Would this be considered a Frankenwatch

[ghostrider]

My 1994 vintage 16610 sub is all original. I plan to keep it that way but would also like some "glowing" at night. The original tritium still has some glow but obviously it is eventually going dark. If I obtain a luminova dial and hands (Rolex) and not an aftermarket set is this a Frankenwatch. I am not going to give up the original stuff because I like the vintage look and would go back to it in the future, so I would get the luminova dial and hands from a thrid party. Is adding the newer dial to an older watch considered bad form?

[Idle Swede]

Of course not, it's your watch, do what you want.

[Lion]

C'est la vie!!!

[ninetres]

Did you find an avenue to obtain a new dial while keeping your old one? Rolex usually works on an exchange only basis. ***Oops, just read that you found the items from a 3rd party. I'd do it, but keep the old parts. Be sure to have a qualified watchmaker perform the surgery!

[Z-Sub]

no. as long as they are authentic Rolex parts.
yes. keep your original.

[onkyo]

As everyone said keep the originals.

[stevemulholland3]

rolex replaces dials all the time..so of course it is not a frankenwatch..
a frankenwatch would be a rolex sub case with a eta movement or some other non-original caliber movement with another dial from something else,etc..etc..
not replacing older parts with factory original parts

[mike]

Originally Posted by ghostrider

My 1994 vintage 16610 sub is all original. I plan to keep it that way but would also like some "glowing" at night. The original tritium still has some glow but obviously it is eventually going dark. If I obtain a luminova dial and hands (Rolex) and not an aftermarket set is this a Frankenwatch. I am not going to give up the original stuff because I like the vintage look and would go back to it in the future, so I would get the luminova dial and hands from a thrid party. Is adding the newer dial to an older watch considered bad form?

The use of a service replacement dial/hands is perfectly fine. It isn't bad form IMO. However, depending on the reference, rarity, age, etc.... it will impact the value of the piece. On a 94 era. I think you're fine.

[Alcan]

The Toronto RSC told me that replacing Tritium dials with Superluminova is a service they often perform during overhauls. If they do it, I don't think it can be considered a Frankenwatch.