New submariner...defective dial???
 

Hi all,

I just posted this in another forum, but wanted more input...

I recently purchased a new non-date submariner, and just noticed that in the reflection, there is a "whirlpool" like indentation in the center of the dial where the hands come out. I'd say it's about a 3/8th-inch to 1/4-inch in diameter.

Is this normal, and/or should it be so big?

If it is normal, I'm curious "why" they are like that?

Thanks!

My answer here is the same as it was over there. Yes, this is normal. I'm not sure why they're made this way, they just are.

Hi Cole,

Is it the same for the sea dweller & date models too?

In all the photos I can find, I don't see it quite as "exaggerated" as mine.
Maybe it just doesn't show up in photos very easilyl

Me-->:dummy: LOL

And on my ExpII.

On my GMT it's barely noticeable... the light has to hit the dial just right to see it. It's only visible just around where the hands meet in the center of the dial. I've read that this is normal for Rolex watches, but I can't vouch this is normal for EVERY model. I hope this helps.

LOL. Everyone I got.:chuckle:

The hour hand on my ExpII is also a tad convex. And to cut you tossers off at the pass, it's been to Rolex Canada and inspected, so it's genuine... unlike a certain Kiwi's pair of Ralex watches. :chuckle:

HAHAHAHA. This is ok and happens on Rolex sports models; don't worry. You can notice it more on a white dialed Exp II.

You know, I DO notice it more on my white dial.:thumbsup:

Doh!! I'm going to have to go down to the store tomorrow and look
at some of the others :rolleyes:
:clap:

You mean a white EXP II? They're nice!:thumbsup:

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/3698/133338160dj1.jpg
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/3370/133338280fc2.jpg

My three month old Submariner is also just as you describe, curving down in the center of the dial. The dial also curves downward at the outer edge under the minute markers. I like the 3D effect it gives, along with the curvature of the minute and hour hands.

That's a tough one to capture with the wrong lens and no tripod. (Here at work.)

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...h/DSC_0003.jpg

You can see it a little. Sorry about the blurry image.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...h/DSC_0004.jpg

Nice watch!! hey, I don't notice that "dent in the middle" like mine in the photos :)

Hi Russell,
hey, that looks about like mine :) It's definitely hard to pick that up with the camera i would think...does yours finally taper out at about the point it hits the "oyster perpetual" print, or much sooner?

I think I see that same effect on the very outer rim as you describe.
I wonder if it's how they mount it in the watch, or during fabrication.
My wife's datejust is 1000% flat. Perhaps this is a way to spot
a fake modern submariner... "just look for the indentation around where
the hands come out" hehe

Definitely surprising on a $4000 watch though I must say!

BTW, thanks for the pics, I'm breathing a little easier now.

LOL! It's there, just takes a better camera man than me to get it.:chuckle:

There is a gradual taper just about to the bottom of the "Oyster Perpetual" text. You really have to look close, and by the time it gets real close to the text its a very gradual taper. It appears to stop just at the bottom edge of the text.

The funny thing is I can't seem to see it with my magnifier. In order to see it, I have to hold the watch about a foot away and only use my bifocals while I move the watch around and examine the reflection off the dial.

I don't know for sure, but I've always figured it was due to fabrication. I think the dial is a completely flat plate; it's the enamel (or whatever Rolex uses ) to paint the dial black that makes the curve. Kind of like a drop of water sitting on glass, just not as drastic.

Does anyone have a more definitive answer? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

That is _exactly_ what I see...whew! :-)
How wierd though isn't it???

Thanks guys, I'm off for the evening! ciao

Hi Morgman,

And welcome to TRF!!

What indentation are we talking about, guys? I don't see any!! :thinking:

And if yours is like 1/4" in diameter, then you do have a seriously defective dial. You need to check it out at your AD. Here's a pic of my watch....no indentations whatsoever.

Please post a picture of yours so we know exactly what the problem is. Thanks.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y20...ni/YMerect.jpg

I don't think it's a defect. If it is, my watch has the same defect as Morgman.

Apples and oranges JJ.... We all have the same issue on our dial and our watches are genuine.

However, on the fakes coming from Mansors, the dials dont have this built in Rolex security feature. :dummy: :bartmoon:

JJ, you grab just any opportunity to show a picture of that Foolex, don't you :rofl: :rofl: :justkiddi

Hmmmm....how the hell did I leave you off that Tosser List? :thinking: :rofl: :rofl:

Hey guys, just got a break at work...Russell, I think you're spot on... I bet they use a thick enamel on dial after it has already been cut/drilled, so the surface tension of the liquid enamel would cause bowing effect near the center and the outer edge.

By the way, how long is the break-in period before I should even dare look at the accuracy? :biggrin: It lost about 5.5 seconds from yesterday, but I've only had the watch a few days.

Give it a few months to break in. If after 3 months it's outside COSC, you may want to take it in for recalibration.

Thanks Atomic. Do you guys just let them sit flat/vertical at night, or put them in a winder, or?? I am so new to this "watch thing", but I have the feeling I'm going to become addicted. :smokin: Very glad I didn't get the Tag LINK or the Omega Seamaster... I do have my eye on a DOXA though!

Is there a great book to get on "Rolex" and their entire history?

Mine stays on my wrist 24/7 with the exception of the shower and working where it might get damaged. I take it off in the shower because soap can be hard on the seals if it doesn't get rinsed off well. I do give my watch a bath about once a week, or sooner if I get it dirty, being sure to rinse the soap off completely.

Mine sits crystal up in my watch caddy... not getting much love since the Panerai O1B arrived. In so far as position to regulate time, you can do it. Generally dial up means a gain, so does dial down and crown up. Crown down is usually a loss. The amounts of the gains-loss depend on your watch.

You might want to sourse the Rolex history by Dowling and Hess. I actually sold mine a few months back. They're out of print but you can find them online fairly easily. Expect to pay at least $75 plus shipping for it.

BTW, Doxa make bomb-proof cool retro dive watches (and invented the helium escape valve and the orange dial, the most visible colour under water). :thumbsup: