Restoring Watch Hands

Hello, in this video I attempt to improve a set of Seiko watch hands from 1970 that have lume rot. I show you step by step how I attempt this. Can i make them better? Watch to find out.
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[@MyRetroWatches]

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[@harrycutts2045]

I love these shorter videos, they show part of the restoration in detail without them being lost in a complete overhaul. Of courser the movement is very important but no body sees that, they just see the watch from the outside and that is important to someone who is not into horology per se. Great job :)

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks. That’s an interesting point and perhaps in the future I will do more of these short ones as and when I am working on something with an issue that would be good to film.

[@glenh4971]

You have done well. You did not harm the watch which was the number one priority. And, you did improve the look of the dial. I consider this a win.

[@watchingtimepassby]

Now I'm tempted to send you some of my pieces to relume them 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@lobdsk]

Do it

[@spidiq8]

Huge improvement on those and love the t-shirt

[@richardsidler]

Clever watchmaking, great detail. Microscopy, videography, and editing, all spot on!

[@petercampbell3828]

Good job Michael. The only way to improve the hands more, considering the state they were in, would be to replace them with a new set which would not match the patina of the dial. I think that your friend will be pleased with the results.

[@MikeB_UK]

Great work. For hands, etc. where rust has started you might want to try this; Get some oxalic acid crystals (I got mine from ebay quite cheaply) and make up a small fairly concentrated solution (mini jam jar, etc). Put on to anything rusty with a small artists brush and move the stuff around for a while as it does its thing. This stuff turns brown rust into a grey inert substance that doesn't seem to rust further. Similar to trick with phosphoric acid based Jenolite etc., but doesn't leave things purple and not as aggressive. Works great on rusty pliers, etc too. I got mine for removing water stains from wood and discovered the steel rust use by accident. I have used it on semi rusty chromed things and it doesn't seem to hurt the chrome. Wash off and oil item after use. Maybe this is of some use. Love your videos.

[@dbzamora]

Excellent work as usual. Its quite an improvement from what it was before. You can only do so much. Thanks for this video Mike. Gives me the inspiration and motivation to start working on hands restoration and re-luming. Stay safe!

[@mrjolly8680]

Definitely a great improvement. I know it’s not perfect but once back in the case they nice, clean and match the period of the watch. Well done. Mike.

[@gs351]

Looks great. Great job

[@alan776600]

Fantastic work pal and a massive thank you for making it look so much better

[@MyRetroWatches]

Always a pleasure Alan! See you Sunday

[@OnTimeRelojes]

Good Video. Thanks Michael👏👏👏

[@Watcheyes]

Very detailed instructions, will definitely follow this for future repairs, thank you!

[@pabcfireman21]

Amazing job, very nice finished.

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

Nice work. I still refer back to your 1st lume repair now and then. Keep up the good work Mike. I like the t shirt.

[@andyfletcher1214]

Great job Mike ,the hands were much improved 👏 I'll try that out 👍 thanks

[@walteralvarado7090]

Great job Michael!

[@MrLukealbanese]

Lovely job Michael.

[@elisestrauven2330]

thank you for the tip with the oil on the pegwood - will give it a try

[@josephbrashears8558]

Thank you for thinking of this t-shirt idea. I ordered as soon as I saw it. It's hilarious. Couldn't stop laughing. Also bought you a few beers. I appreciate the videos. They have helped me tremendously. This channel is what got me into rebuilding vintage seikos. Keep up the good work.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you on both counts. Yes I came up with the T Shirt idea a while ago just took a while to design etc. I have more planned hopefully.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

A definite improvement, well done Mike 👏

[@coffeeisgood102]

Thanks for the education. Also, I use the very same desk you are sitting at in the video.

[@MyRetroWatches]

fantastic. I believe these roll top desks were a recreation meaning they are not all that old.

[@Andrew-J316]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you!

[@stephenstone2606]

what a good job well done michael

[@RocketSailing]

Looks great!

[@TheTarrMan]

Looks good!

[@paulcackett6509]

Great video thanks - I have found that acetone or finger nail varnish remover and a cotton bud will take the lume off in a few seconds with gentle rubbing, although it may remove any lacquer coating on the hands it will not cause any scratching.

[@MyRetroWatches]

I might try that , thanks

[@alanmckinnon6791]

Mike, considering what you had to work with I think you did a fine job. Like you said, you can't polish where plating has fallen off and short of replacing the hands you did a fine job

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you Alan. Appreciate that.

[@red75v67]

Love the t shirt. Considering the state of tarnish, you've done much better than others I've seen.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you.

[@olenaval9440]

Very good job, Mike!

[@wp9409]

Nice job sir!

[@SK-xg9rs]

Pretty good result Sir 👍🏻

[@emilerenard9941]

I just bought the horotech hand lever today happy to know they are a good choice ! Great video love the dial of seiko 5 watches

[@MyRetroWatches]

The 2.5mm are the best levers out there in my opinion

[@emilerenard9941]

@@MyRetroWatches Happy new year by the way !!!

[@alandickson4799]

Fascinating

[@delboyoelmundo4718]

Looks good

[@happyfeet133]

Really nice, neat, job; and all the better for the hands retaining an 'original' vibe to them - rather than them looking like replacement new hands, whereby (to me, anyway) they'd jar and look inauthentic. As it is, you've got the balance just right between restoring/improving, whilst not losing any of the looks that retain the vintage air to the watch.

[@alexyakyma1479]

Thank you. Quite helpful.

[@johncunningham5435]

Much improved; "nice work Mike"!

[@etebol]

they got as good as they can ever get, well done

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks

[@walther9161]

Nice job.

[@heywood2007]

Well done

[@azzsimps2881]

Looks great mate, top work as always 👍

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks pal.

[@cristobalosuna3106]

nice job!

[@cmb1972]

Nice Job, great tip using a clear lid to mount the hands for luming,!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks. I have learnt the hard way hence using the lid. To let them dry for 24 hours and then turn over to find them in a mess is frustrating.

[@cmb1972]

@@MyRetroWatches The hard way is the best way sometimes as you learn properly, regarding the T-shirt, I am still looking for 3 alarm springs and ten or so screws have you spotted them ?

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@cmb1972 haha, bring out the big magnet 🧲

[@dennisc.1189]

Mike, that is a great improvement on the hand and dial, great job. Awesome tee-shirt.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks Dennis!

[@Microwave414]

That's actually a pretty dial, seiko should bring that one back.

[@darrencheshire8546]

Yes definitely improved, stay safe buddy

[@dodgydruid]

I am looking out for a 7019 and a 6309 so I then can have a complete "set" of the vintage mainstream Seiko's in my collection, I abs adore my 6349 and have a real love for these old vintage Seiko's. I'm now all set up with Sendico which is a kinda the shipping side of eBay and its integrated with all the Japanese online auction sites, the amazing JDM Seiko and Orients are stunning, if you want some rare stuff that may be a route for you :) BTW I now have a 3d printer and will be printing off some very funky movt holders and fractal watch holders once its all setup, will make a few so if you fancy a couple can send 'em on once I have printed 'em out.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Keep thinking about 3D printers but I know nothing about modelling. I’ve often looked on yahoo auctions but never bought ( I have too many already!) my mate now imports and has setup a business doing that.

[@biliouevdokia]

I ll watch it tonight to enjoy it take care Mike

[@olejohanpalsrud6896]

Good job, you improved them a lot :-)

[@briandenis5232]

I enjoyed the video. Lots of good info. Would have liked to see you nickle plate the hands prior to relume. It might have covered up the rust through spots a bit better. I think you hit a good balance, keeping some character and letting the piece tell a story of use.

[@Align700nitro]

to be honest, it's not a patek phillipe, who really look at the watch under a microscope? it looks spotless from distant, great work!!

[@watchdial.]

wow. good~!~

[@lobdsk]

I have used meigers car polish with good luck. I use cotton swabs to apply and polish

[@ronniejarvis2679]

I’d love to see a video of you taking off the old plating, polishing, and re-plating the hands if it’s possible

[@MyRetroWatches]

I have been contemplating some form of plating kit. When I eventually buy one I will for sure video but it will be more likely a watch case than hands.

[@stefankeet]

your T-shirt is briljant!!

[@ianmargetts9163]

Another mega save, great job as usual bro....

[@MyRetroWatches]

Ian, watch fair Sunday! Don’t be late!

[@ianmargetts9163]

@@MyRetroWatches didn’t know? I’m near Kinver now been out all week mountain biking! Where is it?

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@ianmargetts9163 tut tut. I did tell you on our call mate. It’s at the bike museum mate. Next one is early sept if you can’t do this one.

[@ianmargetts9163]

@@MyRetroWatches it’s cool I’ll be there Sunday might as well stay out bit longer! I can go on way back!! No masks and Rona bs I hope?

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@ianmargetts9163 as far as I know they will have their restrictions and it’s been so long since a fair I will almost do anything. 20+ from RVWR going this time

[@Sergeant_Fury]

Good job. No two sets of markers and hands are the same and deciding what and how to deal with them is a tough call. If you're lucky, the corrosion is minor, but this dial and markers look like they were heading towards the final lap.

[@lobdsk]

You make the world better Mike. At least the watch world.

[@MyRetroWatches]

haha thanks, i think

[@lobdsk]

@@MyRetroWatches it’s true man, seeing the true value in watches that were made when movements were everything and materials that have proven the test of time is truly a Nobel cause.

[@lobdsk]

Your keeping these old neglected time pieces relevant today

[@TV-vx9cj]

Greatly enjoy and appreciate your channel. In particular I like that you're unpretentious but that you still take more care than some supposed watchmakers on KZbin. Also, I'm really impressed by the quality of your microscope images. What brand is it and where did you purchase it from.

[@MyRetroWatches]

ebay.us/TeyOAF

[@NathanChisholm041]

Good work as always mate! Never seen a 70m Seiko before! Anyway Cheers from OZ...

[@acsiii110]

thanks

[@javiercacho4790]

Good job Mike and excellent video ( as always ). I wonder if a small piece of Cape Cod polishing cloth could improve the finishing... honestly I never tried but it is supposed soft enough to not damage the platting too much...

[@MyRetroWatches]

perhaps but Cod is still mildy abrasive being a "wool" texture product. On high polished / plated surfaces it could still easily scratch.

[@lobdsk]

I use a toothpick to hold down the hands. I put it through the hole. It fits pretty good

[@MyRetroWatches]

Good tip thanks.

[@lobdsk]

@@MyRetroWatches Mike after how you helped me if I can help even in a little bit makes me glad

[@adrianbirkett594]

Well done Mike, did you think of spraying the hands black?. Great job, definitely improved. 👍

[@SalMightyOne]

The 'leather end' is actually made out of carbon, at least mine is.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Do you have this Bergeon one? Someone said in the comments that the ends are different if you have the camera one.

[@donnyboon2896]

Yes

[@willywampa9022]

FWIW, acetone does a great job of removing lume, it just pops off

[@iandinwoodie]

Great video! What solution were you dipping the peg wood in when you were removing tarnish?

[@hitrandrei]

Try whith foil foil works great on old cars bikes where chrome have pitted.

[@fixityourself7258]

I think a fibre glass pen that are used to get battery acid off of circuit boards would have been perfect for that job. I got one for two or three quid from CPC farnell online, great for removing scratches from acrylic watch glass too prior to using the polish, which is what I use mine for.

[@MyRetroWatches]

I show the pen (poorly) under the scope. I don’t recommend them in this sort of handset as they will scratch all the plating quite easily. I have learnt from experience.

[@brianmsahin]

Excellent video . Good to see your videos again! The Avia is running great btw! I just tried buying you a coffee! However it didn't go to the next page and I'm not sure if it went through. Can you check you got it, payment from Turkey.. If you didn't get it I'll try again!!😁 You did a great job on this watch. 👍👍

[@MyRetroWatches]

Hi Brian don’t worry, don’t feel obliged to buy a coffee. I can say though that it did not go through in case you are wondering.

[@BryanO92]

It's good to remember that even a new Rolex often doesn't bear close inspection, but still looks a million bucks at arm's length. You managed to improve it quite a bit, but in truth the patient should have come in ten or twenty years ago.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Indeed. Sometimes this simple trick works well but the corrosion was too much on this one. Aftermarket hands are available just the owner wants all original.

[@leondjames]

Hi Mike, thanks for the video! Would you ever consider re-luming the indices as well?

[@MyRetroWatches]

I’ve done a video doing that a few years ago. It’s tricky work and practice is needed.

[@leondjames]

@@MyRetroWatches - I've actually watched that video I believe. The yellow dialled Seiko 5? Thanks for the reminder!

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@leondjames that’s the one!

[@pipodorologio1648]

👍👍

[@davidphasey5438]

Lee Mack brought me here!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Well done. I am surprised you have found the channel that way!

[@Fischi4711]

For lume removal, just put it in the ultra sonic bath. It will disappear instantly - every little bit.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Never thought of that. Sometimes like these hands the plating is rusting off to so I would worry an ultrasonic could peel it off. Have you seen tin foil in an ultrasonic? It just dissolves !

[@Fischi4711]

@@MyRetroWatches Had a lot of worn plated stuff in the US, but I did not see big chips removed. Tin foil resolves? That sounds interesting. I have to try it out next time.

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

Reminds me of a Song on Startrek: "Pretty little lifeforms"..

[@RelumeWatch]

can the existing lume on the dial be removed in which way Can you recommend or teach me?

[@spavliskojr]

I wonder how hard it would be to plate the hands with nickel plate solution. Id like to try that on a junk pair of hands as an experiment.

[@stewartgoodchild2930]

Hi Guys, this is the first video of Yours I've seen, I love watches/clocks, maybe a silly question, would the cost of new hands not offset Your time or is it similar to a classic car where as much originality as possible be retained to keep its value?, Your capability of workmanship was mind-blowing btw, I think I'm past My sell by date for such intricate work!, regards Stew

[@MyRetroWatches]

Yes there are aftermarket hands available at a very small cost and I have used them before on projects. For this one the owner wanted to keep them original plus it made for an interesting video on how I tackle / attempt hand restoration.

[@SergiRuiz_RelojeroTorpe]

WEEEEE! Another episode of MRW....

[@TheEverseer]

Awesome! One thing I don't think ive seen you try is restoring the dial face (like removing stains or chip damage). Been wondering if there is a good way to remove things like that. Vintage watch dial faces can be so naff, its a shame when they are damaged.

[@kevinkirkbride9062]

I would like to see that as well!

[@TheEverseer]

@@kevinkirkbride9062 I've heard that dials can be repainted... but I don't know how that would work especially for things like sunburst metallic dials and the like.

[@MyRetroWatches]

You can’t repair dials at least not without serious equipment and a pad printer . A lot of dials are lacquered and it’s that which discolours / stains . No matter what you do it will not rectify unless you remove all the lacquer. I have learnt to just clean dials with Rodico and that’s about it. The risk of making it worse is not worth it as it’s the main thing you look at.

[@TheEverseer]

@@MyRetroWatches Interesting. Lacquer huh. Thank you for that information. I didn't know that. That's worth some personal experimentation and something that could be interesting for me to tinker with in the future.

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@TheEverseer I’ve been thinking of taking and old Seiko dial ( I have many) removing the indices and badges and completely stripping all paint off and then either spray paint or similar to see if it can be done . I am crap at art so could be a disaster!

[@paulhiggins8774]

Do you have a lume shot ?

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

Microfiber cloth might help maybe?

[@TheWeardale1]

cracking video... :) got a question for you, please.. I've bought a new Alpina startimer (model - AL-371NN4S6) fort a bargain price, i love it except the hour and minute hands are a bit dark.. I'd like to paint them so they look more like the newer model (AL-372N4S6)...any tips on what paint to use etc? I'm not sure fussed about the lume as it;s not that good anyway... or is it something you could do? - I'd pay of course, and you could do a video of it..! thanks

[@MyRetroWatches]

Use just model paint enamel . Hard part is removing the old paint. Possibly acetone will shift it after a soak. Sorry but I don’t take on work like that .

[@hilaryboardman7167]

Have you tried an extra fine abrasive like chromium oxide? With co you can get to mirror finish, at least on steel. I use balsa wood sticks with a slurry of chromium oxide in mineral oil. The balsa wood is softer than peg wood but stiff enough to handle, and of course can be sharpened and shaped with exacto knives. Do you restore dials? It would be great to see that process if you do it.

[@MyRetroWatches]

I have not tried anything really and in my experience with Seiko hands is they are plated which can come off quite easy. Thanks for your insight all the same. I dont restore dials as that would require a pad printer and the right pads for the dial config. Dials loose their lacquer and this is usually what you see which is , at least for me irreparable. The best thing you can do with a dial is leave it alone or replace. Its the most visible thing and so easily ruined.

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

I just about have the skill level to get the hands back on haha

[@MyRetroWatches]

Dont knock it as that's a hard job to master mate.

[@joeavdichuk7991]

I have a seiko 5 with this same issue as well as a hamilton khaki but no one near me can do the job 😢

[@sbuzz5889]

great hack w/clear lid to see 2 sides after lume bang on what happens to cost of a watch 30 thou, what ? its a f n watch i can see 5- 10 grand 4 a gold ,i dont get it because i dont need pear approval im already confident. in my auto seiko

[@The_Invisible_Man]

How long will the lume you bought from eBay stay visible? Are we talking hours?

[@funkykoval2099]

Hi . Is it possible to remove rest of paint with chemical remover and do repaint at home? Those were abrasive techniques for me. If watch is working again it's always a succes for me ;-) I wish it was possible to switch dial and hands in my old swatch wrist. Here seiko rulez completely! All best!

[@slammermx]

No lume shot in the dark?

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

Mike I looked for the "Ping Detective" shirt you're wearing, did I overlook it?

[@MyRetroWatches]

For some reason I can’t work out it does not show on my KZbin mech shelf but it is in my Teespring store. You can find it here: my-retro-watches.creator-spring.com/?YT-ACRcEUrM-tbgPn7NFxZytvzD3o9HSu3PS38xCoxJ-l3OJrOjqRaYjJZtKFQvYxCvaJ_NXWO5mUElvrC4cp4m3oss3_6JXeSp-v7DtdBQz_SYqOUVEHfG-sfm53erz6kNZjeH31GDYLhWj77I_t1-hDFUzz1TI34PYVqsqJpKGC0-&

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

Found it. Picking Detective Ping(or Inspector Ping!) and a coffee mug up on Monday when I get back.

[@bobklumpp8698]

Dude! I love ya, but how can you do a lume repair video without a lume shot (in the dark) at the end? How? 😅

[@davidg8711]

That Bergion photography tool is for polishing glass like lenses not metal. I think? But hey ho. In for a penny in for a pound...

[@MyRetroWatches]

I do say that in the video. Only difference is Bergeon the polishing end is much smaller

[@davidg8711]

@@MyRetroWatches the polishing end looked exactly the same size as the two photography ones I've had in past and what I've seen come to that. But what does it matter anyway. If u like using it who cares what it's made for. Could be used for rubbing off shit and I would still use it if it worked for what I wanted it for.

[@bharathba4762]

Hi Brother, Myself BHARATH a Student from India, I am having a Anglo Swiss Cavalry Hand Winding Watch. But is running slow by 4hours per day, it is possible to state the reason why it is running too slow and please guide and suggest me how to restore/rectify it. I am eagerly waiting for your kind and valuable response. Thank You

[@MyRetroWatches]

It’s not that simple to tell you as so many things can make a watch run slow. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXvEaGaAe62tqJI

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

:)

[@-Dash-]

No lume shot?!

[@MyRetroWatches]

True. It was not about the lume glow and more about the hand condition. The lume works well and perhaps I will put a shot up in the community tab later. Thanks for your comment.