Tritium Sea-dweller replacement HELP!

[redsoxn]

I have a circa '96 Sea-dweller that has the Tritium "T-dial" vs. the newer Luminova dials found on Circa 2000 and newer SD's. The Tritium doesn't glow anymore and I'm thinking of having the dial, hands, and bezel replaced with new Luminova parts so it glows again.

I heard Rolex will ask if you want this done on older Sea-dwellers that are sent in for service. If they have the old "Swiss T<25" Tritum dials, they'll replace with Luminova parts. Is this true?

If I do this, will this reduce its value?

Any recommendations/advice are welcome!

[valentine]

I have PLENTY of advice...but Im a Yankees fan ....so you're on your own.

[valentine]

nahhhhhhhhhhh, just messin! Im not exactly sure, but Im pretty sure rolex will replace your dial with a luminova service dial and you can request a new insert and hands as well. let some of the other guys chime in too. welcome to the forum!!!!!!!

[SLS]

Two schools of thought here. From a collector's view point, a SD with the tritium dial and hands is worth more because tritium dials & hands are no longer available, plus it is original to the watch. From a functional point of view, being able to read your watch when its dark is nice. So it's up to you, personally I'd keep the watch original, buts that's just me! FWIW, I am guessing that replacing the dial, hands & insert will be close to $500 plus about $550 for the service.
Scott

[Tools]

I'll agree with Scott . ... They will replace them, but not for free..

Also, at this point in time, the SD is not more valuable with the trit dial, only more desirable to a collector... you know, original, etc...... but nobody is going to pay extra for it as there are plenty around...

So, for me, I like trit dials...... maybe in a decade or two, it could be worth more as an original.. maybe not..

From a functional standpoint, luminova is the way to go. It will stay bright (if charged), won't turn yellow or flake, will not absorb moisture and crack and should last for decades..