U model "Swiss Made" or "Swiss"

[Blueman]

I'm looking at 16610 Uxxxx, circa 1998. Does anyone know whether the inscription at the 6 o'clock position on the dial should say "Swiss T<25", "Swiss" or "Swiss Made"? From what I've read, all three may be possible because the U was a transitional model, though "Swiss" is most common.

I think the seller is being honest and that the watch is genuine; however, I wish to know if the dial was changed sometime during the watches life before I pull the trigger.

Many thanks, Tom

[77T]

All 3 are possible since it could've been one of the last tritium dials, or an original SWISS MADE luminova dial, or a latter SWISS luminova replacement dial. How could anyone know if it's "genuine"?

Is the owner the original buyer? Since all 3 possibilities are genuine, the question is actually more about originality.

[Blueman]

The owner/seller isn't the original purchaser and doesn't know if the dial was replaced. It appears to be a Luminova dial (it glows with exposure to light, the details around the markers, etc.) and it's inscribed with "Swiss Made."

[77T]

Then the best avenue may be to get some really good pictures to post in WatchOut if you suspect the dial.
Otherwise it is conjecture. Are you also comfortable with the seller's trustworthiness? That's where you have the greatest exposure beyond the dial. What if this watch had been stolen, or a Frankenstein inside - those things that you can't see on the surface are the ones you are risking without a fully trustworthy and experienced seller.

[Tools]

It is very unusual for a Luminova watch that recent to have needed a dial change, but I would expect to see either a Tritium or Swiss dial on the majority.

[kromdom]

Originally Posted by 77T

TAre you also comfortable with the seller's trustworthiness? That's where you have the greatest exposure beyond the dial. What if this watch had been stolen, or a Frankenstein inside - those things that you can't see on the surface are the ones you are risking without a fully trustworthy and experienced seller.

+ 16610 Sage advice often give here is worth repeating: BUY THE SELLER

[Blueman]

That's a great point! (It's like poker ... play the player, not the hand.) ��

We'd meet at a well known, local AD before closing the deal.

[watchaser]

I'm no expert but I've probably owned a 16610 production from U - F serial. I first started noticing the "SWISS" dial on my early A serial 16610. I also owned a late A serial with "SWISS MADE" dial with SEL bracelet I am going to guess the "Swiss" dial was a short run on early A serial 16610.

[Steve36Efc]

I had a GMT II U Series purchased new in December 97 the dail said Swiss -T<25

[padi56]

Originally Posted by 77T

All 3 are possible since it could've been one of the last tritium dials, or an original SWISS MADE luminova dial, or a latter SWISS luminova replacement dial. How could anyone know if it's "genuine"?

Is the owner the original buyer? Since all 3 possibilities are genuine, the question is actually more about originality.

The Swiss only bottom of the dial on modern day watches was used for a short time 1998 till 2000 then Swiss made till present time.But in the change from Tritium to luminover around 1998 there has been reports although the dial had T<25 the marker plots were Luminover .

[77T]

Good point about the dials that were "hybrids" - T<25 w/luminova were released during the period. My first Rolex was an A s/n Explorer II with SWISS MADE dial bought new in 2001.
I should have been clearer that the later replacement dials could have been either SWISS (if done before 2000) or SWISS MADE if done past the transition.

[Gerry62]

My 14060 ser U 79xxxx only Swiss dial - sold in Sept 2000