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12 July 2024, 01:26 PM | #1 |
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Is this patina on my dial or damage?
Just picked up an early 90s bluesey in what seemed like mint condition. Sharp bezel, original insert, strong crown on clasp, etc. however I noticed what looked like a hair on the dial so I had the watchmaker open it up and look. It’s not a hair and the watchmaker said it upon inspection with loupe and open it looks like the beginning of patina rather than damage. Is it possible for it to start like this and spot?
It doesn’t look like drag on the hands or anything like that. And if you move the watch around in light you don’t see it, which also leads me to believe it’s not a scratch. The watch is in otherwise such good condition with original hands that it seems unlikely that something bad happened. Insight is appreciated. Thanks! IMG_3528.jpg Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
12 July 2024, 03:56 PM | #2 |
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I wouldn’t say it’s patina. Patina for me is when the whole dial shows signs of aging not just one spot
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12 July 2024, 04:25 PM | #3 |
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Patina and damage are the same.
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12 July 2024, 05:27 PM | #4 |
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Damage
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12 July 2024, 05:32 PM | #5 |
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Damage
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12 July 2024, 10:03 PM | #6 |
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When the watchmaker removed the movement from the case and looked at the dial with a loup, he said it didn’t look like a scratch or something to that effect. Could it be the development of a spotting?
And yeah, I acknowledge that patina and damage are synonymous to some collectors. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
12 July 2024, 10:10 PM | #7 |
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12 July 2024, 10:11 PM | #8 |
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It could be the start of oxidation. If you look at the seconds hand around the center pinion, you can see oxidation there.
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12 July 2024, 10:24 PM | #9 |
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Here are three additional photos in natural light. You cannot even see that mark, especially when you turn the watch from side to side. Just normal new owner paranoia I hope!
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12 July 2024, 10:25 PM | #10 |
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Also this is an S serial, a late 1991. So the watch definitely has some age to it!
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12 July 2024, 10:28 PM | #11 |
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It could be a manufacturing defect or a mishandling mark from a previous service. It could be many things, but why would a dial naturally develop a spot in just one place from exposure to the elements? Is it possible? Sure, but I think the first two possibilities are more likely.
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12 July 2024, 10:56 PM | #12 |
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wait you guys can see something? |
12 July 2024, 10:59 PM | #13 | |
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Quote:
The flip side of this is true also. Why would the dial get damaged in that one spot from handling? I feel like handling damage during service could be closer to where the hands attach. Obviously it’s all speculation. But I want to know because I just bought the watch! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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12 July 2024, 11:01 PM | #14 |
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12 July 2024, 11:03 PM | #15 |
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That’s just aged creamy patina.
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12 July 2024, 11:19 PM | #16 |
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12 July 2024, 11:33 PM | #17 |
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You'll never know for sure, but it's part of your watch's history, so embrace it or at least accept it. The owner 100 years from now might have the same question.
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13 July 2024, 02:06 AM | #18 |
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13 July 2024, 02:48 AM | #19 |
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damage....
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13 July 2024, 07:39 AM | #20 |
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I'm glad my vision kinda sucks, I'd never notice small(ish) imperfections. I'd say, for a 33 year old watch, that looks pretty dang clean :)
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13 July 2024, 08:46 AM | #21 | |
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Quote:
Patina is usually a uniform change of color like the tritium luminescent material turning from white to creamy yellowish tones. That said, some dials start to blister from paint defects, and that I would call damage. Some of those paint defects can enhance the overall appearance as long as it doesn't delaminate from the substrate. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Looks like your dial also has a faint purplish hue, which is a know defect with this reference. I for one love the purple hues that develop over time.. My bet, like Omar's, is damage from a service or a slight imperfection in the dial paint. I don't think it will expand to the rest of the dial. It is a beautiful watch and for being 33 years old it looks great! |
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13 July 2024, 10:05 AM | #22 |
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13 July 2024, 10:14 AM | #23 |
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Since you've already had a watchmaker open it up and look at it I'm sure he used the loop and was able to get a very clear up close picture of what's going on. I would just trust what he said and enjoy the watch it looks great, congratulations.
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13 July 2024, 10:56 AM | #24 |
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It looks like damage when the pry off the hands with those levers. It’s in the right spot, b it but who cares your got an old bluesy with beautiful purple patina dial!
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13 July 2024, 10:35 PM | #25 |
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It’s part of a 30 year old watch. If you wanted a perfect watch like new you should buy new. This adds to the character of the watch in my opinion.
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14 July 2024, 03:38 AM | #26 | |
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Quote:
That is my suspicion as well. If it was just a spot, I’d say it’s likely patina, as the lume plots have aged nicely. The fact it is a spot and accompanied by a faint line upwards makes me believe it was damage, regardless of what the watchmaker said (he works for the seller, so…). It would be a lovely watch without it, and it is a grail, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to settle when it comes to a known imperfection on a watch you so badly desire. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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14 July 2024, 05:07 AM | #27 |
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Those shoes look like they have some patina on them.
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14 July 2024, 07:20 AM | #28 |
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The case looks so good though. Just keep it. Hard to find one like that
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14 July 2024, 07:38 AM | #29 |
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Whatever it is, it doesn’t really matter.
The watch is over 30 years old. Replacing the dial would do more damage to the value of the watch than that defect, so you’re pretty much stuck with it. But, it’s still a very good looking watch, and it has character. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
15 July 2024, 12:06 AM | #30 | |
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Quote:
This! I believe it is oxidation that causes patina. It is barely noticeable at first, as in this case, and progresses very slowly.. I wouldn’t worry about it. Just enjoy your beautiful watch. It’s lovely. Kat Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
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