My Submariner dial turned purple - now what

[Rod Laz]

After 35 years of owning this watch I decided to take it in to explore options for a new dial. I thought about getting a new blue dial or going full black with black bezel. But when the guy behind the counter saw the dial was purple, he said "don't do anything to that watch, its worth more as is."

The dial used to be blue but had turned purple over the years. Also the radium doesn't work anymore so I cant read the time in the dark.

I don't hate the purple dial, but I don't love it. I'd prefer a new blue or black dial, but I don't think I would get the purple dial back from Rolex if I ordered a new dial, and not sure I could even sell it if I did. I am guessing they would keep it.

What would you do? Sell it and use proceeds to buy a new one?

This is model #16613 purchased in Zermatt around 35 years ago. Stainless steel and yellow gold bracelet.

[996marty]

Some photos would help as it would be interesting to see how it looks

[rootbeer7]

That dial will desirable to many and will certainly cover the cost of a new replacement. Don’t go to a Rolex service centre as they will not return the old dial. Seek out a vintage specialist who can source a new dial and hands and buy the old one from you.

[joli160]

If you are happy to keep the 5 digit just change the dial the way you like it.
This will be the easiest and cheapest option for you.
A newer 11 series or 12 series are all more expensive.

On the 16613 a purple dial is nice but not really rare

[Dom9]

Love the purple / blurple dials on the 16613. Would be great to see a picture!

Lume is (most likely) Tritium, not radium.

Easy enough to get a blue replacement dial, as the others have said :)

Prices have cooled on two-tone 5-digits so, considering this must be quite a sentimental piece after all these years; I wouldn't be chopping it in.

[Dan S]

To be honest, the easiest thing might be to sell/trade the whole watch. Replacement parts can be found, but you need to distinguish between legit and aftermarket, and I assume you'll want matching hands and dial. Then you need to find someone you trust to install them, and then you need to sell the loose dial. Easy for a collector, but maybe a pain in the neck for the average person.

Incidentally, the lume from that era is not radium, but tritium-based, and the lume is always going to be dead. So if you want working lume, you'll need to buy a dial or watch from about 1999 or newer, with superluminova luminous paint.

[Rod Laz]

Originally Posted by joli160

If you are happy to keep the 5 digit just change the dial the way you like it.
This will be the easiest and cheapest option for you.
A newer 11 series or 12 series are all more expensive.

On the 16613 a purple dial is nice but not really rare

Sorry - why do they call it "5 - digit" ? I am obviously a newbie at all this!

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by Rod Laz

Sorry - why do they call it "5 - digit" ? I am obviously a newbie at all this!

5 digit is the model number (14060, 16610). 14060 no date, 16610 date.


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[TuRo]

First 3 years of prod. 16613's often go purple. I love it when they do. if you don't sell it and get a later one my advice. Sometimes the bezel insert goes a tad purple too. They don't fetch premiums (over say mid 90s Blue) yet, but I suspect they will in time.

[Bazil]

Don’t be a plonker Rod(ney) … keep that beauty as is ..;

[Swearengen]

I would keep it, but I'm a bit biased

[Rod Laz]

Well I was going to post a picture as a couple others asked, but it appears you have MY watch! It looks the same.

I am really wanting a change. I saw the black dial with black bezel and liked it. I also saw the green dial with black bezel and like that one too. There are probably limited options with two-tone bracelet but after 35 years of the same, I am craving a change.

I would welcome more opinions!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Dan S

To be honest, the easiest thing might be to sell/trade the whole watch. Replacement parts can be found, but you need to distinguish between legit and aftermarket, and I assume you'll want matching hands and dial. Then you need to find someone you trust to install them, and then you need to sell the loose dial. Easy for a collector, but maybe a pain in the neck for the average person.

Incidentally, the lume from that era is not radium, but tritium-based, and the lume is always going to be dead. So if you want working lume, you'll need to buy a dial or watch from about 1999 or newer, with superluminova luminous paint.

Great information and advice

[Apdl]

Originally Posted by Rod Laz

Well I was going to post a picture as a couple others asked, but it appears you have MY watch! It looks the same.

I am really wanting a change. I saw the black dial with black bezel and liked it. I also saw the green dial with black bezel and like that one too. There are probably limited options with two-tone bracelet but after 35 years of the same, I am craving a change.

I would welcome more opinions!

As other have said, this is a pretty awesome. I bet you can find a reputable grey market dealer and make a solid trade up for a new one

[Rod Laz]

What would one look for in a "grey market dealer" - I'm not even familiar with the term but I can figure it out!

We have a shop here that markets itself as "an authorized Rolex repair shop" but I think you mean something else?