Modifying an IWC dial
Discussion
Does anyone know of anywhere that could do this?
I have an old 3705 flieger chrono which I love. However it has old school luminous material on the face which is no longer luminous. I'd potentially like to get this sorted, retaining the original parts so that it could be put back "exactly so" if needed later (the "browned" old material has a certain patina to it),
At the same time, I'd be interested in modifying the face/hands further if someone could do it - e.g. make the numerals luminous. Or tip the chrono' hands red.
Have dropped a note to the IWC servicing people, but would be interested if anyone has any contacts etc.
Ta.
I have an old 3705 flieger chrono which I love. However it has old school luminous material on the face which is no longer luminous. I'd potentially like to get this sorted, retaining the original parts so that it could be put back "exactly so" if needed later (the "browned" old material has a certain patina to it),
At the same time, I'd be interested in modifying the face/hands further if someone could do it - e.g. make the numerals luminous. Or tip the chrono' hands red.
Have dropped a note to the IWC servicing people, but would be interested if anyone has any contacts etc.
Ta.
3705? Is yours the ceramic flieger? If it is, I wouldn't change anything as these attract quite a premium over the standard 3706. These watch will be at least 10-15 years old by now, so a little fading/browning of the dial markings is acceptable/expected.
Unless the watch is spoiled due to the fading, I'd leave as is.....
Just an opinion, but if it's the 3705 a few shots would be nice...
Dom H
Unless the watch is spoiled due to the fading, I'd leave as is.....
Just an opinion, but if it's the 3705 a few shots would be nice...
Dom H
I wouldn't hold back any longer, resistance is futile; start looking for another watch which suites you which already has lumed numbers and a tipped second hand. Perfect excuse for some shopping.
You can then keep the vintage in vintage condition which as Dom H says, may make more sense?
You can then keep the vintage in vintage condition which as Dom H says, may make more sense?
It is the ceramic flieger.
Some quick pictures follow (need to spend some time getting better quality shots - the bits that look scratched on the case is actually the lighting. This watch doesn't scratch
).
I quite like the patina on the face, hence was going to keep the original face and hands for posterity (and fitment later if wanted). It's just nice to have some luminescence now and then (plus a fresher look)...but take your collective point.
Deployant clasp isn't original (though is IWC). I have the original tang, but prefer deployant clasps. Strap itself is also a replacement.
Oh, and the day text is in German (another thing I like about it for some reason).
Some quick pictures follow (need to spend some time getting better quality shots - the bits that look scratched on the case is actually the lighting. This watch doesn't scratch
).I quite like the patina on the face, hence was going to keep the original face and hands for posterity (and fitment later if wanted). It's just nice to have some luminescence now and then (plus a fresher look)...but take your collective point.
Deployant clasp isn't original (though is IWC). I have the original tang, but prefer deployant clasps. Strap itself is also a replacement.
Oh, and the day text is in German (another thing I like about it for some reason
).andy_s said:
...start looking for another watch which suites you which already has lumed numbers and a tipped second hand. Perfect excuse for some shopping....
Trouble is, hardly anyone does proper ceramic cases.Latest IWC incarnations are doppels which are quite chunky monkeys and hence not my cup of tea (they're bigger than the Omega Seamaster ProChrono which is about as big as I would want to go).
Anyway, love the IWC just thought I might be able to cover the base with reversible "cheap" mods, and only "need" one more chronograph watch to finish the collection (not sure what yet...Rolex Daytona keeps calling...I know, I know)
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