Questions regarding the 16613 blue dial

[El Cascarrabias]

That blue dial is just beautiful!

#1 - Is it possible to update the dial to Chromalight? Either by the application of Chromalight or a dial swap (keeping it blue, of course).

And, if so, who would one approach to do this?

#2 - If the 16613 is sent to RSC for service what happens with the dead tritium dial. Is it replaced with a dial with Chromalight?

[RRGHOST1]

Why don't you just get a 116613LB.

[El Cascarrabias]

I don't like the larger case of the 116613LB.

[blue16613]

Originally Posted by El Cascarrabias

That blue dial is just beautiful!

#1 - Is it possible to update the dial to Chromalight? Either by the application of Chromalight or a dial swap (keeping it blue, of course).

And, if so, who would one approach to do this?

#2 - If the 16613 is sent to RSC for service what happens with the dead tritium dial. Is it replaced with a dial with Chromalight?

Great question(s)!
I'd like to know the answers, too.
Hopefully someone will post an informative response.

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by El Cascarrabias

I don't like the larger case of the 116613LB.

You could always slim down the case with a polish or
something of the sorts ... I personally like the larger case
as I have 2 subs ... The Bluesy Sub C and the TT Black dial
16803 which the model before the 16613 but essentially the
same but doesn't have the solid end links and has the lug holes ...
When I wear the black dial TT I like it but it feels more dressy
because of the size case... The larger case I think is a little more
versatile IMO...

[El Cascarrabias]

Originally Posted by superstarmar

You could always slim down the case with a polish or something of the sorts ...

Thanks for the response, but . . . no.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by blue16613

Great question(s)!
I'd like to know the answers, too.
Hopefully someone will post an informative response.

If you want a dial change, Rolex will replace it with whatever the most recent iteration is for your watch. Whether that is the blue or the blue/green lume may not be an option.

Rolex will also replace an older tritium dial if it is damaged or you request, but not for free. You have to pay for the new dial.

[El Cascarrabias]

Not damaged, just want lume.

So, Rolex still makes tritium dials? Or is this NOS?

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by El Cascarrabias

Thanks for the response, but . . . no.

I personally wouldn't do it either ... Although others
Have done it in the past ... just a thought .

[Mikemcnair]

I would simply relume the watch, it's not hard at all. And while Rolex will not sell you the pigment, this is VERY VERY VERY close in person....

http://glow.glowinc.com/ultra-blue-s...he-dark-paint/

[tonelar]

i redid an old tritium gmt through a watchmaker i found out of state. he did the hands and markers in superluminova. i'll look for his info.

i liked it so much, i sent an explorer ii to him as well.

[NKflyer]

As others have said, you can have a qualified watchmaker relume the existing tritium dial and hands with luminova. Although this modification is looked down upon by many forum members and will likely reduce the resale value of the watch for having a redone dial. But it's your watch to do as you please.

Your other option is to send the watch to one of the Rolex Service Centers who will put in a new luminova dial and hands to replace your burned out tritium units. These dials are expensive, like upwards of $500, and Rolex will likely only do the swap in conjunction with a full movement service which is another $600+.

You could also sell/trade the watch you have for a more modern example within that same reference that has a factory luminova dial (very late 1990's onward).

[ttnpb]

if you have a 5 digit watch with blue lume people will assume it's fake.

[faimag]

Originally Posted by El Cascarrabias

Not damaged, just want lume.

So, Rolex still makes tritium dials? Or is this NOS?

Rolex stopped making T dials in the late 1990s. If they change it now, you will get a SWISS MADE with SL lume.

[Spectre007]

Originally Posted by ttnpb

if you have a 5 digit watch with blue lume people will assume it's fake.

Totally agree with this