Nitpicking or Factory Defect? Explorer 1 Ref 114270

[Lowbat]

Hey guys I’m new to the forums here. I just recently picked up an Explorer 1 Ref 114270 Serial F. Absolutely love the watch and enjoying it to the fullest. One thing however I noticed that has been bugging me just a bit is that the white over the “6” on the dial seems to be ever so slightly to the right rather than right on the money how I feel it to be on the “3” and “9”. Not sure if some just came like this or if it’s a defect? Would anyone else with serial F be able to tell me if theirs is like this too? You can’t really notice unless you really scrutinize but figured I would ask the community to see if I’m the only one that’s noticed. I’ll attach a few photos (sorry for low quality phone pics) to see if you guys can see what I’m talking about. Thanks!

[Andad]

The 9 and the 3 look pretty stuffed but the 6 looks ok.

[Lol-x]

Have you compared it to other examples of your watch.

We are talking way less than 0.5mm deviation here....

The solution is if it is still under warranty and you are so inclined to take the watch to a Rolex Service Centre and ask them to look at it. Somehow I don't think an "F" serial will be within warranty. In that case if you want it resolved to your satisfaction you will have to buy a new dial....$$

Rolex may or may not consider this to be a defect if it is discernable by the naked eye, but if you are nice you never know your luck, but I seriously doubt you will get the joy you seek without paying for a new dial.

[Lol-x]

Originally Posted by directioneng

The 9 and the 3 look pretty stuffed but the 6 looks ok.

You better put your goggles on

[ppalasthira]

It’s totally up to you.

But I would just leave it.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Lowbat

You can’t really notice unless you really scrutinize

Exactly!

I still do not see what you are talking about.

How is the time keeping performance?

[VegasMilgauss]

True perfection has to be imperfect..

I've stared at the pics and can't see what the problem is but I'm the dumb and happy type!

Nice watch - I've got the mark 2 and love it to bits.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

You better put your goggles on

FYI I had my eyes tested on Saturday.


But I don’t get my new lenses ‘till next week.

[Jmbarrack]

I'd say that looks pretty good actually. Maybe I'm just not picking it up in the photos.

But I know what you're saying about the white inside the numbers, and I've seen worse/more variation between numbers on others. Just take a look at the photos in the for sale section here or on something like crown and caliber. You'll see a lot of variation in those white inlays. Some thinner, some thicker.

Sent from my SM-T713 using Tapatalk

[padi56]

A loupe and any high magnification is a new Rolex owners worst enemy.

[m j b]

Originally Posted by padi56

A loupe and any high magnification is a new Rolex owners worst enemy.

Absolutely.

Also, OP should proofread and double check post before asking question. I assume somewhere in there a "6" should be a "9", but maybe not?

[Scapegoat]

Sorry sir, am unable to see it but personally feel it is within specifications.

[supernova]

even at that magnification, I don't see a defect?

BTW are Rolex dials hand assembled?

[Lowbat]

Appreciate all the responses guys. As Lol-x said it really is no more than a .5 mm deviation. Not a big deal honestly. And I have compared it to other examples, not sure if they are F serial as well, and have only found one other with this slight deviation on the 6:

Attached also is another example which I would consider to be “perfect” or as close to it as can be on these Explorers. Anyways I think i’m just going to live with it! I do tend to have a bit of OCD for the tiniest of details and this was just on my mind and wanted some feedback.

[77T]

No, it’s fine.

I can only guess you’re having some parallax caused by the crystal.


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[P1nky_Up]

Based on the website title bar giving a horizontal line to base this off of, it looks off for sure but not by much. I’m using the minute ticks as reference as well.

[RationalPragmatist]

look on Chrono24 for that reference and you'll see watches with the same type of 6 style.

[Wizardly]

I'm REALLY picky, but the 6 and the 9 look identical in their white appliqué. The three looks to be similar but remember, it's much different than the 6 and the 9, being that the rounded parts are opposite.

Different numbers will look, well... different.

(Put down the loupe, pick up a drink and celebrate your gorgeous new watch.)

[Fleetlord]

In situations like these you need to do what will eliminate the concerns and I doubt any of us can do that based on some pics posted on a forum.

The easiest way out of this is to sell or trade the watch and move on. Out of warranty servicing and dial replacement isn’t worth it.

[rmlovett1]

Looks fine, IMO...

[Old Geezer]

Enjoy your watch, it’s fine. If this bothers you, think about it for a minute....do you really want to risk the possibility of scratches or lint or some other issue having it opened up for a dial change which may come back with the same minuscule imperfection?
Seriously, enjoy your watch and this is being written by a member with OCD tendencies..

[Old Expat Beast]

This was quite a common issue when this model first came out. There are many similar examples out there.

[kauffee]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

This was quite a common issue when this model first came out. There are many similar examples out there.

What exactly is the issue? I'm still not seeing it. Is OP saying the lume fill of the 6 is shifted? How is that even possible?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by kauffee

What exactly is the issue? I'm still not seeing it. Is OP saying the lume fill of the 6 is shifted? How is that even possible?

It's not lume, it's enamel, and it was slightly offset when applied to the WG numeral.

[Dr.Brian]

Looks good to me and I have 20/20 vision. It may be slightly shifted to the right, but so is the 9.
I don’t think that’s noticable to anyone wearing the watch as intended.
You could always swap the dial out at the RSC with a service.

[brucethemanlee]

looks fine to me.... at first glance I would have said it is a hair skewed in the other direction

[dreyep]

Here's mine, from 2005. If there's a problem -- is there? -- it doesn't bother me as I can't see this level of detail with the naked eye. I do notice that the laser-etched crown isn't aligned with the 6, but it's the first time I've even noticed the crown.

Comparing this 6 to the others posted, the middle horizontal bar in mine is straight on the left-hand size and the others curve downwards. I wonder why. A whole world of detail and difference opens up with magnification...

[jb335]

It's absolutely fine... don't give it any more thought.

[illiguy]

I'm failing to see this "defect". Looks totally fine. Be careful with the OCD about the Rolex. Just enjoy.

[chloebear]

I see what you are saying, but I wouldn't worry about it. If it bothers you then unload it. No need to wear something if it's going to bother you. I'm finally coming around to being ok with the occasional scuff, scratch, nic, etc.

Great looking watch btw! I hope you're enjoying it.