Gmt.

[rusi]

Padi edit moved thread to Rolex forum.

Hi, I am in the process of buying a GMT circa 1971. My main concern is that on 3 or 4 hr. markers the tritium dots have very partially turned yellowish. will this increase over time & will it affect the value of the watch in the long run.
the watch has been serviced by RSC about a yr. ago. priced USD 3k. is it worth it. Any guidance welcomed.

[Prince]

Originally Posted by rusi

Hi, I am in the process of buying a GMT circa 1971. My main concern is that on 3 or 4 hr. markers the tritium dots have very partially turned yellowish. will this increase over time & will it affect the value of the watch in the long run.
the watch has been serviced by RSC about a yr. ago. priced USD 3k. is it worth it. Any guidance welcomed.

This yellowing is a normal occurrence. Actually, the tritium ceased functioning a long time ago anyway, so not to worry about that. The price seems excellent, and since it has been services by a RSC, you should be secure in the watch's authenticity.

If it speaks to you and you really like it - buy it!!!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Prince

This yellowing is a normal occurrence. Actually, the tritium ceased functioning a long time ago anyway, so not to worry about that. The price seems excellent, and since it has been services by a RSC, you should be secure in the watch's authenticity.

If it speaks to you and you really like it - buy it!!!

I thought watches were only supposed to speak to me!!

[Prince]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I thought watches were only supposed to speak to me!!

Only fake watches speak to you, JJ. Oh, and the occasional verbal sheep!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Prince

Only fake watches speak to you, JJ. Oh, and the occasional verbal sheep!

You looking for a promotion, tosser?

[Prince]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

You looking for a promotion, tosser?

[mike]

Originally Posted by rusi

Hi, I am in the process of buying a GMT circa 1971. My main concern is that on 3 or 4 hr. markers the tritium dots have very partially turned yellowish. will this increase over time & will it affect the value of the watch in the long run.
the watch has been serviced by RSC about a yr. ago. priced USD 3k. is it worth it. Any guidance welcomed.

Hi rusi,
What your refering to is called patina. Older watches that used tritium as the luminous material can be subject to this process. Theories vary as to what causes this to happen from moisture entering the case to exposure to sun light(UV rays). Pantina is a normal process on vintage pieces, save those that may have been "safe queens" and is indeed felt by some collectors to be a desireable quality in an older piecs.
Some feels it imparts a "warmth" to the watch as befits a watch that has "stories" to tell.
I have had (and still do) watches that have been exposed to a lot of sun light and have had this occur.

The only thing I would guard against is a piece that has through neglect the tritium starting to flake and fall into the movement. Otherwise congratulate yourself on a great classic piece at a very good price with the paperwork to back it up!!

Luminosity on tritium lasts approximately 12.5 years though you might see just a bit briefly upon initial exposure to light. That may well be the carrier.