Add luminescence

[twhedbee]

I have a Rolex Submariner that I purchased around 1985 or so. I miss the fact that it does not have any luminescence on the hands or indices. Is it possible that this could be added to my watch? If so, what would be the best way to do it that is not over-the-top expensive? I’m guessing it would mean a new dial and hands? I do not care about keeping the watch in its original condition as long as the work is well done. Any help would be appreciated.

Tom

[EagleBear]

Hi Tom Welcome to TRF,
If you really don’t mind replacing the dial and hands the next time you send it in to Rolex for service they will do it for you. Best of luck

[Pepperjack]

As EagleBear mentioned, the dial and hands can be an option during service. Rolex's recommended pricing is $93.50 USD for a set of hands. Dials are $370 or $420, depending on whether it's a Submariner or Submariner Date. Hands may be included with the replacement of a dial. Keep in mind that tritium is no longer used in the new pieces.

[L_S_SHOE]

Also keep in mind that if you intend on selling it in the future, changing the dial and hands will likely make it less valuable, since many potential buyers don’t care about the lume and would prefer it to be as original as possible.

But, it is your watch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by twhedbee

I have a Rolex Submariner that I purchased around 1985 or so. I miss the fact that it does not have any luminescence on the hands or indices. Is it possible that this could be added to my watch? If so, what would be the best way to do it that is not over-the-top expensive? I’m guessing it would mean a new dial and hands? I do not care about keeping the watch in its original condition as long as the work is well done. Any help would be appreciated.

Tom

Aside from sentimentality, is there any other reason why you haven't considered trading the watch for a newer model?

[0nly5iv3Digits]

I'd be keen to keep it "as-is" and just "add" a modern piece to your collection. But I'm also totally the guy with several iterations of the same model... so a modern sub would be the "add" for me

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by twhedbee

I have a Rolex Submariner that I purchased around 1985 or so. I miss the fact that it does not have any luminescence on the hands or indices. Is it possible that this could be added to my watch? If so, what would be the best way to do it that is not over-the-top expensive? I’m guessing it would mean a new dial and hands? I do not care about keeping the watch in its original condition as long as the work is well done. Any help would be appreciated.

Tom

I had a 1980s 5513 (assuming yours is the same) serviced by Rolex a few years ago and they put in a new dial and hands (both of which had been replaced before anyway, but were damaged) and it came out great. Mine originally had the white gold surrounds on the dial, so after service it looked pretty much original anyway.