Service Dial? Yay or Nay?

[mxeditor]

I recently got my first sub. She was born in 90 or 91 so the lume is no more. I can't decide whether or not to have the dial replaced with a service dial. I kind of enjoy the aged markers. But I do enjoy a glowing face when I enter a darker room. What are your thoughts?

[Ngage]

Don't do it! You will destroy the true value of the tritium dial. Unless of course, the condition of the dial is really bad.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by mxeditor

I recently got my first sub. She was born in 90 or 91 so the lume is no more. I can't decide whether or not to have the dial replaced with a service dial. I kind of enjoy the aged markers. But I do enjoy a glowing face when I enter a darker room. What are your thoughts?

Well seeing that the 16610 was made in vast quantities both Tritium and Luminover.I would doubt if you would reduce its value a lot by fitting a luminover service dial, so I would say if you must have lume go for it.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by mxeditor

I recently got my first sub. She was born in 90 or 91 so the lume is no more. I can't decide whether or not to have the dial replaced with a service dial. I kind of enjoy the aged markers. But I do enjoy a glowing face when I enter a darker room. What are your thoughts?

Some watches are valuable because they have a particular dial or font that is sought after by collectors..

A Sub from the 90's does not fall into that category. Keep the tritium dial if you are nostalgic about such things, or if you like to know that your watch or "original" (this is subjective as internal parts are replaced all the time).

As mentioned, it will not likely affect the value of your watch in the future.. there are a lot more tritium dials out there than Luminova..

[zeuloa]

Get a new dial.

[The GMT Master]

Might as well get a dial that glows, the 16610 will never be a collectible, and it won't impact the value

[mxeditor]

Thanks guys. I appreciate your knowledge.

[slcbbrown]

Change the dial if you want your lume back. I doubt that you would lessen the value of a 90's Sub. Having lume that work might actually increase the value (maybe not enough to cover the cost, though).

[subtona]

Originally Posted by mxeditor

I recently got my first sub. She was born in 90 or 91 so the lume is no more. I can't decide whether or not to have the dial replaced with a service dial. I kind of enjoy the aged markers. But I do enjoy a glowing face when I enter a darker room. What are your thoughts?

the new lume kind of sucks compared to a fresh tritium dial (which is no longer available), i wouldn't change it.

[samuelhuntington]

I have a 91' 16610 and got it serviced in feb of this year. Rsc quoted me around $600 and change for a new dial. I was torn as you are as I would like the lume but ended up not going for it. To me, it just wasn't worth the 600 bucks on top of the service and my original dial is starting to show some age/patina which I like and think it gives the watch some character. In the end it's up to you... Good luck!

[vintagewaferthin]

Don't change the dial. You will strip the watch of its history and value. If you want a watch just for the Lume, buy a new sub or any other modern dive watch. Don't change anything on your watch.

[Rags]

I would change it. I like to see lume when I walk into a dark room.. do it do it...

[kh1970]

I would definitely change it if the extra money is not an issue, especially since it will enhance your enjoyment of it.

[Time2time]

Personally I wouldn't do it.

BUT, it wouldn't matter if you did and needed the lume.