SuperLuminova shows Patina?

[gmthamster]

Hello there!

I own a 2009 GMT 116710ln that is showing some kind of patina on the Lume Dots at 6 and 7 hour indices.
Wondering if this is kind of normal for a 2009 model or if this may caused by moisture or sth. else (bought pre-owned)

Would be happy to some advice from you guys - have you seen similar dots in SL models of RLX?

Have a nice weekend

[Tools]

It's not patina, it is the black dial showing through the semi-opaque application of lume paint.

[gmthamster]

Thanks Larry.
You think this is kind of normal due to aging of the Watch (?) or is it more Likely QC issue from begin ?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Tools

It's not patina, it is the black dial showing through the semi-opaque application of lume paint.

Exactly that and being paint it can shrink a bit especially in warm environments.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by gmthamster

Thanks Larry.
You think this is kind of normal due to aging of the Watch (?) or is it more Likely QC issue from begin ?

Some folks don't like it and think that it is a flawed paint job - they think the paint should be thick enough to be totally opaque.

Personally I think that it is a non-issue. Lume is the actual glowing particles mixed in a clear binder. It is applied thin and often looks just like your images at high magnification and especially on the latest maxi sized plots.

It should light up after exposed to light

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by gmthamster

Thanks Larry.
You think this is kind of normal due to aging of the Watch (?) or is it more Likely QC issue from begin ?

If i may add.
I have never seen such a poorly executed lume job on a Rolex.
The plots are under filled to varying degrees on a number of markers.

[77T]

Agree that this is poor execution, but the root cause is likely upstream of the application phase.

The main component of Rolex's unique Super-LumiNova is strontium aluminate along with various metal oxides in their own formulation to enhance luminosity and stability.

There is a precise milling process to combine the components, followed by adding a binder (like Larry said, it is a clear binder for Rolex). This is where the error started methinks. A poorly made batch which had less lume powder:resin ratio. So when it was applied to the plots it wasn't providing good coverage. But it isn't because of the black paint methinks - other black dials don't display that which the OP shared.

For some ateliers they can use a tinted binder that mimics a warm patina. Or an inferior binder that becomes cloudy from UV light degrading it. The Rolex binder does not color-shift over time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[gmthamster]

Thanks for your input guys!

@Dirt: I tried to get a picture done, that shows the 7 index anomaly the best
Due to light, the Dots don't look THAT bad




Never the less I thought about getting a service dial - Problem ist, that the SL dial for GMTc ist no longer in service stock of RSC.
I don't like the blue chroma hands+dial on a green Arrow GMT.

So i will stick with current Dial and try to get along with it

[brandrea]

Interesting information in this thread guys

OP, good call, I’d leave it alone