Rolex

I just tried this and notice the dial of the Explorer 14270 has tritium (T-25) on it. I would like to know if this will develop patina (yellowing) over the years?

 

The seller tells me it will not develop the much-loved yellowish effect but isn't that contrary to what tritium dials are all about? Unless I am wrong. I find that curious, as we see numerous Explorer 2s of the same era developing nice patina. The Explorer 1 is from 1998. Is there a difference in the tritium quality used?

 

If the T-dial 14270 doesn't yellow-out in the years to come; would it then be more practical to get the 114270 which is a much improved model?

 

I am hoping someone can advise or perhaps share a picture of their 14270.

 

Any advice is much appreciated.

I saw some recent T swiss < é( which didnb't develop any patina, and I saw the contrary.

Best,
Nicolas

To purchase this watch is very much dependent on if there is any chance of it patina-ing pending the right factors and condition. If someone can confirms (like the seller) that this version will never yellow, then it's no go for me.

Tried searching online for some picture references, that's also hard to know for sure if the cream tone is a result of lighting or real patina.
Best if some of our fellow Purist can share their 14270s to see

If it didn't get some, yet...

Why not going on a former model, such as the 1016?

Best,

nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-05-10 09:49:08

Am afraid to venture into the 4digit vintages, and to be honest I don't know much about them and very afraid of getting burned.

I fully understand your concerns and fears, having recently been through a similar situation myself.

Here in Malaysia, we don't get much choice and prices are usually higher. So it's difficult to come across them.

But I suppose it's never a no-no, if I am pointed in the right direction, meet the right piece at the right price, I'll be bitten too

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by the way, I recall you have the Explorer 1 too, correct? which model is that

Took it RSC the other day as I realized the number "9" applied on the dial seemed elevated from the dial, not holding on tightly to the dial through it's rivets. It took them 15 minutes to put it back properly. A 4 year old watch which probably had received some impacts somewhere before which the technician told me that's the reason how it happened. They removed the bezel together with the crystal and used some Rolex tool to ensure all hour markers are fastened properly. They moved down to ground floor already from occupying the 23rd floor for better presence. Good looking ladies in Rolex uniforms too

definitely worth a visit sometime

It's like treasure hunt.

as Nicolas mentioned I suppose and I also read somewhere (old wives tale?) that storing it in the dark helps. The same reason I went for this Exp. 2 (1994) that showed some signs of patina, hoping that it will darken over time. The tritium used must be the same for both Explorers I presume.

 

cheers

fernando

Assuming Rolex used the same type of tritium quality as the Exp2, it should then age quite similarly as well.

Have seen some really nice examples of patina aging on the Exp2 before, but just so little from Exp1 14270 owners. For 1016 models, needless to say, if its patina you want, its patina you got. 

That's a beautiful wrist shot too.

When, at the same time, I know a lot of 16570 from ' 95 / 96 which didn't develop a strong patina, much more subtle.

Best,

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-05-10 22:13:55

is it because the later models are made with better engineering/technology which results in tighter casing / waterproofing / etc, that the contributing factors are minimized?

Abotu the composition of the tritium used.

But it is a matter of fact that dials from before 95 / 95 had a stronger patina...

Best,

Nicolas

My Explorer II was bought in 1995, and has developed some Patina.

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