What is this crud on my hour hand and my options going forward?

[HS22SH]

Hi guys,

 

First proper post on the forum. Thanks again for having me.

 

Just took receipt of an Omega Chronostop 145.010.   Cracking watch but the hour hand has a lot of crud on it. Just wondering:

 

1. Is it rust or something else like decayed radium?

2. Any ideas on how to correct this?   Risk removing the hands and going over it with pegwood or try and track down spare hands (having trouble finding them).

 

Cheers in Advance,

C

[Michael1962]

Just taking a punt, since there is little on any of the other parts in the photo, I'd think that something has happened to the coating. When I zoomed in as close as I can, there is a couple of very faint spots on the minute hand as well. How old is it?

[HS22SH]

1969.

You're right that there's a bit of spotting on the minute hand.  Very faint in comparison.

I'd add that there doesn't seem to be any telltale signs of water damage etc anywhere in the watch.

[Michael1962]

Are some of the indices quite dirty on their edges as well or is it the light?

PS. Thanks for saying that I look 7 years younger.  

Edited March 21, 2021 by Michael1962

[HS22SH]

Haha.

 

Ah, I see what you mean. Must just be the photo.  The indices are still shiny stainless steel, good condition as is pretty much everything else on the dial.  Makes the dodgy hour hand look even worse to be honest.

[watchweasol]

Hello and welcome to the forum,  A little gentle attention with a soft pencil rubber or cleaning stick might be just enough, the lume looks ok but when the crud is removed best to check again.