ZF Tudor BB54 Lume Pearl Pip Lost - Advice needed

[scotchOG]

Hey guys!

I own a ZF Tudor BB54 37mm, it's one of my fav reps and gets plenty of wrist time.

Unfortunately somewhere along the way, don't know when or how, the 12 O'clock lume pip/pearl fell off:

As you can see the pearl "base" is still there, but the inside lume thingy fell. I read on some reddit subs many have had the same problem. Anyway, looking for a solution, as I love the watch. I first asked my TD if he could source a bezel insert, told me he could but later couldn't get it.

All the Aliexpress Pips are too big for this insert. Does anybody here had this issue and found a solution, or care to think of something?

Thanks a million in advance and have a great weekend!
Scotch.

 

[Geonor]

You could probably just mix up some lume and relume it since the metal bit is still there. Check out these guys for some decent lume for a decent price.

NoctiLumina® Luminizing Kits

 

[scotchOG]

You could probably just mix up some lume and relume it since the metal bit is still there. Check out these guys for some decent lume for a decent price.

NoctiLumina® Luminizing Kits

I am not sure if all the metal thingy is there or if what's left is a "support" for the pearl and borders, sometimes if I look carefully I think there is some metal missing.

Anyway I saw these kits but they would just paint the metal right? not add depth.

 

[Geonor]

I am not sure if all the metal thingy is there or if what's left is a "support" for the pearl and borders, sometimes if I look carefully I think there is some metal missing.

Anyway I saw these kits but they would just paint the metal right? not add depth.

You can lay the lume on pretty thick. If you mix it up and let it sit while stirring it once in a while it will thicken even more and you can easily build a pearl from it.

 

[scotchOG]

You can lay the lume on pretty thick. If you mix it up and let it sit while stirring it once in a while it will thicken even more and you can easily build a pearl from it.

I was thinking as I read your post. How do you get a tidy pearl form with no mold? Have you done it and it is easier than it looks in my mind?

 

[Geonor]

I was thinking as I read your post. How do you get a tidy pearl form with no mold? Have you done it and it is easier than it looks in my mind?

Not on one of those but I did it on this Seiko 7001 resto mod

 

[scotchOG]

Not on one of those but I did it on this Seiko 7001 resto mod

Looks more like you painted the inside and has not a "ball" form right? I think it works great on a vintage worn style watch like that one, but have doubts on how it will look on a pristine new watch as mine.

I went crazy yesterday trying to find a pearl or a bezel insert and seems to be impossible. Finally Hont (who sold me the watch) can get me the insert for 30usd, I think I will order it and try to change the entire insert, which I believe should be quiet easy if I can get to remove the current one.

 

[arout]

Hey guys!

I own a ZF Tudor BB54 37mm, it's one of my fav reps and gets plenty of wrist time.

Unfortunately somewhere along the way, don't know when or how, the 12 O'clock lume pip/pearl fell off:

As you can see the pearl "base" is still there, but the inside lume thingy fell. I read on some reddit subs many have had the same problem. Anyway, looking for a solution, as I love the watch. I first asked my TD if he could source a bezel insert, told me he could but later couldn't get it.

All the Aliexpress Pips are too big for this insert. Does anybody here had this issue and found a solution, or care to think of something?

Thanks a million in advance and have a great weekend!
Scotch.

Sorry to hear about the lume pip issue! The Tudor BB54 is a fantastic piece, and it's frustrating when something like this happens. Since the base is still intact, you're in luck because it gives you a good starting point.

It sounds like you've already tried the standard AliExpress pips, but if those are too big, you might need to look for a more specific replacement. I would recommend checking out some of the trusted modders or watch part suppliers on RWI. Some of them specialize in rep watch parts and may be able to source a lume pip that’s the correct size for your bezel insert.

Alternatively, if you can't find an exact match, one option might be to have a custom pip made. There are some sellers in here that can create custom lume pips, which might be a great way to match it precisely to the original size and appearance. You could also consider trying a professional watch repair service that can remove the old base and fit a new lume pip if you're comfortable with that.

It’s a great watch, so I'm sure you'll find a solution to keep it ticking in top shape!

 

[Geonor]

Looks more like you painted the inside and has not a "ball" form right? I think it works great on a vintage worn style watch like that one, but have doubts on how it will look on a pristine new watch as mine.

I went crazy yesterday trying to find a pearl or a bezel insert and seems to be impossible. Finally Hont (who sold me the watch) can get me the insert for 30usd, I think I will order it and try to change the entire insert, which I believe should be quiet easy if I can get to remove the current one.

Yeah this watch isn't supposed to have a "pearl" in that sense. Here's a NOS example. Great that you found a replacement though. That's the best option.

 

[scotchOG]

Sorry to hear about the lume pip issue! The Tudor BB54 is a fantastic piece, and it's frustrating when something like this happens. Since the base is still intact, you're in luck because it gives you a good starting point.

It sounds like you've already tried the standard AliExpress pips, but if those are too big, you might need to look for a more specific replacement. I would recommend checking out some of the trusted modders or watch part suppliers on RWI. Some of them specialize in rep watch parts and may be able to source a lume pip that’s the correct size for your bezel insert.

Alternatively, if you can't find an exact match, one option might be to have a custom pip made. There are some sellers in here that can create custom lume pips, which might be a great way to match it precisely to the original size and appearance. You could also consider trying a professional watch repair service that can remove the old base and fit a new lume pip if you're comfortable with that.

It’s a great watch, so I'm sure you'll find a solution to keep it ticking in top shape!

Hi there! which sellers you recommend who can work on it? would be a great opportunity for whoever makes the job to tune the movement and remove the ghost date position