Tritium Dial 16570s patina question

[dexvd]

So I have been looking around at 16570s either for a tritium lume model or a 3186 movement model. I've found that many examples I have seen the colour of the lume on the hands in bright white like the dial rather than taking on the creamy beige of the aged tritium in the hour plots. Would this indicate that the hands have been swapped or is this the norm, the patina of the hands not aging at the same rate as the hour plots?

From looking at many examples of vintage subs and SDs there are plenty of examples of perfect matching lume in the dial plots and hands. Just wondering if I should be expecting the same in the tritium dial 16570.

[Vincent65]

Many match, many don't, many have had hands replaced, some haven't...

We would have to assess on a watch-by-watch basis - so photos would be essential.

Dials and hands often age/discolour differently, and at different rates, too!

[dexvd]

Alright thanks, will keep that in mind when looking around.

[jdmi32]

It's a very common occurrence for this reference. My all original U series from around 1997 has the hour and minute hands a slight shade lighter than the hour plots. Funny thing is that the 24 hr and seconds hands match the dial.

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by jdmi32

It's a very common occurrence for this reference. My all original U series from around 1997 has the hour and minute hands a slight shade lighter than the hour plots. Funny thing is that the 24 hr and seconds hands match the dial.

It is interesting - what a stunner, was it NOS!?

[jdmi32]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

It is interesting - what a stunner, was it NOS!?

Thanks Karl. I actually purchased it brand new from an AD back in early 1998. The watch has certainly held up better than me over the years.

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by jdmi32

Thanks Karl. I actually purchased it brand new from an AD back in early 1998. The watch has certainly held up better than me over the years.

clearly, you look after your things

[jdmi32]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

clearly, you look after your things

I regret to say that I really did baby my Rolex watches back then. I left the dirty work (and hence most of the fun) to my Breitlings and Omegas.

I now have a different outlook in regards to my possessions and will take my vintage pieces just about anywhere and for most any occasion.

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by jdmi32

I regret to say that I really did baby my Rolex watches back then. I left the dirty work (and hence most of the fun) to my Breitlings and Omegas.

I now have a different outlook in regards to my possessions and will take my vintage pieces just about anywhere and for most any occasion.

So... you didn't actually wear it!