A so-called "Magic Space Boy Infinity Dial" vs. a "my dad put it in the oven" dial

[powerfunk]

These cute names for damaged dials are getting out of hand. I couldn't help but notice how this "Magic Space Boy Infinity dial" resembles a dial that the owner put in an oven to dry when water got into the watch.

[L.K Johnson]

It’s crazy how people come up with these names : )

[mineral]

I think your dad did the good job and the dial just looks gorgeous with even Aging effect.


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[bradleyt09]

Great post, and I couldn't agree more! It's ridiculous to read these sale posts for "special" dials that are simply imperfect or damaged.

[zapokee]

The dial names are just a little wink from the dealers. They're not meant to be taken seriously.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by zapokee

The dial names are just a little wink from the dealers. They're not meant to be taken seriously.

Right, it's a joke people. Laugh and enjoy it, it's just a watch. If you like it ... buy it.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by zapokee

The dial names are just a little wink from the dealers. They're not meant to be taken seriously.

Unfortunately, not all potential buyers will realise this, and will think that they are buying something special/desirable/collectible. I imagine most sellers offering up such creative names generally realise this, too.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Unfortunately, not all potential buyers will realise this, and will think that they are buying something special/desirable/collectible. I imagine most sellers offering up such creative names generally realise this, too.

The names are made intentionally ludicrous just for a bit of fun. I don't believe there's any nefarious intent here.

Anybody who's come far enough in the hobby to be seriously looking at this vintage stuff is probably not falling for "Magic Space Boy Infinity Dial." These are highly respected dealers whose livelihoods depend on their reputations, so are also unlikely to be looking to mislead any less experienced buyers.

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by zapokee

These are highly respected dealers

They've also sold about 20 provenance-less blueberries at this point. They are respected, but not above scrutiny.

[brockburst]

Originally Posted by zapokee

The names are made intentionally ludicrous just for a bit of fun. I don't believe there's any nefarious intent here.

Anybody who's come far enough in the hobby to be seriously looking at this vintage stuff is probably not falling for "Magic Space Boy Infinity Dial." These are highly respected dealers whose livelihoods depend on their reputations, so are also unlikely to be looking to mislead any less experienced buyers.

There are many more buyers who go to these websites looking for something as simple as a birth year watch. An entry level datejust which is 40 years old hardly requires you to be "serious" for purchase. Most buyers don't care and would never think to join a watch forum or even consider a vintage watch purchase a hobby. We are a very very small group of consumers here, and I think the OP is likely referencing the 99% of other buyers who believe what they read and don't have the thought to even question a write up.

While we have many stand up dealers who pride themselves on and deserve their reputations, lets not forget well crafted photography and websites lend extra credibility to dealers through eye catching design and it works well to lure first time buyers. If you pair that with great SEO and google ad-words you don't really need a reputation to sell watches.

With so much of this hobby being subjective, these descriptions aren't going away any time soon (nor do I think it really speaks to anyone's reputation.) If you sell a dial that has been water damaged and describe it as "beautiful and pleasing patina" that's your opinion. Some people want a watch that has taken on such an unusual look.

At the intersection of livelihood and reputation lies a gray area of window dressing. No dealer would describe a watch as damaged, especially one they purchased for the pure motive of profit. The ones who believe they are damaged simply pass on buying them to begin with. This is why we have names for odd patinas...lava fire, marble, spider dial etc etc. Reputations are given in my view through selling authentic OEM items, having a return policy, and doing the right thing when mistakes are made, no dealer knows everything.

[Dan S]

I can't believe that some people in this thread are taking "Magic Space Boy Infinity Dial" seriously. It's not like "spider", "tropical, or even "galaxy". It is clearly intended to be silly. Lighten up.

[springer]

To quote Brockburst..."At the intersection of livelihood and reputation lies a gray area of window dressing."

This sounds like an episode introduction line from Rod Serling's Twilight Zone.

A great line Brockburst and one that will surely be quoted again here on TRF!!!

[CalSRQ1]

Have to say I like the gold date just. “Your first apartment from the 70s kitchen linoleum dial” just doesn’t have the same ring now, does it? Never was a marketing person.

[tekno]

As long as the person selling the watch isn’t cooking up a dial, I don’t see the big deal.

I often wonder how many dials and Bezels have been altered for profit.

In this case I think the watch is freaking cool. “Damage” or “patina”, the watch is very very cool looking.



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[carwashchris]

What temperature did he set it at ?

[steversaurus]

Originally Posted by carwashchris

What temperature did he set it at ?

Your oven doesn't have a preset for that?

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[brockburst]

Originally Posted by springer

To quote Brockburst..."At the intersection of livelihood and reputation lies a gray area of window dressing."

This sounds like an episode introduction line from Rod Serling's Twilight Zone.

A great line Brockburst and one that will surely be quoted again here on TRF!!!

[tekno]

Originally Posted by steversaurus

Your oven doesn't have a preset for that?

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That’s funny. I am always looking for cool Datejust dials. I want to build a 1601 for the wife.

I have a cool DJ I think, I unintentionally built the American Psycho watch. I would love something like a Saudi Crest or something different.




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[tekno]

Restore not build


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[Vincent65]

The absurd names only evolved into a 'wink' 'joke' or 'tongue-in-cheek' after a few hundred serious postings with ludicrous descriptions, and people began to call them on it. Only then was it utilised and exaggerated as a humorous marketing tool. So, it began as intentional 'dress-up-damage-as-desirable' blurb, and then became acknowledged as the glaring b0ll0ck$ it is.

[vint0]

Originally Posted by zapokee

The dial names are just a little wink from the dealers. They're not meant to be taken seriously.

Yes and it does it's job which is to catch the
attention of prospective buyers.

[iliketime]

it sure is catchy!

[linesiders]

Stupid name but it is a cool effect that happens on some 60s gilt dials

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by linesiders

Stupid name but it is a cool effect that happens on some 60s gilt dials

It does look cool

[77T]

Let’s be honest - the buyers outnumber the sellers on silly dial or watch names.

If owners didn’t obsess over Patrizzi or Spider or Other types, then sellers (and worse, fakers) wouldn’t strive to launch dial aberrations into rarity.


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[1675-David]

cheapest way to increase traffic to the HQ Milton website... just call it "the hallucogenic strawberry dial" and let the internet do the rest.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by 1675-David

just call it "the hallucogenic strawberry dial" and let the internet do the rest.

With "interstellar pixie-dust patina." Feels like there should be an online generator for these names.

[Vincent65]

There is...

[1675-David]

There are liquid based and herbal based generators... some prefer a combination of the two..

[carwashchris]

Originally Posted by steversaurus

Your oven doesn't have a preset for that?

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Not yet. 😄