ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

phunkey · 19 March 2011, 08:35 PM

Hi there!

I'm just curious. My sweet Sub 16610 has got som freckles. I bought this one second hand recently and the previous owner did mentioned this as "nice patina" and it was from 1994. Oh cool i thought. And then I brought it home to look at it into the sunlight and my desk lamp to study it a few times.

What can it really be? Are these freckles done by the sun light or by tritium and my black dial starting to fade away because of it? Very sure that it's not dust or dirt that has got inside.

Should I keep it as it is? I'm about to give it to my AD for total service in this summer.

1.

2.

3.

youngr · 19 March 2011, 09:19 PM

Im no expert but it could be mouister inside the case

Puffy · 19 March 2011, 09:21 PM

looks like the Oyster has been left ajar

phunkey · 19 March 2011, 09:35 PM

oh snap! it really doesnt sounds that good with moisture getting inside. what do u guys think? keep it as it is or change to a fresher new looking dial?

honestly, it doesn't disturb me that much. I'd rather think it's giving my watch a character.

how are the chocolate dial being made? with a little moisture getting inside aswell with some sun expose?

1bad750 · 19 March 2011, 09:37 PM

I never want my watches to have any charactor.. Thats an excuse for wear and tear.

Jocke · 19 March 2011, 09:42 PM

There was some problems at that time with some dials. If you service the watch Rolex will replace it but you
have to pay for it.

Maybe Johny will make you an offer?

padi56 · 19 March 2011, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phunkey

Hi there!

I'm just curious. My sweet Sub 16610 has got som freckles. I bought this one second hand recently and the previous owner did mentioned this as "nice patina" and it was from 1994. Oh cool i thought. And then I brought it home to look at it into the sunlight and my desk lamp to study it a few times.

What can it really be? Are these freckles done by the sun light or by tritium and my black dial starting to fade away because of it? Very sure that it's not dust or dirt that has got inside.

Should I keep it as it is? I'm about to give it to my AD for total service in this summer.

Like Jocke said there was a problem with some dials back late 1980s early 1990s.White dial turned cream/ivory colour some black had spider web or like your dial tiny speckles or cracks.It was just the pigment in the paint,if it does not bother you then leave it alone,it looks a lot worse on the picture that it is in reality I bet.

acce1999 · 19 March 2011, 10:14 PM

I know that early 16610 dials can go matte, and gloss dials on the 5513, the 16750, and (black) 16550 can develop cracks (spider web dials) or slight bubbling.

1994 is too late for this, and I'd say that you should immediately have a watchmaker at an AD open the watch and make sure you do not have damages from moisture. Also, make sure to replace gaskets and have the watch pressure tested.

It could also be an effect from extensive exposure to heat.

Obviously I am not certain.

If everything is OK I would keep the dial. It makes the watch unique. Not beautiful perhaps, but one of a kind for sure.

Best,

A

HL65 · 19 March 2011, 10:41 PM

X2!

Rags · 19 March 2011, 11:51 PM

That dial would drive me crazy.. I want my watches to looks as new as possible. I would send it in to Rolex & have the dial replaced & a full service. It will come back looking brand new.

Jason71 · 20 March 2011, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1bad750

I never want my watches to have any charactor.. Thats an excuse for wear and tear.

ABSOLUTELY not true.

Some people just prefer the "aged" look. I have many modern, and a few vintage Rolex watches and a couple Tudors. There is nothing like a plexiglass crystal and a little patina on the dial.

phunkey · 20 March 2011, 04:22 AM

Hi again and thx for the answers. It's always good to hear from others what they think. I actually had my watch checked out with an AD and did only the pressure test.

The one who did the test wasn't there at the time of picking up the watch. So only a salesman was there to hand me over the watch. And all the test paper said was like "+10 and -10bar ok". So I guess it's time to have an totally service check and change the gaskets.

Theses pictures were enchanted with high contrast to show what i mean. On normal light they stay hidden in the dark dial. So it's actually not that obvious as it seems.

To sum it up, I do like the vintage feel and submariner is for me, wear and tear watch. I'm more afraid that the moisture would affect the inside part.

Tools · 20 March 2011, 06:25 AM

If I were you, I wouldn't worry about it..

That appears to be a sign of the paint mixture crackling and not moisture migration... There are no signs of moisture damage on the hands or indices and you did pass the limited pressure check...

Keep this in mind; you can change the dial at any time you desire, but it is only original once...

SLS · 20 March 2011, 06:28 AM

That dial will eventually turn to a Matte dial look, at least I have seen several that have done that. As many of the others have stated, keep the watch original.
Scott

phunkey · 20 March 2011, 07:06 AM

Alright, I guess that I'll keep it as it is. I did wonder if it would be more nice with newly fresh installed dial. But hey, that would be as you said, not original anymore. And it may lose some of the vintage character since it's from 1994.

Paint crackling? That would actually be nice. 16610, sort of a neo-vintage? I'm dreaming.

So I have decided to let it age by itself and promise to post it here again if any of you would remember. =)

Jason71: Thx for the pix. Love the vintage look. Have you put that lost tritium back to your second hand pointer? It felt off at 12 o'clock! :)

pawnshopkiller · 20 March 2011, 09:30 AM

There are many people including me that would trade you one that looks "normal" for the one you have.. VERY cool!!!!!!!!!!!1

Michael M. · 20 March 2011, 10:01 AM

Love character!

imono · 20 March 2011, 11:11 AM

Looks like moon dust in there.
Volcano dust dials in other high end watches cost more than $100K!

If your AD sends it to RSC and RSC says nothing - then I would not change it.

Jason71 · 20 March 2011, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imono

Looks like moon dust in there.
Volcano dust dials in other high end watches cost more than $100K!

If your AD sends it to RSC and RSC says nothing - then I would not change it.

I personally would not risk sending it to RSC. Send it to a independent Rolex watchmaker like Bob Ridley

http://www.watchmakers.com/

z32turbo · 20 March 2011, 02:57 PM

I think it looks good. I wouldn't change it!

valentine · 20 March 2011, 07:58 PM

that is an AWESOME DIAL! keep it original! 20 years from now...collectors will create hype, etc..and someone will want it....well, like me? haha! LOVE IT!

phunkey · 20 March 2011, 09:11 PM

Haha, that would be my dream. Hopefully it gets better with the coming ages.

I actually leaves in Sweden, and my local AD which i'm feeling very confident for, will get the honour to touch my neo-antique watch. :)

Here's another pic in a more normal light expose:

Another one from different angle to light source:

acce1999 · 20 March 2011, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phunkey

Haha, that would be my dream. Hopefully it gets better with the coming ages.

I actually leaves in Sweden, and my local AD which i'm feeling very confident for, will get the honour to touch my neo-antique watch. :)

Here's another pic in a more normal light expose:

Another one from different angle to light source:

Seing those pictures I think I have to agree with Scott (SLS). This is a 16610 glossy dial going matte, rather than an effect of moisture. Also: If you had the watch checked out by an AD the local watchmaker would have made you aware of any damages from water.

A good looking watch. I like them well used!

Best,

A

phunkey · 20 March 2011, 11:04 PM

thx all for the feedback, I'm feeling more confident to wear it now and less worry about moisture damage. I'll keep it til my next generation as a 18:th birthday gift.

Changmaisausage · 20 March 2011, 11:09 PM

I've just took ownership of a 5513 (1985 I think) and the gloss face looks as if someone has taken a small etching tool it. I love the look you only notice it in certain lights.

Jan Davis · 20 March 2011, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Changmaisausage

I've just took ownership of a 5513 (1985 I think) and the gloss face looks as if someone has taken a small etching tool it. I love the look you only notice it in certain lights.

It is called Spider Web on W/G dials, the late 1980's was well documented with this issue.

Jocke · 20 March 2011, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by valentine

that is an AWESOME DIAL! keep it original! 20 years from now...collectors will create hype, etc..and someone will want it....well, like me? haha! LOVE IT!

I have tattoo's that is close to 30 years old that looks like crap, will you trade them for some new ones?

Jason71 · 20 March 2011, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jocke

I have tattoo's that is close to 30 years old that looks like crap, will you trade them for some new ones?

Jason71 · 20 March 2011, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phunkey

Haha, that would be my dream. Hopefully it gets better with the coming ages.

I actually leaves in Sweden, and my local AD which i'm feeling very confident for, will get the honour to touch my neo-antique watch. :)

Here's another pic in a more normal light expose:

Another one from different angle to light source:

After seeing these most recent pictures, there is NO WAY that I would get the dial changed. IMHO, it looks SPECTACULAR!!!

Johny · 21 March 2011, 02:08 AM

moisture is a killer, if you suspect that moisture has entered your watch have it checked imho. collectors will pay a premium for originality.

19 March 2011, 08:35 PM	#1
phunkey "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: sweden Posts: 14	What's happening to my 16610? Hi there! I'm just curious. My sweet Sub 16610 has got som freckles. I bought this one second hand recently and the previous owner did mentioned this as "nice patina" and it was from 1994. Oh cool i thought. And then I brought it home to look at it into the sunlight and my desk lamp to study it a few times. What can it really be? Are these freckles done by the sun light or by tritium and my black dial starting to fade away because of it? Very sure that it's not dust or dirt that has got inside. Should I keep it as it is? I'm about to give it to my AD for total service in this summer. 1. 2. 3.

19 March 2011, 09:19 PM	#2
youngr "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Richard Location: England Watch: 16610 & 16710 Posts: 899	Im no expert but it could be mouister inside the case __________________ SS Submariner Date "V" SS GMT Master II Pepsi "D"

19 March 2011, 09:21 PM	#3
Puffy "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Here and there Posts: 12,485	looks like the Oyster has been left ajar __________________ Fine Quality is Long Remembered After the Pain of Spending Money is Forgotten

19 March 2011, 09:42 PM	#6
Jocke 2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Real Name: Jocke Location: Sweden Watch: A dozen of Rolex's Posts: 22,542	There was some problems at that time with some dials. If you service the watch Rolex will replace it but you have to pay for it. Maybe Johny will make you an offer? __________________ This message is written in perfect swenglish. What is best a custom Rolex or a Rolex that is stuck in custom? Buy a professional camera and you´re a professional photographer, buy a flute and you own a flute.

19 March 2011, 10:41 PM	#9
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2025 Titanium Yacht-Master Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 64,250	X2! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

19 March 2011, 09:35 PM	#4
phunkey "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: sweden Posts: 14	oh snap! it really doesnt sounds that good with moisture getting inside. what do u guys think? keep it as it is or change to a fresher new looking dial? honestly, it doesn't disturb me that much. I'd rather think it's giving my watch a character. how are the chocolate dial being made? with a little moisture getting inside aswell with some sun expose?

19 March 2011, 09:37 PM	#5
1bad750 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: NewYork Posts: 634	I never want my watches to have any charactor.. Thats an excuse for wear and tear.

19 March 2011, 10:14 PM	#8
acce1999 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: GMT+1 Posts: 2,711	I know that early 16610 dials can go matte, and gloss dials on the 5513, the 16750, and (black) 16550 can develop cracks (spider web dials) or slight bubbling. 1994 is too late for this, and I'd say that you should immediately have a watchmaker at an AD open the watch and make sure you do not have damages from moisture. Also, make sure to replace gaskets and have the watch pressure tested. It could also be an effect from extensive exposure to heat. Obviously I am not certain. If everything is OK I would keep the dial. It makes the watch unique. Not beautiful perhaps, but one of a kind for sure. Best, A

19 March 2011, 11:51 PM	#10
Rags 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Chuck Location: SW Florida Watch: 16233,16610,214270 Posts: 11,200	That dial would drive me crazy.. I want my watches to looks as new as possible. I would send it in to Rolex & have the dial replaced & a full service. It will come back looking brand new. __________________ 16233 Y Serial Datejust 16610 Z Serial Submariner 214270 Explorer *114300 Oyster Perpetual* *76200 Tudor Date+Day*

20 March 2011, 04:22 AM	#12
phunkey "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: sweden Posts: 14	Hi again and thx for the answers. It's always good to hear from others what they think. I actually had my watch checked out with an AD and did only the pressure test. The one who did the test wasn't there at the time of picking up the watch. So only a salesman was there to hand me over the watch. And all the test paper said was like "+10 and -10bar ok". So I guess it's time to have an totally service check and change the gaskets. Theses pictures were enchanted with high contrast to show what i mean. On normal light they stay hidden in the dark dial. So it's actually not that obvious as it seems. To sum it up, I do like the vintage feel and submariner is for me, wear and tear watch. I'm more afraid that the moisture would affect the inside part.

20 March 2011, 06:25 AM	#13
Tools TRF Moderator & 2025 Titanium Yacht-Master Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,649	If I were you, I wouldn't worry about it.. That appears to be a sign of the paint mixture crackling and not moisture migration... There are no signs of moisture damage on the hands or indices and you did pass the limited pressure check... Keep this in mind; you can change the dial at any time you desire, but it is only original once... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

20 March 2011, 06:28 AM	#14
SLS "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Scott Location: GMT -7 Watch: GMT's & Sub's Posts: 10,401	That dial will eventually turn to a Matte dial look, at least I have seen several that have done that. As many of the others have stated, keep the watch original. Scott __________________ "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of lower price is forgotten." -Benjamin Franklin Member No. 922

20 March 2011, 07:06 AM	#15
phunkey "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: sweden Posts: 14	Alright, I guess that I'll keep it as it is. I did wonder if it would be more nice with newly fresh installed dial. But hey, that would be as you said, not original anymore. And it may lose some of the vintage character since it's from 1994. Paint crackling? That would actually be nice. 16610, sort of a neo-vintage? I'm dreaming. So I have decided to let it age by itself and promise to post it here again if any of you would remember. =) Jason71: Thx for the pix. Love the vintage look. Have you put that lost tritium back to your second hand pointer? It felt off at 12 o'clock! :)

20 March 2011, 09:30 AM	#16
pawnshopkiller Banned Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Roscoe Location: florida Watch: 16618 Posts: 646	There are many people including me that would trade you one that looks "normal" for the one you have.. VERY cool!!!!!!!!!!!1

20 March 2011, 10:01 AM	#17
Michael M. Banned Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 8,391	Love character!

20 March 2011, 11:11 AM	#18
imono "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: USA Posts: 3,241	Looks like moon dust in there. Volcano dust dials in other high end watches cost more than $100K! If your AD sends it to RSC and RSC says nothing - then I would not change it.

20 March 2011, 02:57 PM	#20
z32turbo "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Sea Level Watch: Varies Posts: 6,877	I think it looks good. I wouldn't change it! __________________ Instagram @z32turbo

20 March 2011, 07:58 PM	#21
valentine Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Justin Location: Baltimore, MD Watch: TT Diamond DJ Posts: 2,809	that is an AWESOME DIAL! keep it original! 20 years from now...collectors will create hype, etc..and someone will want it....well, like me? haha! LOVE IT!

20 March 2011, 09:11 PM	#22
phunkey "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: sweden Posts: 14	Haha, that would be my dream. Hopefully it gets better with the coming ages. I actually leaves in Sweden, and my local AD which i'm feeling very confident for, will get the honour to touch my neo-antique watch. :) Here's another pic in a more normal light expose: Another one from different angle to light source:

20 March 2011, 11:04 PM	#24
phunkey "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: sweden Posts: 14	thx all for the feedback, I'm feeling more confident to wear it now and less worry about moisture damage. I'll keep it til my next generation as a 18:th birthday gift.

20 March 2011, 11:09 PM	#25
Changmaisausage "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: David Location: UK/Qatar Watch: SeaDweller Posts: 470	I've just took ownership of a 5513 (1985 I think) and the gloss face looks as if someone has taken a small etching tool it. I love the look you only notice it in certain lights. __________________ Patek Phillipe / Rolex / Tudor

21 March 2011, 02:08 AM	#30
Johny "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: john Location: Scotland Watch: sub 16610Lv Posts: 13,522	moisture is a killer, if you suspect that moisture has entered your watch have it checked imho. collectors will pay a premium for originality. __________________ "AFTER DARK" BAR AND NIGHT CLUB GM.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)