Hi all,
After 10 years away from the watch world, I’m back—and my first big purchase was a 1978 Faded 1675! I picked it up from a very reputable dealer, someone I trust and who would work with me if I decided to return it. That said, I’m hoping to get some advice from the community on a detail I’m second-guessing—whether it’s something I should be concerned about, or just enjoy the watch and move on.
I truly love the piece: the bezel is exactly what I was looking for, the dial and hands look nearly perfect, and the bracelet wears beautifully. So what’s the catch? While chatting with a dealer friend, he admired the watch and then took a look at it under UV light. That’s when he mentioned, “Did you know these might be service hands?”
To clarify—they don’t glow after exposure, and under UV they behave similarly to the dial plots (no ongoing lume), though they do appear a few shades whiter under the light. They’re likely tritium and period-correct, but perhaps not original to this exact watch.
My best guess is one of two things:
a) The hands were relumed by Rolex a few years after manufacture, or
b) They’re period-correct replacements, possibly from a different supplier, which would explain the slight lume color variation.
So—what do you all think? Is this a non-issue and I should relax and enjoy the watch? Or is it something worth further consideration?
One factor I’m weighing is potential impact to value. I feel I paid under market at $10.8k, but if this detail would significantly affect collectability or future resale, I’d rather know now. Appreciate any insight—thanks in advance!
