U serial - tritium or Luminova?

[JaySS]

I wish to access the pool of Rolex knowledge ...

I'm sure I read that tritium was discontinued in 1998, yet the U serial is 1997. I'm assuming there may be some crossover.

Is it possible to have a U serial with Luminova (Swiss at 6) as factory?

Thanks for informed replies (in advance)



Justin

[applebook]

AFAIK, there is a cross-over with later U-serial models, but most of them should be T.

[rxgremlin]

I have two U serial watches, a TT Sub and a Exp II. Both have papers dating from 1998 and both have Luminova dials but are marked "T<25". Since A was the next serial number used and are well known for having "SWISS" dials, I could see a late U serial watch having a Luminova "SWISS" dial.

[mike]

Justin,

I would say it's certainly possible. Crossover is well known in Rolex and who knows when the case was actually fitted to a movement and dial.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by rxgremlin

(...)Both have papers dating from 1998 and both have Luminova dials but are marked "T<25".(...)

Yes, I have heard about this before but never seen such a watch in person, though.

[mike]

Originally Posted by rxgremlin

I have two U serial watches, a TT Sub and a Exp II. Both have papers dating from 1998 and both have Luminova dials but are marked "T<25". Since A was the next serial number used and are well known for having "SWISS" dials, I could see a late U serial watch having a Luminova "SWISS" dial.

Those are called "transitional dials" by some. Used circa 1998-2003, many feel Rolex in "waste not, want not" attitude simply used existing trit. marked dials and put luminova on them.

I've seen a couple (I believe a couple members on the forum have them?) They're pretty cool.

[JaySS]

Thanks guys!

The example is a late U8xxx SD. It has a Swiss dial, box and warranty papers. Sounds like "good" condition - some marks on case and bracelet. Around $USD3,500 equivalent before shipping and tax to Australia.

I particularly like the fact it still has lug holes. Would be a great "beater" on a Nato (which would be a little more secure with the deeper spring bar seating in the lugs)

Thoughts?

Cheers,

Justin

[Tools]

The "U" serial number was used from ~1996 through 1999, so I would say, absolutely..

I would be very surprised if any "U" models made in the '98/99 timeframe came with anything else except the Luminova dials, while the earlier (1996/97) ones would probably have been fitted with tritium..

The same with "T"s released the same time (concurrently) as the "U", 1996 through 1999; as well as "A" and "P" released concurrently in 1997 through 2000,

All 4 of these serial prefixes were being produced in the 1998/1999 Luminova changeover, and they were all being produced in the year before the change..

[JaySS]

Thanks Larry!

Any thoughts on the prospective purchase?

Cheers,

J

[Tools]

Originally Posted by JaySS

Thanks Larry!

Any thoughts on the prospective purchase?

Cheers,

J

J,

I think that a used SD is running in the asked price area (~3500USD).. If it has the Swiss dial, it is probably a 98/99 model as I would suspect that that is too new for a dial swap for any reason.. Good news for you as the Lume will still be nice and bright.

This is in the area where a Clean, Oil and Adjust service (or a complete RSC Service) should be performed if it has not recently been done..

Good luck...