Rolex Vintage Patina: Collector's Guide

Chromatic Fugue · 2024-01-26T18:20:34Z

Explore Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 patina on tritium dials and hands. Learn how mismatched lume affects collectability and value for vintage Rolex watches.

Chromatic Fugue

WPS member · Rolex forum

24 replies7570 views2 photos

Chromatic Fugue's inquiry into the patina differential on a late 1980s Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 highlights a critical consideration for vintage watch collectors: the originality and matching condition of tritium hands and dial markers. This discussion delves into how such discrepancies impact a watch's collectability and value, offering essential insights for anyone navigating the nuanced world of vintage Rolex acquisitions. The community's collective wisdom provides a valuable framework for assessing authenticity and making informed purchasing decisions.

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Hoping to tap into the collective watch wisdom here. I’m considering the late 1980s 5513 pictured here. As you can see, there’s more patina on the markers than the hands. I’m told that the lume on the hands is in fact tritium. A couple of questions. First, does the patina differential between the hands and markers suggest that the hands were replaced at some point, or is that common even in examples where the hands are original? Second, does this patina difference matter much from a collectability perspective? Many thanks for your thoughts.

About the Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513

The Rolex Submariner reference 5513 is a specific iteration within the Submariner model line. This reference is recognized by collectors for its particular configuration and production period.

The case and movement details for this specific reference are not provided in the input facts. Therefore, no description of the case material, crystal type, or movement architecture can be offered.

This reference appeals to collectors interested in the Submariner line. Its position within the broader Rolex catalog is defined by its reference number and the characteristics associated with that specific production.

Specifications

Caliber: Rolex Caliber 1520 / 1530

Case: Stainless Steel

Diameter: 40mm

Dial: Black (Gilt or Matte)

Water Resist.: 200m

Crystal: Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

A significant patina differential between the dial markers and hands often suggests that the hands were replaced during a service, a common occurrence where the dial's tritium remains while hands are updated to Luminova or newer tritium.
While original hands can sometimes develop a different color than the dial, a black light test is crucial to determine if hands are replacements by revealing differences in luminosity or color, even if both are tritium.
Matching tritium hands for vintage Rolex models, especially from the gilt era, are difficult to source, and their degradation rate may not always align with the dial's patina. The condition of the dial and hands is paramount for assessing value.
The collectability impact of mismatched patina depends on the buyer's priorities and the watch's price. While some collectors prioritize all-original details, others may accept a replacement at a favorable price point, especially if the case condition is excellent.
Even if hands are confirmed to be tritium, a noticeable patina difference still raises questions about their originality. Collectors should consider if such a watch, despite other strong attributes like an unpolished case, truly represents a 'superlative example' for its vintage.
Vintage watches, being 40-50+ years old, inherently carry unique characteristics and potential service history. It is always advisable to thoroughly investigate and ask questions before purchase, as even minor discrepancies can influence long-term satisfaction and value.

The Discussion

Bill

Jan 26, 2024

It does appear that the hands may have been changed during service.

The texture is hard to appreciate on the hands with these pictures. If you have a black light you can test to see how they glow. If they are all of the same temperature and luminosity it could just be nature. Nice looking watch.

Mary Anny

Jan 26, 2024

Exactly!

The difference in colour is between the tritium (markers) and the lumknova (hands) lume. I'll send you a photo later...

Chromatic Fugue

Jan 26, 2024

Thanks but

To be clear, I have it on good authority that the hands are tritium and NOT luminova. So if the hands were replaced, it was with other tritium hands.

Mary Anny

Jan 26, 2024

It can be,

But then, they were not replaced. Below you can see what used to happen to the hands lume from the eighties. I would follow Bill's advice, let's check the luminosity!

BigFatPauli

Jan 26, 2024

So if you have it "on good authority" why ask?

What Mary Anny is true: get a black light and check for yourself. No one here needs to convince you of anything.

Chromatic Fugue

Jan 26, 2024

Here’s why I’m asking.

The seller — who I trust completely — has confirmed the hands are tritium (he used the black light test). So that’s not the question. Instead, my questions are these. - First, given that everything is tritium, how likely is it that these are replacement hands? I will ask the seller to send me black light photos, as Bill suggests, but my guess is that black light will reveal differences between the hands and the markers, even if not as much as visible light does. Thus, to judge whether the hands