GMT II Master Tritium

[Docbenjy]

Good day everyone,

I am new to the forum, and relatively new to the world of watches. I recently purchased a GMT II Master Black/Burgundy X series circa 1991. I have notcied that the hour markers begin to glow rather slowly, while the habd markers glow immediatelt after light exposure. The dial says T < 25. Did Rolex ever make a watch with tritium hour markers and Superluminova hands? My guess is that someone had the hands changed after purchase. Is this a problem? Any opinions and thoughts would be most welcome. The watch looks new, and it is running about + 2 sec/day.
BTW, I also have a Rolesor TT Jubilee. champagne dial.

Benjamin

[Prince]

Hi Benjamin - welcome to TRF.

You are probably right on target with your suggestion that "My guess is that someone had the hands changed after purchase." I don't believe that it poses a problem at all, IF the replacement hands were genuine Rolex and were for that particular watch.

BTW, we would LOVE to see photos of both of your Rollies when you get a chance. This is a board of watch pic lovers!!!

[mike]

Hi Ben, welcome!

Sounds like the hands were changed at service at some point, a common Rolex practice. If you want you can try to source a set of trit. hands for a 16710.

Post a pic when you can!!

[Docbenjy]

I will try to post pics later today.
Could you tell me how I can go about "sourcing" as you suggest?

[mike]

Originally Posted by Docbenjy

I will try to post pics later today.
Could you tell me how I can go about "sourcing" as you suggest?

I'd start with posting a WTB-want to buy-- on various sales corners. Timezone and Vintage Rolex forums are two good places to start.

[Docbenjy]

Here are some photos. Dark and cloudy, so they are indoors. Will try for outdoors tomorrow.
BTW, can I safely use the watch to swim, or should I have its water resistance tested.
Also, the first couple of dyas it was + 2 sec/day. now it is more like 4-5 sec/day. Is this normal? How long til I get a true sense of accuracy (I'm not looking for perfect, but 4-5sec/day would be fine).

Thanks

[mike]

Hey sweet! That's a great looking pair!

I see what you mean. Your GMT has a tritium dial and a set of Rolex replacement luminova hands. My guess is the hands were replaced for what ever reason at service. Do you have any paperwork with the watch that shows when thewatch was last serviced?
If not it wouldn't be a bad idea to have it pressure checked before going swimming or exposing it to any water pressures. Gaskets can become brittle over time--simple exchange by someone with the equiment. Also gives you an idea if service may be needed. Sounds like it's keeping good time.
I would wear the watch consistently for a month and see how the timing is for you. Many times a watch will "settle in" depending on the wear factors of the user.
Might be a good idea at some point to check the power resurve as this can be an indication of service. Just fully wind the watch -40-50 turns- and let it sit till it stops. PR for your reference should be about 40 to 42 hrs.

As far as the hands,...your call, might be nice to have a matching set, with a dial like that I'd take my time and be picky.

Since you hands are superluminova (non-radioactive) they need a "charging source" to glow--light. Your dial being tritium (half-life about 12 1/2 years didn't need an outside source. Tritium excites the phosphors contained in the paint matrix to "glow". Even as tritium decays the phosphors will react to external sources and give a measure of luminosity.
T<25 indicates an output of less than 25 milicuries of radition (Beta) a way these dials were measured. Not dangerous at all-Beta won't penetrate the crystal.
Tritium was outlawed (except in certain cases) in 1998 when the switch to luminova occured.

Nice looking watch!! Congrats!

[Docbenjy]

Thanks for all the great info. The watch doesn't come with papers. I'll take it to my AD and see what he says.
As for the hands, I'll make some imquiries, but I kinda like it the way it is. The watch really lloks new, even the bracelet. If some one isreally interested in seeling hands, great. Given that the Tritium is essentially outlawed, I guess I won't be getting any from Rolex themselves.
I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again.

[rongmt]

I bought a used S series GMT II from a jeweler that had only the 24 hour hand replaced with Luminova. It looked really funny and I returned it to them for a refund which they did cheerfully except for a 3% American Express fee (which I am disputing).

Ron

[Docbenjy]

I had my watch checked at my AD. It passed the water resistance test with flying colors, and as they said, it is running as close to perfectly as possible, even as good as a brand new watch. I am ecstatic!
Unfortunately, I tried on the Submariner, and now I have I have a new desire!!
As so my search begins, and I will try to decide if I choose new or not new. Either way, I'm gonna have to get one of those babies.
I'll keep you posted.
Say what you will about other brands, but there really is somethiing about a Rolex.
BTW, I took a gander at the Celini; first impressions were quite positive, except that it doesn't have the tradition of its style.

[mike]

Originally Posted by Docbenjy

I had my watch checked at my AD. It passed the water resistance test with flying colors, and as they said, it is running as close to perfectly as possible, even as good as a brand new watch. I am ecstatic!
Unfortunately, I tried on the Submariner, and now I have I have a new desire!!
As so my search begins, and I will try to decide if I choose new or not new. Either way, I'm gonna have to get one of those babies.
I'll keep you posted.
Say what you will about other brands, but there really is somethiing about a Rolex.
BTW, I took a gander at the Celini; first impressions were quite positive, except that it doesn't have the tradition of its style.

Great news!!

LOL! The Sub is an icon!! Welcome to wonderfull world of Rolex!!