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painting hands

jackteet
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jackteet New Member

jackteet

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Hi, I have started collecting vintage wristwatches and in particular Bulova and Elgin.

My latest find is from ebay US for which I paid $59.00. Its a 1939 Bulova with a 10AN movement.

It needs a crown, stem and replacement hands. We all know that the best source is ebay US but I find postage expensive for parts that coudnt be smaller or lighter.

The second hand is black but the other two are gold. I want to fit black or blued. 

A friend has suggested  simply painting the hands with a black gloss enamel hobby paint. I have no idea how to removed hands so I am thinking of sliding a piece of tin foil under each hand and just painting the top side of the hands in situ.

Before I make a complete pigs ear of this, has anyone else attempted this did it work. TIA jack

20230504_223209[1].jpg

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Klassiker Distinguished Member

Klassiker

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You need to remove the hands, or you risk the paint wicking into the movement. The tools required are not expensive. I'd recommend the Presto type and a small plastic bag to protect the dial. Then you will need some hand-held pushers with plastic tips to refit the hands.

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jackteet New Member

jackteet

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Hi, Thanks very much for the advice. I have found both on the internet but there seems to be a wide selection of each, particularly the pusherd. I have neverremoved nor replaced hands. Is it a difficult job with the two items you suggest. many thanks again

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jackteet New Member

jackteet

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Hi Thanks for that. The second hand is black so I think its a difficult call as to whether all hands were originally black or gold. Plenty of pics showing gold markers with black, blued and gold hands. From a personal point of view I prefer black/blued hands. thanks again.

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LittleWatchShop Distinguished Member

LittleWatchShop

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12 minutes ago, jackteet said:

Hi Thanks for that. The second hand is black so I think its a difficult call as to whether all hands were originally black or gold. Plenty of pics showing gold markers with black, blued and gold hands. From a personal point of view I prefer black/blued hands. thanks again.

Your watch, do what you wish, but my recall is that this style never had black hands.

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