Question about Faded GMT inserts

[KateB]

Hello,

Advanced apologies if this question has been asked before.
I have been browsing the images of the 4 & 5 digit GMT models. It seems a majority of the faded bezel inserts on 1675 and 16750 are more faded on the BLUE side, but the 16700 and 16710 are often more faded on the RED side (if they do fade).
I obviously have not seen much and want to get some insights from the experts .:wor ship:

Thank you!

Kate

[Tom1675]

Here's a thread started by a GMT jedi a couple of weeks ago with a lot of image references for you to check out.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=600306

As for your observations here, I guess the blue fades more, but the red on certain inserts can change to a different color completely.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Tom1675

Here's a thread started by a GMT jedi a couple of weeks ago with a lot of image references for you to check out.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=600306

As for your observations here, I guess the blue fades more, but the red on certain inserts can change to a different color completely.

That jedi has nothing on Superman...

[KateB]

I am so embarrassed. Indeed I read this thread every day to look at the pictures and thinking "how handsome they must be when they were young!"
I just read the whole thread again and Sir Springer already answered all my questions in post #17. I'll make sure I will not be daydreaming again when reading!

Another question... is it possible to stop the fading once the insert reached the desired shade?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[037]

Originally Posted by KateB

Another question... is it possible to stop the fading once the insert reached the desired shade?

Limiting long periods of exposure to UV light (ie: sunlight) is about the only preventative measure. It can be a crap shoot, really, since the dyes used during the anodizing process can lose color at different rates.

You'll also want to avoid solvents, cleaners, bleach, etc.

There are likely ways to protect the insert from UV exposure but any that I can think of would risk damage if removed. The value of the fade could potentially be retained but risks devaluing the insert itself.

[KateB]

Originally Posted by 037

Limiting long periods of exposure to UV light (ie: sunlight) is about the only preventative measure. It can be a crap shoot, really, since the dyes used during the anodizing process can lose color at different rates.



You'll also want to avoid solvents, cleaners, bleach, etc.



There are likely ways to protect the insert from UV exposure but any that I can think of would risk damage if removed. The value of the fade could potentially be retained but risks devaluing the insert itself.

Thank you . I saw a picture of a once fuchsia insert faded to a different color... I know that is the charm of aging but it's also scary to think about the day it will be gone.

Originally Posted by frankoman

Pinky! This guy has a fuchsia on it now but came with this one.

[Toxicant]

I hate faded inserts, I replaced mine on the 1675. I want my old stuff to look like new, patina in many cases just says it wasn't cared for. In the case of inserts they obviously were poorly designed, amazing that a screw up is coveted.

The old insert is around here somewhere and some silly sod will pay a fortune for it if I ever decided to sell it.

But this just me, I see people take an old surfaced rusted car and clear coat it to preserve the look.

Different strokes, I suppose.

[roh123]

Originally Posted by Toxicant

I hate faded inserts, I replaced mine on the 1675. I want my old stuff to look like new, patina in many cases just says it wasn't cared for. In the case of inserts they obviously were poorly designed, amazing that a screw up is coveted.

The old insert is around here somewhere and some silly sod will pay a fortune for it if I ever decided to sell it.

But this just me, I see people take an old surfaced rusted car and clear coat it to preserve the look.

Different strokes, I suppose.

New is always better? I sure prefer them defect to a certain degree.

[suligeo]

Many Inlays faded to unique pieces