Rolex Explorer II (226570) Lume Issue

[movey]

I purchased a new Explorer II from the AD and realised that I had this dark patch in the GMT hand. Considering I waited over a year for this watch the last thing I want to do is send it for repairs.

Looking at the picture, do you think there's an issue with the GMT hand or it's normal?

[Bill2e]

I wouldn’t stress it, but that I can see why you’re concerned.

Go talk to the AD.

[movey]

Yeah sometimes I feel like it's a minor issue, but other times it's noticeable. Annoyed that $10K later and it comes with a QC issue.

[Bill2e]

Originally Posted by movey

Yeah sometimes I feel like it's a minor issue, but other times it's noticeable. Annoyed that $10K later and it comes with a QC issue.

Well it’s never going to not bother you, send it in.

[deeman54]

Originally Posted by Bill2e

Well it’s never going to not bother you, send it in.

You don't have to send it in immediately BUT, I WOULD before your Warranty expires

[Offshore]

I wouldn't be able ignore that fault on a new watch and I would get it sorted ASAP.

The suggested possibity of a same day hand swap is a good one. Hope that works.

The longer you leave it, the more time you'll have to spend looking at a new watch with an annoying blemish. Get it sorted then you can enjoy the watch fully.

Fantastic watch though. Mine has barely left my wrist since I bought it.

[wb55]

Send it off for a warranty service and see what they say.

You can’t have it fixed while it’s on your wrist and you either want it fixed or you don’t.

Would bug me.

[77T]

Welcome to the forum, albeit under stressful circumstances.

I hope my suggestion will help craft a calming solution.

Because you have a 5 year warranty, there is no rush to send it in right away. I suggest monitoring the condition and documenting it.

Maybe start taking a two photo on the 1st of each month in the evening. Charge up the lume with the same method and take a close-up like you've done, and then leave the watch alone for 4 hours and take one more photo - now the lume has dimmed.

Wear it like you would any watch - after all, most use is in the daylight unless you work outdoor overnight a lot.

If the condition changes for the worse over a year or two, make your choice of having the hand replaced. By then you might not miss it as much as you would now.

If you have an AD certified as a service center, they might do a check for you and order a replacement part - then you could keep the watch while awaiting the part. Hopefully they'd do the swap in a day if you can make an appointment.

My bottom line is this:
there isn't a rush to send it in. And just maybe - slim chance that it may be - the lume could straighten out over time...


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[movey]

Originally Posted by 77T

Welcome to the forum, albeit under stressful circumstances.

I hope my suggestion will help craft a calming solution.

Because you have a 5 year warranty, there is no rush to send it in right away. I suggest monitoring the condition and documenting it.

Maybe start taking a two photo on the 1st of each month in the evening. Charge up the lume with the same method and take a close-up like you've done, and then leave the watch alone for 4 hours and take one more photo - now the lume has dimmed.

Wear it like you would any watch - after all, most use is in the daylight unless you work outdoor overnight a lot.

If the condition changes for the worse over a year or two, make your choice of having the hand replaced. By then you might not miss it as much as you would now.

If you have an AD certified as a service center, they might do a check for you and order a replacement part - then you could keep the watch while awaiting the part. Hopefully they'd do the swap in a day if you can make an appointment.

My bottom line is this:
there isn't a rush to send it in. And just maybe - slim chance that it may be - the lume could straighten out over time...


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Thanks for this message. For wider context, when I purchased my first Explorer II the minutes hand was faulty, the sharp edge which points to the marker appeared to be damaged. They immediately offered to fix it for me but I refused, took a refund and waited for a new watch. I didn't want to buy a new watch and go into a repairs process.

They called me 4 months later with this replacement, so I was more cautious in assessing it and now I noticed this slightly dim GMT hand. It's annoyed to get a brand new watch repaired but I think I'm going to leave it alone and carry on. It's not too noticeable or bad, the lume is still legible. From what I've seen online it can sometimes be due to uneven lume application which is not uncommon.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by movey

Thanks for this message. For wider context, when I purchased my first Explorer II the minutes hand was faulty, the sharp edge which points to the marker appeared to be damaged. They immediately offered to fix it for me but I refused, took a refund and waited for a new watch. I didn't want to buy a new watch and go into a repairs process.

They called me 4 months later with this replacement, so I was more cautious in assessing it and now I noticed this slightly dim GMT hand. It's annoyed to get a brand new watch repaired but I think I'm going to leave it alone and carry on. It's not too noticeable or bad, the lume is still legible. From what I've seen online it can sometimes be due to uneven lume application which is not uncommon.

Uneven lume distribution was my immediate guess, as well. It’s barely noticeable, and only when dark. I’d leave it alone, until close to warranty end.

Kat


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[movey]

Originally Posted by 77T

Welcome to the forum, albeit under stressful circumstances.

I hope my suggestion will help craft a calming solution.

Because you have a 5 year warranty, there is no rush to send it in right away. I suggest monitoring the condition and documenting it.

Maybe start taking a two photo on the 1st of each month in the evening. Charge up the lume with the same method and take a close-up like you've done, and then leave the watch alone for 4 hours and take one more photo - now the lume has dimmed.

Wear it like you would any watch - after all, most use is in the daylight unless you work outdoor overnight a lot.

If the condition changes for the worse over a year or two, make your choice of having the hand replaced. By then you might not miss it as much as you would now.

If you have an AD certified as a service center, they might do a check for you and order a replacement part - then you could keep the watch while awaiting the part. Hopefully they'd do the swap in a day if you can make an appointment.

My bottom line is this:
there isn't a rush to send it in. And just maybe - slim chance that it may be - the lume could straighten out over time...


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Appreciate the response. For context I purchased an Explorer II from the same AD but the minutes hand was faulty, the pointed end that points at the time marker was slightly damaged. The offered me a refund or to fix, I took the refund as I wanted a new watch, not to send it off for repairs.

This is a replacement watch they offered me 4 months later so I was more cautious in assessing it. I noticed this GMT hand being slightly dimmer. In some cases it's not very noticeable but if I look closely it's obvious. I'm thinking to just leave it alone for now and see how I get on.

[Howie]

Once you see it you can't unsee it. I would send it in.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Howie

Once you see it you can't unsee it. I would send it in.

Yep, it’s always going to bug you OP.

Rip off the band aid … send it in

[GGGMT]

Love the watch. My absolute fave.
Send it in.




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[Bxtek]

You just recently got it. Congrats! I would just enjoy the watch right now and worry about it later. You have 5 years on the warranty, so plenty of time to send it in before it runs out. Also, welcome to TRF!

[movey]

Originally Posted by Bxtek

You just recently got it. Congrats! I would just enjoy the watch right now and worry about it later. You have 5 years on the warranty, so plenty of time to send it in before it runs out. Also, welcome to TRF!

I think i’ll follow this advice. It truly is a minuscule issue and I’m not sure if this constitutes as a fault, as I don’t really set the QC standard. Turning off my OCD.

[Harry-57]

At the magnification in your photos the lume application to the GMT hand looks sloppy. Not done to a good standard. If you can see it unassisted and you don't like it you should send it in. As already pointed out, you have nearly 5 years to get it done.

[movey]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

At the magnification in your photos the lume application to the GMT hand looks sloppy. Not done to a good standard. If you can see it unassisted and you don't like it you should send it in. As already pointed out, you have nearly 5 years to get it done.

I’ve noticed - after reviewing other images of the explorer lume - that all lume’s have a slight variation, some worse than others. It’s not as bad as I initially felt and I’m not sure if it’s worth pursuing a replacement GMT hand. I don’t like the idea of my brand new watch being opened and put back together before a service. I’ve also noticed some lume’s have dark edges etc. I presume this must of fallen within the tolerances because technically it is functioning. I’m not sure it’s a sloppy job but I think it’s something to do with the way the lume dries. Although I have seen a lot of lume’s which are perfect!

Nonetheless I think when I send it for a service I’m gonna mention it. i’m

[movey]

For perspective here’s another image where, correct me if I’m wrong, it doesn’t look as bad?

[omar-rye]

I’ve seen it before, and I wouldn’t worry about it. Your Explorer II has a unique identifier that sets it apart from the countless other Explorer II’s out there. Congrats

[Chazzrolex]

Hi, I agree eith you that in this photo it's even more unnoticeable.
As time goes by, you would get small scratches, dings, etc.
In my humble opinion, we must learn to enjoy more and not to treat or see our lovely watches as grials or trophies. I have been there and its better to enjoy them even with minor imperfections

[movey]

Originally Posted by Chazzrolex

Hi, I agree eith you that in this photo it's even more unnoticeable.
As time goes by, you would get small scratches, dings, etc.
In my humble opinion, we must learn to enjoy more and not to treat or see our lovely watches as grials or trophies. I have been there and its better to enjoy them even with minor imperfections

Agreed. I’m realising that anything assessed too closely will reveal that a human made it, hence imperfections.

[movey]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

I’ve seen it before, and I wouldn’t worry about it. Your Explorer II has a unique identifier that sets it apart from the countless other Explorer II’s out there. Congrats

Appreciate it. Curious in what models you’ve seen it before?

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by movey

For perspective here’s another image where, correct me if I’m wrong, it doesn’t look as bad?

I can still see the three bald patches on the GMT hand. Mine doesn't have any. Your watch, your call.

[movey]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

I can still see the three bald patches on the GMT hand. Mine doesn't have any. Your watch, your call.

Yeah I think it's faintly there. This is my second watch from the AD. The first one they gave me had a faulty minutes hand where the pointed end was broken. So I'm just hesitant to go back and start the whole process of pointing out the flaw of the watch again.

I think I'm gonna send it for a service and get it done rather than let the dude at the shop repair it.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by movey

Yeah I think it's faintly there. This is my second watch from the AD. The first one they gave me had a faulty minutes hand where the pointed end was broken. So I'm just hesitant to go back and start the whole process of pointing out the flaw of the watch again.

I think I'm gonna send it for a service and get it done rather than let the dude at the shop repair it.

I mean you or your AD no disrespect - the cynic in me wonders if you got your second Polar relatively quickly because someone else rejected it at purchase. Not very charitable of me to suggest this, I must admit.

As Peter says, the hands are not made in house, but Rolex are supposed to have this no compromise QC process, as would be expected at the prices they charge.

Personally I would take it back. It's obviously nagging, it would me too. All the best with it.

[movey]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

I mean you or your AD no disrespect - the cynic in me wonders if you got your second Polar relatively quickly because someone else rejected it at purchase. Not very charitable of me to suggest this, I must admit.

As Peter says, the hands are not made in house, but Rolex are supposed to have this no compromise QC process, as would be expected at the prices they charge.

Personally I would take it back. It's obviously nagging, it would me too. All the best with it.

It took me 4 months to get a replacement, I’m sure some form of decline may have happened for me to get the call. The manager was adamant he would replace it for me soon as he got a replacement in so I trust they handled it accordingly. I don’t know if this qualifies as QC as it technically works and is legible. I do think it falls under cosmetic and I’m sure they would replace it for me immediately. I’m just leaning towards waiting for a service rather than getting it opened. It could just be pandora’s box, next thing you know the hands don’t align perfectly etc.


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[padi56]

Originally Posted by movey

I purchased a new Explorer II from the AD and realised that I had this dark patch in the GMT hand. Considering I waited over a year for this watch the last thing I want to do is send it for repairs.

Looking at the picture, do you think there's an issue with the GMT hand or it's normal?

First a firm called Aiguilles makes all the watch hands for all models and when the lume paint is applied it sometime settles different not a real huge problem would not bother me.

[travisb]

It's an easy fix if it bothers you.
I had the same issue with a Panerai Submersible and it was a 3 week turnaround.

[1William]

How visible is it from standard wrist to eye distance? Is it something that you can not make it though without sending the watch for service? I would sit tight, enjoy my new watch and at some point down the road maybe have it addressed.