How long for "patina"?

[Snowbob]

My GMTII is now 20 years old, bought new, and worn every day. The dial and lume look the same as the day I bought it. I see "vintage" watches not that much older with yellowed like - is it because it's a different material? Thanks, and happy holidays!

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by Snowbob

My GMTII is now 20 years old, bought new, and worn every day. The dial and lume look the same as the day I bought it. I see "vintage" watches not that much older with yellowed like - is it because it's a different material? Thanks, and happy holidays!

Different material yes. After 1997 the material changed from Tritium to Luminova and will not acquire any patina.

[rootbeer7]

The only thing that will ‘patina’ is the insert which might fade depending on use.

[Dan S]

If you want a watch with patina, buy a watch that already has it. Your SL lume will never yellow, and not all tritium yellows either. It depends on the specific formula and the conditions that the watch has experienced.

[sfc rick]

Doesn't it depend on how long they have been soaked in coffee or tea? I thought there was a thread on here about how some have figured out how to "Patina" to meet the new fad in making pieces more attractive for buyers?

[swaini3]

Originally Posted by sfc rick

Doesn't it depend on how long they have been soaked in coffee or tea? I thought there was a thread on here about how some have figured out how to "Patina" to meet the new fad in making pieces more attractive for buyers?

I think its stupid to do that, atleast for post 2000 dials. Everyone knows they dont change color. For Tritium dials, Im sure you can tell if its been 'coffee treated'.