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Tnoonan907 · 28 November 2011, 02:29 AM

I have just received a Rolex that was my brother's and dad's (they have both passed away) . Although I realize it is a great watch, to be honest I wear it purely for sentimental reasons and LOVE it! It is Sea Dweller bought in Geneva in 1983 model number 16660. My question is this. The face is grayish blue and in my silly thinking I thought the black face had just faded but now have been told that they do not fade. i have not seen or been able to find much about a gray face model... I also have a question about getting it cleaned... When i went to a store here in Germany the other day, they told me that if they opened it to clean it, they would need to replace the face as it is slightly radioactive??? i am not concerned about that part and it might have been a translation issue but I think I got it right. I also love the look of it now and would really not want to have a black face (I think it would too masculine and the blue is a bit easier for a woman to carry off). For now i am doing nothing and will try to ask a jeweler in the US when I return for the holidays. Anyway any info any of you could provide would be appreciated.

77T · 28 November 2011, 02:56 AM

"Back in the Day", watchmakers used Tritium (a radioactive material)for the luminous markers. Around 1998, they replaced the Tritium with LumiNova (non-radioactive) for luminescence.

Post a pic of the watch or look for the dial to say: T SWISS MADE T. That would indicate that Tritium is present on the dial.

But wait until you get good advice from a trusted authorized Rolex source. I wouldn't let them touch it if they want to replace the dial.

Tnoonan907 · 28 November 2011, 04:26 AM

just checked it and yes it says swiss -T<25. I presume the place i went to was reputable... they were very upfront about the dial issues and also how changing the parts would affect value. will of course check up on them. thanks for the info:-)

77T · 28 November 2011, 11:17 AM

The -T<25 indicates that the wristwatch has less than the 25 milliCurie radiation limit for Tritium. Above all, keep the dial.

CoachRolexRyan · 28 November 2011, 11:26 AM

Please do not change ANYTHING on your watch. You will destroy the value of the watch. Those type of dials are very desirable to collectors. Unless there some issues with the movement just leave it as is and wear it. Don't have it polished either. Anything you do to make this watch "newer" will only ruin its originality. Congrats, thats an awesome watch!!

Mickey® · 28 November 2011, 11:43 AM

Agree'd Don't Change Anything...Pos a Pic When You Can.

brkanand · 28 November 2011, 12:07 PM

Congratulations and please post pictures ASAP!

Watchonisto · 28 November 2011, 06:45 PM

Welcome to TRF and please keep it as it is.

dddrees · 28 November 2011, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoachRolexRyan

Please do not change ANYTHING on your watch. You will destroy the value of the watch. Those type of dials are very desirable to collectors. Unless there some issues with the movement just leave it as is and wear it. Don't have it polished either. Anything you do to make this watch "newer" will only ruin its originality. Congrats, thats an awesome watch!!

Not sure how much this particular model would be worth. However you don't want anyone to mess with the dial on this watch. Not much chance of you being harmed by the very little radio active material on the dial. I wouldn't let just anyone service your watch. But for me this would be true no matter what Rolex we were talking about. Hopefully a more knowledgeable person will come along and give you a better idea as to the value of this watch.

Griffi · 28 November 2011, 08:49 PM

I suggest to keep it as is. No matter how it looks. Staying original is key whether this particular model becomes a big collector item or not.

cbusjer · 28 November 2011, 11:01 PM

Changing the dial would detract from the monetary (and, apparently, sentimental value). Find a reputable watchmaker who will simply service the movement without making modifications to the watch. There are many out there, and if you can't find one in Germany, there are many here in the U.S.

brettpaul · 29 November 2011, 03:37 AM

The watch has a great history with your family....and the dial is simply ageing like a fine wine...I would leave it alone or, if you feel the need to replace it, just make sure you hang on to the original dial (and bezel insert should you replace that too).

Either way, you've got a great watch and the dial in no way will NEED TO be replaced in a service!!

azguy · 29 November 2011, 03:44 AM

Nice treasure you have there, wear it and enjoy

Tnoonan907 · 3 December 2011, 09:26 AM

okay... trying to upload some pics but having admin issues. will post as soon as I can and thanks to all for the advice.

MortgageGuy · 3 December 2011, 10:02 AM

Sounds like a beauty, hoping you can get the pics up and loaded. I also would not change a thing

Welcome to TRF

Tnoonan907 · 4 December 2011, 09:08 PM

oka not sure what the problem is but i think you should be able to see the watch if you go to...

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...1&l=396f99bf9d

Art 1 · 4 December 2011, 10:11 PM

Congrats on your watch, keep it as is.

impalass · 4 December 2011, 10:14 PM

What a lovely family heirloom to have, congrats, and imo keep it original.

bayerische · 4 December 2011, 10:21 PM

Keep as is. The dial looks black to me, the bezel might have turned a bit glue/grey, but that's normal.

The patina on your watch is lovely indeed. So I would only service the movement (if needed) not change any part on the outside.

bayerische · 4 December 2011, 10:21 PM

Keep as is. The dial looks black to me, the bezel might have turned a bit glue/grey, but that's normal.

The patina on your watch is lovely indeed. So I would only service the movement (if needed) not change any part on the outside.

EDIT... Mods, the forum is double posting my post, even though I press only once on send...?

28 November 2011, 02:29 AM	#1
Tnoonan907 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Germany Posts: 4	My first Rolex I have just received a Rolex that was my brother's and dad's (they have both passed away) . Although I realize it is a great watch, to be honest I wear it purely for sentimental reasons and LOVE it! It is Sea Dweller bought in Geneva in 1983 model number 16660. My question is this. The face is grayish blue and in my silly thinking I thought the black face had just faded but now have been told that they do not fade. i have not seen or been able to find much about a gray face model... I also have a question about getting it cleaned... When i went to a store here in Germany the other day, they told me that if they opened it to clean it, they would need to replace the face as it is slightly radioactive??? i am not concerned about that part and it might have been a translation issue but I think I got it right. I also love the look of it now and would really not want to have a black face (I think it would too masculine and the blue is a bit easier for a woman to carry off). For now i am doing nothing and will try to ask a jeweler in the US when I return for the holidays. Anyway any info any of you could provide would be appreciated.

28 November 2011, 02:56 AM	#2
77T 2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 42,681	"Back in the Day", watchmakers used Tritium (a radioactive material)for the luminous markers. Around 1998, they replaced the Tritium with LumiNova (non-radioactive) for luminescence. Post a pic of the watch or look for the dial to say: T SWISS MADE T. That would indicate that Tritium is present on the dial. But wait until you get good advice from a trusted authorized Rolex source. I wouldn't let them touch it if they want to replace the dial. __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

28 November 2011, 11:17 AM	#4
77T 2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 42,681	The -T<25 indicates that the wristwatch has less than the 25 milliCurie radiation limit for Tritium. Above all, keep the dial. __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

28 November 2011, 11:01 PM	#11
cbusjer "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: JT Location: Columbus, Ohio Watch: Rolex 16220 DJ Posts: 208	Changing the dial would detract from the monetary (and, apparently, sentimental value). Find a reputable watchmaker who will simply service the movement without making modifications to the watch. There are many out there, and if you can't find one in Germany, there are many here in the U.S. __________________ --Jer ____________________________________________ Rolex: 116710, 16220 Tudor: 7909 Panerai: 005G, 063C Omega: Aqua Terra, Constellation Pie Pan

3 December 2011, 10:02 AM	#15
MortgageGuy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Adam Location: Orlando, Florida Watch: Me Posts: 9,935	Sounds like a beauty, hoping you can get the pics up and loaded. I also would not change a thing Welcome to TRF __________________ The richest people in the world look for and build NETWORKS, Everyone else looks for work... Robert Kiyosaki

28 November 2011, 04:26 AM	#3
Tnoonan907 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Germany Posts: 4	just checked it and yes it says swiss -T<25. I presume the place i went to was reputable... they were very upfront about the dial issues and also how changing the parts would affect value. will of course check up on them. thanks for the info:-)

28 November 2011, 11:26 AM	#5
CoachRolexRyan "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: Coach Location: Boston Watch: Rolex Deep Sea Posts: 1,297	Please do not change ANYTHING on your watch. You will destroy the value of the watch. Those type of dials are very desirable to collectors. Unless there some issues with the movement just leave it as is and wear it. Don't have it polished either. Anything you do to make this watch "newer" will only ruin its originality. Congrats, thats an awesome watch!!

28 November 2011, 11:43 AM	#6
Mickey® Banned Join Date: Aug 2011 Real Name: Mickey® Location: Atlanta, GA Watch: Swiss Made Posts: 5,801	Agree'd Don't Change Anything...Pos a Pic When You Can.

28 November 2011, 12:07 PM	#7
brkanand 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: DrK Location: India Watch: 4=YMDaytonaGMTHulk Posts: 7,065	Congratulations and please post pictures ASAP!

28 November 2011, 06:45 PM	#8
Watchonisto Banned Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Alex Location: European Union Watch: AP, ROLEX, PP, PAM Posts: 4,344	Welcome to TRF and please keep it as it is.

28 November 2011, 08:49 PM	#10
Griffi "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: New York Posts: 592	I suggest to keep it as is. No matter how it looks. Staying original is key whether this particular model becomes a big collector item or not.

29 November 2011, 03:37 AM	#12
brettpaul "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Brett Location: Bahrain, Dubai Watch: Rolex and AP Posts: 5,538	The watch has a great history with your family....and the dial is simply ageing like a fine wine...I would leave it alone or, if you feel the need to replace it, just make sure you hang on to the original dial (and bezel insert should you replace that too). Either way, you've got a great watch and the dial in no way will NEED TO be replaced in a service!!

29 November 2011, 03:44 AM	#13
azguy Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: ------- Location: ------- Watch: --------- Posts: 12,609	Nice treasure you have there, wear it and enjoy

3 December 2011, 09:26 AM	#14
Tnoonan907 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Germany Posts: 4	okay... trying to upload some pics but having admin issues. will post as soon as I can and thanks to all for the advice.

4 December 2011, 09:08 PM	#16
Tnoonan907 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Germany Posts: 4	oka not sure what the problem is but i think you should be able to see the watch if you go to... http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...1&l=396f99bf9d

4 December 2011, 10:11 PM	#17
Art 1 Banned Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Florida, Canada Watch: Rol/Seik/Tud/Omega Posts: 30,244	Congrats on your watch, keep it as is.

4 December 2011, 10:14 PM	#18
impalass "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Mark Location: Toronto, Canada. Watch: SD / LV / Daytona Posts: 2,089	What a lovely family heirloom to have, congrats, and imo keep it original.

4 December 2011, 10:21 PM	#19
bayerische "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Andreas Location: Margaritaville Watch: Smurf Posts: 19,879	Keep as is. The dial looks black to me, the bezel might have turned a bit glue/grey, but that's normal. The patina on your watch is lovely indeed. So I would only service the movement (if needed) not change any part on the outside. __________________ Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

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