Sub Dial

[Frank 21]

Hello everyone -

I recently purchased a 96 nd-sub..Can I change in the dial for a luminova? The tritium on the dial no longer glows.

[mike]

Sure. Rolex would be more than happy to install a new service replacement luminova dial---along with a service.

[subman999]

keep it original, do not change the dial or your watc will be come worthless

[Atlanta]

Originally Posted by subman999

keep it original, do not change the dial or your watc will be come worthless

You can have a functional watch or a worthless watch - tough choice.

I vote functional.

[Phill (UK)]

Originally Posted by subman999

keep it original, do not change the dial or your watc will be come worthless

In Your notso Humble Opinion

[Tools]

a '96 is just a couple of years before they switched to Luminova and you have one of the last of the Tritium dials so it is probably in very good shape with just a hint of that wonderful cream color they become..

As said, Rolex will happily change it along with a service. It is unlikely that they would just change it unless you have had it serviced within the last couple of years..

As far as value.......tritium dials are no longer made so the watches that will increase in value the most most will probably be those..

But if you're not a collector, and want functionality, that is the only way to get it to glow again..

[deadhead71]

i dont think rsc will do dial changes on pro models unless its a warranty issue but i could be wrong

[Lol-x]

Rolex will change the dial, but only with a service of the watch.

I wouldn't say a dial change would make the watch worthless, just a little less collectable down the road.

Luminova will not have the same luminous endurance characteristics as Tritium, and you have to give Luminova a charge of light to excite the lume..........just something else to think about.

[Z-Sub]

it unless you really need the lume at night.
even with superluminova, the lume gets dim pretty fast.
It looks good initially but after a couple of hours it is not much better than tritium.

[Jedi]

I second Yenning's opinion.

I have a 16610 tritium dialed SubDate, and the old patinated indices are just so cool, plus it still glows when it's like, totally dark. The watch was purchased in 1992.

[greck]

I know with the GMT if you replace the bezel they take the old one. Under Rolex's new rules do they do the same with dials?

[mike]

Originally Posted by greck

I know with the GMT if you replace the bezel they take the old one. Under Rolex's new rules do they do the same with dials?

Yes. The dial is lost.

[Doug507]

Originally Posted by mike

Yes. The dial is lost.

Score another one for outstanding customer service. My AD told me the same thing. I reminded him that I owned the original dial - AND the new dial - and I wanted my property back. In true AD fashion, he just said, "that's the way Rolex does it."

[Frank 21]

Thanks for all the great info on the sub dial..I do enjoy when the dials do age and turn the cream color..Is there any way to speed up the aging process on the dials..

[Jedi]

Book it into a solarium for thrice weekly sessions.

Or just leave it on the window sill so it catches the sun for the most part of the day.

[Trurolexer]

Keep it original better...

[Frank 21]

Two questions -

Can you really speed up the aging process by leaving in it in the sun?

Will RSC Authenticate a watch for you??

[mike]

Originally Posted by Frank 21

Two questions -

Can you really speed up the aging process by leaving in it in the sun?

Will RSC Authenticate a watch for you??

RSC will indicate if Rolex parts are used. That does not necessarily mean the watch is period correct. Many vintage pieces have Rolex parts--just not the correct ones for the era.

As to UV radiation. This has been an on going debate for quite a while with sound arguements on both sides.

I've always felt that exposure to UV had some effect, but many examples of vintage pieces--1680s, 5513/12s, 1675s etc... that have seen a lot of use in the bright sunshine still exibit almost snow white dials. Some feel it was the mixture used at the time.

There have been reports of pristine examples held for years in safe deposit boxes that when put away had white dials only to have the owner find an off white or ivory dial upon taking the watch out.

Some feel moisture in the form of humidity is the cause of tritium dials turning yet I've seen watches that have been well cared for exibit an ivory hue to the markers.

I'm not sure the last chapter on the subject has been written.