Consensus on tritium dials with gold surround markers

[vicsdca]

I was wondering what the consensus was on tritium dials with gold surround markers. I’m talking about watches from the 90s. Is it better to have RSC replace tritium dial and hands on a watch that’s not really considered a vintage piece yet, or just leave it original?

More specifically, I am talking about this piece:

sub 2 copy.jpg

I intend to send it to RSC for a complete movement overhaul.

The bracelet needs work too:

14060.jpg

How would you go about restoring this Sub ?

[Dan S]

Personally I think that early 90s tritium-dials are going to be the next thing to be appreciated, since they can develop nice patina. At the moment, there isn't a big price difference between 14060s with tritium or luminova, but I suspect that in a few years, people will be paying a premium for the tritium dials.

[Tools]

Unless the tritium is physically degraded, there is no reason to change them unless you want Luminova functionality.

[AaronPDX]

I love the look of my '87 5513 and definitely wouldn't want anything other than the tritium dial. Leave it original.


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[cascavel]

Any original visible parts that you replace, even if they improve functionality, will negatively affect the value of this watch.

[2001jesper]

Are you sure that this is not NOS? Nice to see a piece that has been used

Send it to Rolliworks or similar to keep it original

[vicsdca]

Thank you guys for your insight! I will leave the tritium dial and hands alone, and I suppose I'll have to keep the pearl too.

[vicsdca]

Originally Posted by 2001jesper

Send it to Rolliworks or similar to keep it original

I think that's what'll do. Thanks!

[othertbone]

Originally Posted by vicsdca

I was wondering what the consensus was on tritium dials with gold surround markers. I’m talking about watches from the 90s. Is it better to have RSC replace tritium dial and hands on a watch that’s not really considered a vintage piece yet, or just leave it original?

More specifically, I am talking about this piece:

Attachment 1069100

I intend to send it to RSC for a complete movement overhaul.

The bracelet needs work too:

Attachment 1069101

How would you go about restoring this Sub ?

No you have it all wrong brother! Don't change or restore the piece. It will LOSE value. But, I guess I'm in the minority on TRF as everyone says don't worry about the value. So in that case if you want a shiny example go ahead. (I would just buy a new Sub though if thats what you wanted)

[vicsdca]

Originally Posted by othertbone

No you have it all wrong brother! Don't change or restore the piece. It will LOSE value. But, I guess I'm in the minority on TRF as everyone says don't worry about the value. So in that case if you want a shiny example go ahead. (I would just buy a new Sub though if thats what you wanted)

I did not know how to go about this watch because it's a transitional model, in a class of its own between modern and vintage.

I'm not looking for shininess. I like the way it looks. However, the movement needs to be serviced and the clasp needs a new safety lock so something has to be done... It's inevitable.

So before sending it to RSC, I thought I'd look for advice here. Fortunately, everyone seems to be on the same page and it was very helpful. Thanks again!