If it were me, I'd leave the hands exactly as they are, I'd replace the crystal and I'd have the watch serviced and case relapped (on a lapping machine, something Abel has, not by hand under any circumstances!). I have a few watches with original patinad hands and dial but new crystals and relapped cases, they look fantastic. If you want it a bit more worn then wear it more. I had a Rolex GMT that I never took off for three years while I was renovating my house. It had a lot of patina on the case after that, I probably should have remembered to remove it before demolishing the chimney.

That last bit isn't serious advice. Don't wear your Siffert while renovating your house. You won't believe how hard it is to get paint out of bracelets.

: Guys, I am really enjoying this forum. I wish I had more to offer
: than I do, but I am sure you don't mind my relative silence. I
: do read all the posts.

: So, I posted in Jeff's thread a few minutes ago that my watch is
: going to Oregon to spend some time in Craig's expert hands. He
: has an original crown so I will be 1 important step closer to
: original.

: The two other non-original items I want to address are the polished
: case and the crystal. He has a good substitute crystal from Frei
: (which is probably what the watch already has in it) but the
: contours will be different. Question #1 - is it possible to find
: an original crystal in very good condition or should I just go
: with the Frei? I am not certain that replacing the crystal will
: be a benefit - the face appears a little yellowed to me but my
: guess is the crystal.

: The case has been polished. If you hold the watch in the light just
: right, you can still see some striations where the original
: brush marks were. Question #2 - is there an in-between level of
: brushing that would look like it had aged along with the rest of
: the watch? I don't think a factory fresh brushing will match the
: patina of the lume, hands, dial.

: Question #3 - in photos, most Sifferts seem to have a brilliant
: blue chrono second hand. Mine seems dull/dirty (I think you can
: see from the picture here) and doesn't really scream "I am
: blue", should I have the hands cleaned or leave them as is?
:
:

: The watch is keeping excellent time - I have only worn it once a
: week so it is only running for a couple days then it gets 5-6
: days still.

: Question #4 - what question(s) should I be asking that I have not?

: Thanks for all the great information, advice and photos (you know
: who you are)!

: Mike