seen plenty
: of Autavias relumed and they look fine and i don't feel on this
: type of watch it greatly detracts from the overall look or value
: of the watch.

: Generally though what i would not accept is a relume by someone who
: used a poor colour match or cannot apply it well. I have even
: seen some poor work from the vintage dept of TH recently (as
: mentioned prior) white looking non uniform lume plots on a 1133b
: transitional is not something i'd be happy about... :-(

: Interesting subject and as ever there are bound to be differing
: opinions.

: Rich