Dial originality query

[Patto]

Hello all. There's a ref. 4499 that I may be interested in purchasing and I'd love some more knowledgeable folks thoughts on this dial.

The printing looks ok to me but the colour of the dial itself looks a little odd, almost like a watercolour painting.

I understand 70+ year old dials can do interesting things over the course of the decades.

I've seen more and more reprinted/restored dials out there and it's something I'm keen to avoid.

Appreciate your expertise and time.Screenshot_20240702-190008~2.jpg

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[77T]

The "PRECISION " arcing badly over the subdial is concerning. Apparently not original. Dial has water damage vs water color.




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[yter37]

Dial doesn't look original. You might want to consider having it in your hand physically to be sure it's not an issue with the picture

[Patto]

Thank you both for your insight. I don't have the chance to inspect it physically so I may steer clear.

[Mac-Apple]

It's great you're doing your due diligence. Dials from that era can indeed age in unique ways, but the watercolor effect does sound a bit unusual. Checking for consistent, crisp printing and comparing with known originals can help. If possible, get a second opinion from a vintage Rolex expert or a trusted dealer.

[Patto]

I queried the auction house to confirm if the dial was original. They said it was, has not been restored or refinished and sent me the following condition report Screenshot_20240704-222741~2.jpg

[R.W.T.]

Dial is original to me. The likelihood of getting that kind of patina without the presence of radium and having SWISS MADE on the bottom are very unlikely on a refinished dial.
This is not a 1960s-2020s watch. Generally speaking in the era, refinishers did NOT put SWISS MADE back on the dial because...for one thing they weren't in Switzerland. Late 1940s dials can be VERY squirrelly regarding fonts and placement and straightness. I would have little doubt about that dial. Having it in hand and off the watch might be more revealing but I wouldn't sneeze at it.

[Patto]

Interesting. Good to hear your thoughts thank you!

[offrdmania]

I am going to say original also. Back in those days, everything was hand dab printed and the precision alignment wasnt what it is today. These were tool watches and the QC wasnt always perfect.
The font in the PRECISION looks correct. The printing dab may have just been slightly off. The angle of the SWISS MADE is also off. Probably not a worry back them.

[TuRo]

Looks like orig. pre-1952 (swiss made) dial to me also.

[77T]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

The font in the PRECISION looks correct. The printing dab may have just been slightly off. The angle of the SWISS MADE is also off. Probably not a worry back them.

Good point - that's quite possible.


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