Dial problem

[ancientmariner]

What is going on here please?
Late 1980's
Pic taken with a macro lens
Marks are on the dial, not reflected from the crystal.
Marks are only really noticeable under magnification, and the dial appears to be matt greyish now rather than gloss black

[alwayshere]

there are existing threads on this particular dial "aging" - the transitional submariners either had "spider" cracks in the gloss dial or they have what your dial is experiencing. Dealers would sometimes label it as "starry night", "star speckle", [insert whatever BS term]. Now i'll let the experts chime in as i'm not certain if this particular effect is more due to moisture or if its actually a manufacturing flaw that becomes prone to this result.

[zapokee]

Looks like oil drops. Wonder if it was accidentally sprayed during lubrication of the movement.

[Mike Wood]

Hi Tony,

The protective dial lacquer coating has deteriorated over time, probably due to time spent in adverse weather conditions (perhaps a humid climate where condensation formed under the crystal). The speckling could be caused by micro-droplets of condensation forming on the dial.

In a 16613, I would tend to class this as time-related dial damage, and I would look to source a period dial and hand-set* in better condition to replace the existing parts. The damaged dial should be reflected in a below-market price for a similar watch in good condition.

Good luck!

MW

*no, I haven't got one!

[77T]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Looks like oil drops. Wonder if it was accidentally sprayed during lubrication of the movement.

Oil isn’t sprayed while the movement is being lubricated. It could have been sprayed by a watchmaker’s sneeze though - but not lube.


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[77T]

Originally Posted by ancientmariner

What is going on here please?
Late 1980's
Pic taken with a macro lens
Marks are on the dial, not reflected from the crystal.
Marks are only really noticeable under magnification, and the dial appears to be matt greyish now rather than gloss black

If it will pass a 3bar pressure test then it’s not environmental intrusion. If it fails, the surface appears to have the same characteristic of a car’s windscreen that’s been parked near the seaside.

Ocean breezes carry salty, moist air quite a distance especially during winter storms. If left uncleaned, this salt leaves a white residue. Salt grows in crystalline form on the dial, including microscopic organic molecules.

This mean that those spots could have some microbial aspect - if left for some time it may require a bit of fiddly work to remove.


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[ancientmariner]

Originally Posted by Mike Wood

Hi Tony,

The protective dial lacquer coating has deteriorated over time, probably due to time spent in adverse weather conditions (perhaps a humid climate where condensation formed under the crystal). The speckling could be caused by micro-droplets of condensation forming on the dial.

In a 16613, I would tend to class this as time-related dial damage, and I would look to source a period dial and hand-set* in better condition to replace the existing parts. The damaged dial should be reflected in a below-market price for a similar watch in good condition.

Good luck!

MW

*no, I haven't got one!

Many thanks Mike
Much appreciated!

[ancientmariner]

Thank you all for your posts.
Great info on here.

I had to start this thread about this sort of issue as the historical posts on this subject did not really help me come to a conclusion.
Did I have a damaged dial........or a “starry night”!!!
Well now I know.

Update:
Watch returned for a refund.

[alwayshere]

Oh good result!