Help with 16750 (is this a franken or modified dial?)

[lambda]

Hi all,

came across a 16750 offered by a seller.. it is a 8.Xm serial with RSC chit.

The patina seems to be quite even and the case seems to be quite crisp

would appreciate any advice on the case and dial along with the hands

[springer]

The dial appears to be the last variation used for these models - circa 9 million.

As far as the patina goes, and based on the photos, I can't tell if it has been artificially aged or is original. The case appears to be in average to above average condition with some cupping around the spring bar holes.

What did the seller tell you about the dial and hands? Did you use an ultra violet light on the dial? If you did, the hands and dial markers should appear to be white under the UV light.

What's the first three digits of the serial number?

[lambda]

thank you! ill check on those details with the seller.

the lume on the hands look a bit textured to me too? is that normal?

[Dan S]

Quite an unusual lume color, but given the damage to the glossy dial, perhaps it has seen some extreme conditions.

[springer]

Originally Posted by lambda

thank you! ill check on those details with the seller.

the lume on the hands look a bit textured to me too? is that normal?

It does seem to be overly textured.

[Kingface66]

That “patina” looks like yellow paint. Before even considering that, I’d need to see several from that serial number range with the same yellowing.

[swaini3]

Sometimes the lighting used (similar to the one used here) can make the lume look darker /yellower. I suggest you ask for daylight pictures to know what the watch really looks like.

[Tom1675]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

That “patina” looks like yellow paint. Before even considering that, I’d need to see several from that serial number range with the same yellowing.

Agreed, that's as yellow as I've seen. That and the dial damage would be enough for me to stop investigating this watch. Not to mention the less significant but material cupping in the lugholes Springer observed.

[Paul7]

Originally Posted by Tom1675

Agreed, that's as yellow as I've seen. That and the dial damage would be enough for me to stop investigating this watch. Not to mention the less significant but material cupping in the lugholes Springer observed.

What does the lughole cupping signify?

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Paul7

What does the lughole cupping signify?

That the case has been polished, probably a couple of times. But like Springer said, it's a decent case. The issue is really the dial. Would be interested to see a UV/blacklight photo of it.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Quite an unusual lume color, but given the damage to the glossy dial, perhaps it has seen some extreme conditions.

Yes, I think the extreme conditions are someone removing the dial, trying to apply faux yellow orange, and jacking it up.

[dricig]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

Yes, I think the extreme conditions are someone removing the dial, trying to apply faux yellow orange, and jacking it up.

I agree.
Looks like the lume was artificially aged.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by dricig

I agree.
Looks like the lume was artificially aged.

Yep. Didn’t happen like that with these watches.

[FHFinster]

You guys really know your stuff.


Fin

[Bruce G]

For what its worth I have a NOS 16750 with similar looking patina (slightly lighter). Killer patina on that one if its real!

Javi

[Jbert55]

Hi Guys,

I’m very new to the forum but I’m hoping someone can lead me in the right direction. I received the below watch from my godfather and I absolutely love it. Neither he or I know much about it, but I believe it’s a 16750. My godfather said he bought it used in the mid/late 80’s.

I was hoping someone out there could help answer a few questions I have about it.

1. Is it a 16750?
2. The hands have a different color than the indices. Could these be replacements/service hands, or is it common for them to age differently?
3. If I want can I relume the hands to match?
4. The hour hand has caused a pretty noticeable drag mark. Is this fixable? I’ve heard I shouldn’t mess with the dial, so do I even want to fix it? Lastly, if I do fix it, any recommendations on who can do the work?
5. One more, any idea on value?

Again, thank you all for the help! I’m still learning about all this, but it’s becoming a passion.

Thank you!