Explorer 2 16570 Polar Tritium vs Luminova?

[Glaze88]

Hi Guys,

I am in the process of adding a Explorer 2 16570 Polar and wanted to get some feedback on the Tritium Dial vs Luminova.

Is there a preference from a collector's point of view or why one might appreciate more than another?

Thanks in advance

[watchmavan]

Condition is EVERYTHING.


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[Glaze88]

Originally Posted by watchmavan

Condition is EVERYTHING.


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Thanks. I just picked up a MINT Full Set 16570 Black Dial and looking to add a Polar version to the collection as well. I will be hard-pressed to find one as good as the Black Dial, but I'm sure they are out there somewhere.

[Paka]

https://www.chrono24.fi/rolex/rolex-...id19684305.htm
or
https://www.chrono24.fi/rolex/rolex-...id19456310.htm

Both full-set and perfect dial.

[winst]

Originally Posted by Paka

https://www.chrono24.fi/rolex/rolex-...id19684305.htm
or
https://www.chrono24.fi/rolex/rolex-...id19456310.htm

Both full-set and perfect dial.

I prefer the dial lume & hands lighter patina on the second one, price is way better as well. Hopefully someone with suitable experience can comment on the condition of its case and bracelet for you.

[JBZ]

While prices for 16570's have gone up recently (with polars being priced higher than black dials), I haven't noticed a particular difference between tritium vs. luminova dials.

As someone noted above, condition is really the main consideration with the price on these, as is whether box, papers, etc. are included. And examples with the 3186 movement (which are all luminova) go for substantially higher prices that those with the 3185.

So I'd say it comes down to what you prefer. If you want a tritium version showing some patina in the lume, then I say go for it. If you want something that will retain its working lume for years, then luminova is your better bet.

Essentially, decide which is more visually appealing to you and then buy the best example you can afford.

[JBZ]

Originally Posted by Paka

https://www.chrono24.fi/rolex/rolex-...id19684305.htm
or
https://www.chrono24.fi/rolex/rolex-...id19456310.htm

Both full-set and perfect dial.

Everyone is different, but I wouldn't pay that much for a 16570 no matter how complete the set or perfect the dial. There are too many excellent examples out there for a lot less.

In looking at those two quickly, the second one looks pretty good (but I still wouldn't buy it). I wouldn't be interested in the first at all.

[NickD1975]

Originally Posted by JBZ

Everyone is different, but I wouldn't pay that much for a 16570 no matter how complete the set or perfect the dial. There are too many excellent examples out there for a lot less.

In looking at those two quickly, the second one looks pretty good (but I still wouldn't buy it). I wouldn't be interested in the first at all.

Agreed, nice watches and definitely on the way up, but still firmly under £10k IMHO.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Glaze88

Hi Guys,

I am in the process of adding a Explorer 2 16570 Polar and wanted to get some feedback on the Tritium Dial vs Luminova.

Is there a preference from a collector's point of view or why one might appreciate more than another?

Thanks in advance

Tritium would be more sought after by a lot of collectors because of the potential for patina, which can add to the overall attractiveness of a vintage/classic Rolex. Tritium watches are also unique as they age, with different levels/tones of patina. Luminova dials/hands will all look the same.

[watchmavan]

Originally Posted by winst

I prefer the dial lume & hands lighter patina on the second one, price is way better as well. Hopefully someone with suitable experience can comment on the condition of its case and bracelet for you.

If you prefer the lighter lume, it's worth considering that the second one will turn the same colour in a bit more time. This is also the reason I bought a later 1999 16570 Polar with Superluminova.

Heavy patina is a wonderful trend ATM. However it's worth considering that if you want to wear this a fair bit then that degradation of the dial is going to continue. Eventually all these heavily cracked, faded, discolored dials and hands are going to be...


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[Cantab]

https://www.classicwatch.com/asp/viewer.asp?ref=rxr0376

[Nickyisrael]

All about condition. Tritium has the potential for nice patina which could make it more valuable in the long run. Or, it could have had parts replaced making the luminova variant worth more.