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ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
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#1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: New York
Posts: 813
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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 |
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#2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Uk
Watch: RolexGMT/Tudor7928
Posts: 3,576
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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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#3 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2020
Real Name: Mitchell
Location: EST, EAT
Watch: Trusty Explorer
Posts: 1,007
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Patina and damage are the same.
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#4 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: NL
Watch: Yachtmaster
Posts: 14,551
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Damage
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Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711. |
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#5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Real Name: David
Location: australia
Posts: 20,186
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Damage
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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#6 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: New York
Posts: 813
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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 |
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#7 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
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Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
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#8 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Texas
Posts: 438
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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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#9 |
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Join Date: May 2021
Location: New York
Posts: 813
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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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#10 |
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Join Date: May 2021
Location: New York
Posts: 813
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Also this is an S serial, a late 1991. So the watch definitely has some age to it!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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#11 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Underground
Posts: 2,409
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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 |
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 613
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![]() wait you guys can see something? |
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#13 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: New York
Posts: 813
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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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#14 |
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#15 |
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Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: California
Posts: 281
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That’s just aged creamy patina.
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#16 |
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#17 |
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
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Real Name: Adam
Location: Far East
Watch: SEIKO TUNA
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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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#18 |
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Join Date: May 2021
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Posts: 813
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#19 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
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Real Name: JYogi/Jeremy
Location: Metro Detroit USA
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Posts: 5,736
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damage....
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#20 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2023
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 85
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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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#21 | |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Valencia, CA
Watch: GMT Master 1675/3
Posts: 2,117
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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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#22 |
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Join Date: May 2012
Real Name: Rob
Location: Virginia
Watch: Sub/Polar/OP/BB
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#23 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Earth
Posts: 324
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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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#24 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
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Watch: what’s next.
Posts: 1,131
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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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#25 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Real Name: Ron the Stoic
Location: Netherlands
Watch: GMT Meteorite
Posts: 1,314
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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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#26 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: New York
Posts: 813
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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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#27 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: ByDawns Earlylite
Watch: 16800
Posts: 3,577
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Those shoes look like they have some patina on them.
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#28 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: LA
Watch: what’s next.
Posts: 1,131
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The case looks so good though. Just keep it. Hard to find one like that
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#29 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Tennessee, USA
Watch: 16800
Posts: 516
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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 |
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#30 | |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 X2 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Real Name: Kat
Location: CA, USA
Watch: 126233 Wimbledon T
Posts: 6,823
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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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