Matching tritium hands to dials

[MorningTundra]

Is there a way/technique/process/approach that works to match a tritium dial to a set of tritium hands?

I have a full set Sub 168000 (1989 9M serial). I'm very fond of this piece but can't get over the nagging irritation of the (fiercely lumed) service dial and hands. I'd like to replace them with something closer to what they should be.

Finding a matching dial and hands set from the same vendor is a bit of a unicorn hunt.

Other than believing vendor claims they're from the same period (give or take a year), is there a way to achieve a reasonably complimentary set?

If this is a completely unachievable, unrealistic goal, pls set me straight.

Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[theflywrist]

Originally Posted by MorningTundra

Is there a way/technique/process/approach that works to match a tritium dial to a set of tritium hands?

I have a full set Sub 168000 (1989 9M serial). I'm very fond of this piece but can't get over the nagging irritation of the (fiercely lumed) service dial and hands. I'd like to replace them with something closer to what they should be.

Finding a matching dial and hands set from the same vendor is a bit of a unicorn hunt.

Other than believing vendor claims they're from the same period (give or take a year), is there a way to achieve a reasonably complimentary set?

If this is a completely unachievable, unrealistic goal, pls set me straight.

Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Hey Colin,

You can probably post a "WTB" thread on the Vintage Rolex Market and try your luck there. I think eventually something will come up.
I find that more often the dial is sold alone and not with matching hands, but sometimes it does happen.

I know Los Angeles Watchworks recently got in a bunch of NOS hand sets, and they may be able to find one that is a close match to your dial if you can find a correct dial for your watch.
Alternatively, they also give you the option to relume the hands with degraded luminous with a consistent texture. I haven't seen any examples, but apparently they color match perfectly.
I know some guys that got theirs done in less reputable / known places and the work was flawless.

Some people don't mind relumed hands as long as the dial is original with intact tritium, others are pickier!
Good luck to you.

Also, you know the drill. We have to see pictures.

[MorningTundra]

Originally Posted by theflywrist

Hey Colin,

You can probably post a "WTB" thread on the Vintage Rolex Market and try your luck there. I think eventually something will come up.
I find that more often the dial is sold alone and not with matching hands, but sometimes it does happen.

I know Los Angeles Watchworks recently got in a bunch of NOS hand sets, and they may be able to find one that is a close match to your dial if you can find a correct dial for your watch.
Alternatively, they also give you the option to relume the hands with degraded luminous with a consistent texture. I haven't seen any examples, but apparently they color match perfectly.
I know some guys that got theirs done in less reputable / known places and the work was flawless.

Some people don't mind relumed hands as long as the dial is original with intact tritium, others are pickier!
Good luck to you.

Also, you know the drill. We have to see pictures.

Thanks for the lead. I'll reach out to LA WatchWorks and ask about what they have for inventory. I've never heard about reluming with degraded luminous but will look into this also.

I found a dial here that looks promising (Sub 168000 #5 about half way down).
http://www.network54.com/Forum/20767...168000%2C+1675
It would be my first foray into the world of parts. Curious to know what anyone might think.

While my Sub is nothing special (over polished for some), I enjoy wearing it and hope one of my kids might one day take an interest in it...

BTW, I didn't take these pics. They're from Oakleigh Watches where I bought it.