Explorer 1655 orange hand aging?

[dpa94114]

Any hard and fast rules on how the orange hand changes over time?

I seem to keep coming back to these watches - and they all seem different.

just curious.

thanks

[Lgear080]

Agreed. Tremendous variation in patina.
I personally prefer a heavily dinged case w ghostly hands.
Light yellow in color.

I'd have issue w original hands that still look orange/bright orange.

[Vincent65]

No hard and fast rules - which is why you see so much variety! Usually some fading involved over about 30-40 years. Great watch reference.

[swish77]

Like many vintage Rolexes, if the watch was exposed to a lot of sun, you'll get fade, especially on that orange hand, and that's why you see the "albino" versions. If the watch didn't see a lot of sun, everything will be darker. That goes for the tritium too. That orange hand can indeed stay super bright. It just depends.