Pardon my ignorance but can someone enlighten me about these watches.
Was that option offered from new ?
Was it a faulty batch of dials , or was it just the white finish degrading over time ?
Ta, in advance.
Pardon my ignorance but can someone enlighten me about these watches.
Was that option offered from new ?
Was it a faulty batch of dials , or was it just the white finish degrading over time ?
Ta, in advance.
I don’t know exactly what causes the colour change, but it’s a change over time rather than an option from new.
Not an option. Much more likely the dials have simply changed colour as a result of environmental or atmospheric changes. My theory is that actually it's not the paint that faded, but the clear lacquer that was used as a top coat that has changed. Its not just unique to the Daytona. It also occurred on the 16550 (White) Explorer and most noticeable on those dials made Stern.
On the Black Sports models (SD and Sub), you willalso find dials on which this lacquer has fractured or becomes matt. Interestedly it seems to affect dials made in the 1980's more than any other.
These original but "defective" dials have become rarer simply because Rolex offered to replace them at service. An offer that many owners took up.
Think of them as having patina
Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Ahh, your theory then.....Originally Posted by Andyg
Not an option. Much more likely the dials have simply changed colour as a result of environmental or atmospheric changes. My theory is that actually it's not the paint that faded, but the clear lacquer that was used as a top coat that has changed. Its not just unique to the Daytona. It also occurred on the 16550 (White) Explorer and most noticeable on those dials made Stern.
On the Black Sports models (SD and Sub), you willalso find dials on which this lacquer has fractured or becomes matt. Interestedly it seems to affect dials made in the 1980's more than any other.
These original but "defective" dials have become rarer simply because Rolex offered to replace them at service. An offer that many owners took up.
Think of them as having patina
I have 2004 white dial daytona that is creamy dial, seen a few round that age. Its in for service a few times before I got and dial was not changed which was fortunate
Indeed. A theory based on 35 years of Rolex ownership, actually owning a Creme 16550 plus quite a bit of study, but if you don't subscribe to my theory, why not post your own.
Better still try getting an official answer from Rolex. Good luck.
Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Does owning one really help? Can you see the colour of the lacquer vs. the paint?
These original but "defective" dials have become rarer simply because Rolex offered to replace them at service. An offer that many owners took up.
Did Rolex not insist on replacing the dials at service?
I just wondered if the 'cream dial' watches have not been back to Rolex or if Rolex allowed watches to age (with faulty finish) if owners prefer?
M.
Rolexs service strategy was to make the watch "look like new". Hence old matte dials were updated to glossy ones - this happened on my 16800, but fortunately the old Dial was returned. Hand set were replaced, as were dials (especially if the lume was dead). I had a number of watches serviced by Rolex in 1990's/2000's and on each occasion they have offered to replace parts (at a cost). They even offered to replace my crackled Dial on my 16660 in the early 2000's.
I can only assume that "back in the day", Rolex might have simply replaced parts as a good will gesture or that customers paid to have parts replaced. I mean who would want their dead matte Dial replaced with a nice glossy Dial which had lume that glowed
You have to remember that before the cult of Rolex Vintage, most people just wanted a watch that worked and looked nice.
Regarding the "cremes". Basically there is nothing wrong with the Dial except the colour, so unless the customer expressed a desire to have a "white" Dial, I imagine Rolex left well alone, especially if the lume was still alive. Nowadays no one in their right mind would ask to have a Creme Dial replaced, but if they did then I am sure Rolex would do it if they has a replacement available.
Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Yes, that was my thinking, but I didn't know what the policy was.Rolexs service strategy was to make the watch "look like new". Hence old matte dials were updated to glossy ones - this happened on my 16800, but fortunately the old Dial was returned. Hand set were replaced, as were dials (especially if the lume was dead). I had a number of watches serviced by Rolex in 1990's/2000's and on each occasion they have offered to replace parts (at a cost). They even offered to replace my crackled Dial on my 16660 in the early 2000's.
I can only assume that "back in the day", Rolex might have simply replaced parts as a good will gesture or that customers paid to have parts replaced. I mean who would want their dead matte Dial replaced with a nice glossy Dial which had lume that glowed
You have to remember that before the cult of Rolex Vintage, most people just wanted a watch that worked and looked nice.
Thanks.
M.
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