Explorer 14270 Authentication

[SirHillary]

Hodinkee had a 14270 for sale. The site says it is from 1991, but has lug holes (appropriate for the date), but a "Swiss Made" dial, which I didn't think were used in the early 90s. What's the deal here? Just trying to educate myself as I'm in the market for a 14270.

Was there an overlap between lug holes and Swiss Made dials?

[freefly]

Originally Posted by SirHillary

Hodinkee had a 14270 for sale. The site says it is from 1991, but has lug holes (appropriate for the date), but a "Swiss Made" dial, which I didn't think were used in the early 90s. What's the deal here? Just trying to educate myself as I'm in the market for a 14270.

If it's a 1991 vintage, it would've had a tritium dial originally. So, the example you are referencing mostly likely has a Luminova service dial fitted.

[SirHillary]

Originally Posted by freefly

If it's a 1991 vintage, it would've had a tritium dial originally. So, the example you are referencing mostly likely has a Luminova service dial fitted.

Thanks! I just arrived at a similar conclusion after some more searching. Looks like it was probably sent to RSC for servicing, and it sounds like there was a period in time when RSC refused to service without replacing the Tritium dials. I guess it's a trade off between getting that tritium patina and 100% original vs. a pristine dial and 100% authentic, but not original. I do enjoy the drilled lugs in the older models.

It's amazing how deep the rabbit hole for this hobby of ours goes...

[GGGMT]

These are getting very affordable, there are some good full sets, and original condition, get one of those


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