Is the "Tropical" process ongoing?

[mluther]

My question to everyone is whether a dial/sub dials can still turn some 45 years later. By way of example a meters first 1680 with either a MkI or MkII within the 2.3 to 2.4 mill range would have changed by now if it was part of the "faulty" batch of dials and had not been changed out at service - or could it potentially still have "tropical" in it's future.

Has anyone ever seen a 6263 Red Daytona with tropical sub dials?

All part of my ongoing research

[southtexas]

As I understand it, the tropical effect is enhanced (accelerated) by exposure to light. Therefore, it seems logical that a watch that hasn't seen much light (ie kept in a safe for the last 40+ years and only worn very rarely) could still turn if given regular exposure to light. How long would that take (if it's even possible?) is another question.

That's what I read, I look forward to an expert chiming in.

[MitchSteel]

One of the greatest Rolex mysteries...

[Cc1966]

The look is the result of natural and at times unnatural aging. In my opinion, it's like rust, it never sleeps.

[Quotron]

Originally Posted by mluther

By way of example a meters first 1680 with either a MkI or MkII within the 2.3 to 2.4 mill range would have changed by now if it was part of the "faulty" batch of dials and had not been changed out at service

I am unaware, can someone please provide some information about the "faulty dials"

or could it potentially still have "tropical" in it's future.

Most things that have enough sun exposure will change from their original condition.

[mluther]

Originally Posted by Quotron

I am unaware, can someone please provide some information about the "faulty dials"



Most things that have enough sun exposure will change from their original condition.

Below is an extract taken from Mark Lerman's excellent post on rolex.watchprosite.com explaining his theory on the Chocolate Sub

"There are a number of theories out about Chocolate Subs, but I believe that dials turned brown due to unstable materials that were used in their manufacture. The original paint material was intended to be black, but changed to brown due to improper mixing ratios or impurities in the chemicals. Whatever the reason, dials changed colour over some time, possibly months or years after production. Due to the variances in the brown dials, some environmental factors such as light/sun exposure, temperature and humidity must have also have played a role in determining the intensity of the colour change. The colour change process took place in the first few years and is not ongoing."

My question relates to whether the process is "ongoing" or not, as I have been offered watches that have "tropical" in their future as though they will turn at a later stage. This, as mentioned above, could be because they were stored for long periods. It really is a mystery

You can read Mark's excellent post here:

http://rolex.watchprosite.com/show-f...ti-649211/s-0/

[datejust24]

just put it in the most sunny room or window you have for a year or so and see what happens.

[mluther]

Originally Posted by datejust24

just put it in the most sunny room or window you have for a year or so and see what happens.

or wear it everyday for a year in the Tropics