Explorer 6610: Matching hands and markers?

[BenFour]

I'm thinking about purchasing a Rolex Explorer 6610 and the dealer assures me that all parts are original but the color of the tritium lume on the hands doesn't match the markers. Is this a sign of different hands being put on this watch or is it normal for the color to vary? Below is the watch in question.

Thanks!!

[southtexas]

The tritium in hands don't always age to the same shade as the dial.

[Quotron]

I don't think the dial is original, but more pics would be better. Besides, wasn't the "SWISS" only text for radium dials?

[mdw3]

The dial is original. The hands are not the style of gilt hands typically found on 6610 models, but I wouldn't let that stand in the way of purchasing if the price is correct. Rare model, nice looking dial.

Michael

[BenFour]

Thanks for taking the time to post guys. Mdw3, what makes these hands atypical? If you can point me towards any resources that outline the differences in explorer models I'd appreciate it. I'm familiar with all of the major differences but finding information on hands is difficult. For instance, I often see a white seconds hand on 6610's. What's the story on that? Does that make the watch rarer than a matching seconds hand? Are the white seconds hands original to that model?

[vintagewaferthin]

That watch appears to have radium, not tritium. Hence why it says only "Swiss" on the dial.

[mdw3]

White seconds hand can be original to 1958 examples. Otherwise should be truly gold gilt hands, and the ones you show are not correct for early explorer watches. Not the end of the world, but you probably won't find a correct set for your watch, either. Google "Rolex 6610" and you will see what they should be.

Michael

Originally Posted by BenFour

Thanks for taking the time to post guys. Mdw3, what makes these hands atypical? If you can point me towards any resources that outline the differences in explorer models I'd appreciate it. I'm familiar with all of the major differences but finding information on hands is difficult. For instance, I often see a white seconds hand on 6610's. What's the story on that? Does that make the watch rarer than a matching seconds hand? Are the white seconds hands original to that model?