What's the consensus on Seiko lume rot?

[tIB]

So I picked up another 6105-8009 in good original condition (hands aside) - it's got quite a bit of the infamous lume rot, though not to the point where its affecting the raised marker indices. 

I'm definitely not going to relume, though I've heard/read of using various things directly on the lume that can restore these to some degree without that... Obviously there's a risk to the dial there though. 

Because my other one is very clean (and has the correct hands!) I'm thinking I may leave this one as it is for now at least - are there any issues with that? I guess if the rot starts making its way to the indices I may reconsider, though is there anything I can do to preempt that?

Appreciate any input here as always... Here's a dial shot - real shame about that 'Japan 6105' text wear but even so I'm happy:

(I couldn't live with the red seconds hand so went for some faux patina to match the dial on the replacement!)

[Pip]

Not averse to some wabi-sabi but that lume has just about gone too far for me, it's close but will only get worse over time. Just my view though.

I do love a 6105, and really need to add one to the collection at some point.

[tomh207]

Mike of my retro watches did a video about this very recently, concluded that a relume was the only option.

Tom

 

 

[tIB]

10 minutes ago, Pip said:

Not averse to some wabi-sabi but that lume has just about gone too far for me, it's close but will only get worse over time. Just my view though.

I do love a 6105, and really need to add one to the collection at some point.

I know what you mean though I quite like when they go even worse, provided the indices don't get ruined too. 

 

1 minute ago, tomh207 said:

Mike of my retro watches did a video about this very recently, concluded that a relume was the only option.

Tom

 

 

Thanks I'll have a look... Interested to know his rationale...

Ha, the retro watch guy has done what I was going to try, albeit with mould removal bleach than standard. Probably leave that then unless someone can chime in with evidence of that (or something else - hydrogen peroxide?) working?

[tIB]

I've decided to keep this one lume rotted for now - I'll be keeping an eye on the markers as if they start going I'll rethink, but yeah - embracing it:

 

[docrpm]

I've got the same lume-rot problem in my Suwa 6309-7049L. I had some slight moisture intrusion as well, which turned the hands black in a heartbeat. I replaced the hands and crown gasket, but have just had to embrace the "patina" on the hour markers. I don't have either the tools or the materials to attempt a re=lume.

[tIB]

10 hours ago, docrpm said:

I've got the same lume-rot problem in my Suwa 6309-7049L. I had some slight moisture intrusion as well, which turned the hands black in a heartbeat. I replaced the hands and crown gasket, but have just had to embrace the "patina" on the hour markers. I don't have either the tools or the materials to attempt a re=lume.

Imagine that one is a much harder job to relume nicely too without those raised markers. Embrace!

[Malocchio]

I think Spencer Klein said that if you try to remove the rot there's just more hidden underneath. Nice thing about these dials is that the hour markers are stamped so there's no fear of breaking them off if removing lume. I just relumed a moisture damaged  MM200 dial with similar construction.

[tIB]

Good timing with the post above - think I've got some original hands coming so depending on lume colour I may need to revisit this soon...

 

I've been more than content with it as is, but also expect to feel slightly weird putting the right hands on it if the lume is the right colour only to then 'age' them. Although that's probably a better option than my luming skills...

Edited March 7 by tIB