Dial Marker and Lume

[Watcheric]

Hi All,


I've been looking for a 1675 for a few months and have learned enough to be able to spot what I want in a vintage GMT. One question remains (well, for today at least): I see a lot of Mark II dials with white markers. Is it possible that they are original or is it more likely that Rolex replaced the dials with Mark II dials with luminova rather than tritium? If they are in fact tritium, does this mean that they are unlikely to ever patina, regardless of how they are used? I assume if they haven't gained patina in 45 years they are unlikely to yellow in the future.

Thanks,

Eric

[jdog111578]

From what I gathered and certainly could be wrong, but the makeup of the lume used has a lot to due with it. But also from what Ive heard/read, the darker the plots the less UV light the watch has been exposed to. Ie watches worn more out in the sun etc will have whiter/lighter plots and those kept indoors or in safes will turn darker. Moisture also plays a part as well. Im sure someone with more knowledge or a background in science will be along shortly :)

[springer]

You can find white or off-white markers on any vintage dial - to include the GMT Mark 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. I have a couple of Mark II dials now that have a nice yellow patina and had one in the past that was fairly white.

If a dial has spent most of its life outside in daylight, the chances are it won't have much patina, especially when compared to a dial that has been locked-up in a safe or other dark place.

[Watcheric]

Thank you for the replies!



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