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Albertone · 17 March 2019, 03:22 AM

Hi There,

Newbie question from aspiring vintage Rolex collector.

I've never seen this kind of discoloration on hands before (see pic).

The patina looks OK, but what's the rusty-looking discoloration near the center?

Is it an indication of possible water/moisture damage?

Would you be concerned about buying this watch? I love the looks of it.

Thank you.

1665fan · 17 March 2019, 03:51 AM

I have seen it before but it’s usually a little more subtle. The watch looks very nice but I would think for a serious collector they would pass unless maybe it was unpolished case or maybe full set...

05carbondrz · 17 March 2019, 03:53 AM

I’ve read this can be from over oiling,Any truth to that Watchmakers?

Albertone · 17 March 2019, 04:24 AM

Here's the full image of the watch. Comments welcome.

1973, not a full set, about $14,000.

sensui · 17 March 2019, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

I’ve read this can be from over oiling,Any truth to that Watchmakers?

My watchmaker said this to me also in the past.

watchcrank · 17 March 2019, 06:28 AM

A nos set of tritium hands can be sourced or if no objection can be relumed. I have seen some discoloration cleaned if you are lucky. I see no reason to kick a nice watch to the curb for a part that regularly gets changed at service. As long as it is a really correct complete set that would not deter me from buying a nice watch.

mrs_LA · 17 March 2019, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watchcrank

A nos set of tritium hands can be sourced or if no objection can be relumed. I have seen some discoloration cleaned if you are lucky. I see no reason to kick a nice watch to the curb for a part that regularly gets changed at service. As long as it is a really correct complete set that would not deter me from buying a nice watch.

Has it been known for Rolex to relume during service, if needed? for watches with tritium, I mean.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

watchcrank · 18 March 2019, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrs_LA

Has it been known for Rolex to relume during service, if needed? for watches with tritium, I mean.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rolex replaces the hands with current replacement ones. You would receive new luminous hands.

Filipão · 17 March 2019, 08:53 AM

I've seen this on many watches with original hands.

IMHO it adds character and it's like patina.

Fabrice M · 17 March 2019, 09:17 AM

This is very common.

Filipão · 17 March 2019, 11:22 AM

My own 1675:

17 March 2019, 03:51 AM	#2
1665fan "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: East coast Posts: 6,659	I have seen it before but it’s usually a little more subtle. The watch looks very nice but I would think for a serious collector they would pass unless maybe it was unpolished case or maybe full set...

17 March 2019, 03:53 AM	#3
05carbondrz Banned Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: USA Posts: 2,030	I’ve read this can be from over oiling,Any truth to that Watchmakers?

17 March 2019, 06:28 AM	#6
watchcrank "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: michael Location: Florida Watch: explorer II cream Posts: 1,664	A nos set of tritium hands can be sourced or if no objection can be relumed. I have seen some discoloration cleaned if you are lucky. I see no reason to kick a nice watch to the curb for a part that regularly gets changed at service. As long as it is a really correct complete set that would not deter me from buying a nice watch.

17 March 2019, 08:53 AM	#9
Filipão "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Real Name: Filipe Location: Lisbon & Wadesdah Watch: Never too many Posts: 1,898	I've seen this on many watches with original hands. IMHO it adds character and it's like patina.

17 March 2019, 09:17 AM	#10
Fabrice M 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Denver Watch: This and that... Posts: 1,645	This is very common.

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