New SubC lume markers uneven/not quite white

[brillwill]

Hi guys, just picked up a brand new subc lv and I've noticed a bit of "shadowing" on most of the Lume hour markers, especially the 12 o clock triangle. it looks like the surface is uneven, and instead of a flat white, parts of the marker looks slightly darker. In the circular hour markers, the white lume looks slightly darker in the middle than on the sides. the lume is perfectly even with the lights off and the watch was pristine with all stickers.

is this a regular occurrence, the uneven lume with the newer maxi dials? I have used a macro lens to take a picture of the lume but surprisingly it looks normal then. under normal circumstances from wrist level I can't really tell, but if I look at it closely outside I can definitely see the slight lume discrepancy. I have a Sea dweller that doesn't have this problem.

I've been enjoying the watch otherwise, but if this is something that I should take care of under warrantee, I would definitely take advantage of that.

thanks!

[Danand]

If it looks fine from wrist level perhaps you are looking too closely? If I look REALLY closely my 12:00 maker is slightly darker in the centre. But look closely enough at anything and you will start to see variations or flaws.

[usbzoso]

pics?

[karmatp]

You are looking way to close, just enjoy your watch. If you look at any Rolex watch you will see some kind of minor imperfection, it's best to not look and just enjoy wearing it.

Let's face it, Rolex is a mass produced assembly line brand, little imperfections are so common it's crazy.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by karmatp

You are looking way to close, just enjoy your watch. If you look at any Rolex watch you will see some kind of minor imperfection, it's best to not look and just enjoy wearing it.

Let's face it, Rolex is a mass produced assembly line brand, little imperfections are so common it's crazy.

X2.Today lupes high powered macro lenses can be a new Rolex watch owners worst enemy.

[DHG0388]

Good point padi56. Also low quality loupes are not your friend either.

[brillwill]

I figured it was my OCD more than anything, but there is a visible variance to the hour markers whiteness under close inspection that wasn't present on my SD. I'll try to provide pics later but I'm not too worried, and agree with everyone above. this is a dream watch, the green is mesmerizing.

[smh223]

i have noticed variation in the lumes on certain watches...its never perfect, and sometimes less perfect than others...very common IMHO

[Dob]

Originally Posted by brillwill

Hi guys, just picked up a brand new subc lv and I've noticed a bit of "shadowing" on most of the Lume hour markers, especially the 12 o clock triangle. it looks like the surface is uneven, and instead of a flat white, parts of the marker looks slightly darker. In the circular hour markers, the white lume looks slightly darker in the middle than on the sides. the lume is perfectly even with the lights off and the watch was pristine with all stickers.

is this a regular occurrence, the uneven lume with the newer maxi dials? I have used a macro lens to take a picture of the lume but surprisingly it looks normal then. under normal circumstances from wrist level I can't really tell, but if I look at it closely outside I can definitely see the slight lume discrepancy. I have a Sea dweller that doesn't have this problem.

I've been enjoying the watch otherwise, but if this is something that I should take care of under warrantee, I would definitely take advantage of that.

thanks!

It is most common on the maxi-dials as the markers are obviously larger and have more lume material filled in. What you are seeing is markers in which the lume material was applied unequally or dried unevenly. This means lume is thicker in some spots, thinner in others. Sometimes you will see grayish patches in the lume which is where the lume is a bit thinner and the dial color can be seen coming through. I have had a couple of GMTIIC's with this problem. Most people live with it but it can be bothersome. It would be nice if Rolex turned some QC attention to this issue.

[usbzoso]

this is kind of unacceptable imo ... my Omega SMP had a pretty maxi dial and lume dots were flawless

[brillwill]

Originally Posted by Dob

It is most common on the maxi-dials as the markers are obviously larger and have more lume material filled in. What you are seeing is markers in which the lume material was applied unequally or dried unevenly. This means lume is thicker in some spots, thinner in others. Sometimes you will see grayish patches in the lume which is where the lume is a bit thinner and the dial color can be seen coming through. I have had a couple of GMTIIC's with this problem. Most people live with it but it can be bothersome. It would be nice if Rolex turned some QC attention to this issue.

will RSC recognize this as a legitimate problem, or will it simply be returned as within spec? I saw a thread from 2010 where RSC HK where a members gmt2c was evaluated for a similar problem and it was considered normal.

I'm in a quandary as while I love the watch, if this is something that can be fixed while under warranty then I'm all for it.

[Dob]

Originally Posted by brillwill

will RSC recognize this as a legitimate problem, or will it simply be returned as within spec? I saw a thread from 2010 where RSC HK where a members gmt2c was evaluated for a similar problem and it was considered normal.

I'm in a quandary as while I love the watch, if this is something that can be fixed while under warranty then I'm all for it.

If the dial was really poor, perhaps. Most likely, no. Rolex will consider it cosmetic and not a warranty issue.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by padi56

x2.today lupes high powered macro lenses can be a new rolex watch owners worst enemy.

x2

Enjoy your watch, I'm sure it looks just fine.

[Dr. Robert]

Bah humbug....trade it in, get a 16610....mo bettah brah.

[karmatp]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

Bah humbug....trade it in, get a 16610....mo bettah brah.

Come on Bob, your a smart guy, you musty realise that the new Subs are far superior to the "old" subs.

[smh223]

Originally Posted by Dob

If the dial was really poor, perhaps. Most likely, no. Rolex will consider it cosmetic and not a warranty issue.

agree, this is not really a warranty issue unless it is REALLY bad...if you look close enough you will find this "problem" in varying degrees on all Rolex sport models...

[RolexPete32]

had same issue. Rolex service centre put a new dial on my sub LV. No cost.

[MortgageGuy]

I would not worry at all about it. As most have said every Rolex has imperfections, wear and enjoy in good health

[wokafu]

Originally Posted by usbzoso

this is kind of unacceptable imo ... my Omega SMP had a pretty maxi dial and lume dots were flawless

i agree...maybe if you take it back to the AD and let them have a look..?

[Trev]

This has been reported previously (including here on TRF in regards to a WG Sub).

Try to get the dial replaced.

[Traveler]

Originally Posted by smh223

i have noticed variation in the lumes on certain watches...its never perfect, and sometimes less perfect than others...very common IMHO

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Well it shouldnt be ! Rolex has NO EXCUSE for quality imperfections. At these prices and with modern technology the finished products should reflect the QUALITY and craftsmanship that the name Rolex implies.

[Mwing]

Mine is like this too plus the date is leaning towards 6 o'clock not center, I have seen many pix on Internet and most of them are like this so I didn't bother

[Mwing]

Check the date the subc date is a bit off to 6 o'clock compared to 16610

And the lume I have to look very close to notice what u said but I wouldn't be worried

[brillwill]

Originally Posted by RolexPete32

had same issue. Rolex service centre put a new dial on my sub LV. No cost.

Sounds great. I'll just drop by the AD before the two years are up and hopefully they'll take care of it. Don't want to get separated so soon with the hulk...

[tulgsT]

Originally Posted by Mwing

Check the date the subc date is a bit off to 6 o'clock compared to 16610

And the lume I have to look very close to notice what u said but I wouldn't be worried

From the picture, there appears to be some glue around the 16610 cyclops. As far as the cyclops being off, it really depends on the angle you are looking. The center pearl of the 116610 acually looks like it is angled left--- even the upside down triangle doesn't truly line up with the triangle on the 12 o'clock dial position.

[xjeeunitx]

I have the same issue on my GMT but it doesn't really bother me. As a matter of fact, a lot of watches are like this. You should be surprised on how many people would agree on this.