Replace dial/hands on Sub 16803?

[thechad1215]

Hi all,

Been lurking for a while. I have a Sub 16803 that my dad bestowed on me several years ago. I don't think this model qualifies as vintage, but it's an "heirloom", so it's not going anywhere, and it may be vintage at some point down the road.

In the meantime, it's my daily driver, but the faded tritium lume bothers me. I've looked into Rolex service replacing the dial and hands, but I am concerned that it would kill whatever "vintageness" the watch might have.

My questions:

Anyone else faced with balancing vintage and usability?

Thoughts on having a non-rolex watchmaker replace with genuine superluminova dial/hands, so I can keep the originals?

Has anyone had trouble with Rolex service after replacing with genuine parts?

Is its potential value as a vintage already gone because I had to have Rolex replace the bezel (which popped off and was lost ) a few years ago?

[madonofrio]

Let me give this a try...

First, I'd say it's great that you have your father's watch, so my suggestions are based on preserving something for your family down the line.

Personally I would never replace the hands and/or dial if it meant losing them. The DJ isn't that luminous anyway, is this really such a concern?

That said, it's not a particularly rare or valuable watch, so I would suggest sourcing superluminova hands/dial via the forum or a trusted seller and have an independent watch maker install them. This way you can keep the original parts- I can personally recommend LAWW or Rik Dietel.

I do not believe replacing the bezel (esp with a genuine Rolex part) impacts value at all, so not all is lost...

[breitlings]

Much of the value of the watch down the line is in the dial and hands. If you do replace them i would get it done at an independent where you can keep the originals in a safe, rsc will part exchange for the replacement per my understanding.

[U5512]

Originally Posted by madonofrio

That said, it's not a particularly rare or valuable watch

Rolex Submariner reference 16803 is valued at >$4500 so it is a valuable watch.

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by madonofrio

Let me give this a try...

First, I'd say it's great that you have your father's watch, so my suggestions are based on preserving something for your family down the line.

Personally I would never replace the hands and/or dial if it meant losing them. The DJ isn't that luminous anyway, is this really such a concern?

That said, it's not a particularly rare or valuable watch, so I would suggest sourcing superluminova hands/dial via the forum or a trusted seller and have an independent watch maker install them. This way you can keep the original parts- I can personally recommend LAWW or Rik Dietel.

I do not believe replacing the bezel (esp with a genuine Rolex part) impacts value at all, so not all is lost...

I think you have the watch confused. It's not a DJ it's a 2 tone sub.

[madonofrio]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

I think you have the watch confused. It's not a DJ it's a 2 tone sub.

Oops... you are correct, I misread on the mobile site. Need new glasses apparently.

Advice still stands though, but ignore the DJ reference (which is a 160##).

[thechad1215]

Thanks for the feedback. You've convinced me that losing the original dial/hands would be a mistake.

So my only concern about replacing independently (aside from paying several hundred for some glowy dots) would be if Rolex would refuse service or replace the part down the road? Any horror stories from that regard?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by thechad1215

Thanks for the feedback. You've convinced me that losing the original dial/hands would be a mistake.

So my only concern about replacing independently (aside from paying several hundred for some glowy dots) would be if Rolex would refuse service or replace the part down the road? Any horror stories from that regard?

You need to differentiate between a "collector" watch and a functional overhaul and either is a valid point of view. While most here fall into step with the "value is in the hands and dial"; this really only applies to those rare and otherwise hard to find examples. Does it really make sense to have degraded function, or inability to enjoyably wear a good watch, because decades after you are gone the watch may be "worth" more? And more to who?

However, lume, alone, is seldom a strong enough driver to toss perfectly good parts. Even the best Luminova service dials and hands will not be brightly readable in less than ideal situations.

Rolex will service any authentic Rolex if they have the parts to do so. They do not care where you got the authentic parts from

[ATX]

I was in a very similar position recently, Austin, TX based.

I took ownership of my Opa's 9411 Sub from my father, all original and in need of some help. I had no interest in repairing the luminescence aspect of the hands/dial, however the sweep hand had dropped it's tritium and the watch needed a extensive mechanical overhaul.

I ended up sending the watch to Phillip Ridley at Watchmakers International and could not be happier with the results. They are based in Arlington, TX and he did an absolutely fabulous job on my Tudor.

Being Texas based I would highly recommend his services. I'd send it in/drop it off and have them provide an estimate and share it with the forum. I did this and was very happy I took the advice to leave the case as is. The fact that every nick, scuff and scratch was my family history really resonated.

I would not replace anything WI or other shops can save, there is just something about saving it for the next generation. They also stabilized the tritium on my other hands as well, as you can see it all looks quite seamless.

Here is the completed restoration.

[Rolex_Rookie]

How do they stabilize the tritium? Looks good!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JP Chestnut]

Five digit sub SL lume isn't great. Unless you absolutely have to have mildly glowing hands/dial I'd leave it as is. Ignoring collector value, I think watching old tritium slowly yellow is rather enjoyable.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by Rolex_Rookie

How do they stabilize the tritium? Looks good!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Essentially paint it with something clear. Fingernail polish and super glue are popular choices.

[springer]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

Essentially paint it with something clear. Fingernail polish and super glue are popular choices.

The two worst ways to stabilize.

[phillip ridley]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

Essentially paint it with something clear. Fingernail polish and super glue are popular choices.

Using either one of the two mentioned above could be devastating to the hands and the value of the watch. When using those chemicals, they can seep through the Tritium, darkening the hands.

I mix paint to where it closely matches the hands, (slightly lighter is better) then lightly apply. This application works very well for me and completely stabilizes the hands, not changing the color.