Spider dials

[Vincent65]

Erm, I don't think they're 'required', and there are always exceptions. But we know what you mean about period-specific anomalies.

Have to totally disagree that "liking spider dial or not liking spider dial is completely irrelevant" though

[1665fan]

I like spider dials and have an unpolished spider 16660!

[Coop13]

I just started a thread about this watch and then found this thread, thought I'd share the photo. The good news is this watch is being offered for $3700. Considering it doesn't have the bracelet, box or papers and the dial is spidered... that's probably the absolute most I'd want to pay for it. My point in listing the price is to show that it isn't pulling a premium price because of the dial. I certainly wouldn't seek out a spider dial but I wouldn't turn one down either as long as it's original to the watch and for the right price.

[IMG]https://www.rolexforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=976729&stc=1&d=1534888 282

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

Yuck,Another made up name for a damaged Dial.

I want to agree but I think it's a cool effect.

I'm sure some people here are into Gibson Les Pauls and know about the effect of nitro lacquer and exposing it to warmth/cold and you get this. People want to buy new guitars with vintage looks. Same thing happened to watches with the fake yellow dots etc.

https://www.lespaulforum.com/forum/s...inish-checking

[tawny_ulcer]

yes it's a damaged lacquer but totally cool and desirable in my opinion. You wont see this effect anytime soon - a truly rare dial and imho will increase in value as the years move on and more and more collectors recognise and acknowledge their beauty. So what if it's damaged lacquer as it's all part of the history of this amazing model.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by 037

The paint cracks on the brass dial base. That's it. Technically they're damaged and should be replaced. For some reason certain collectors pay more for damaged dials and hands.

I'm all for patina but personally avoid spider dials.

Have to agree it's funny many pay more for in the real world defect dials but get a spec on a modern day Rolex dial it's then almost the end of the world.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by tawny_ulcer

yes it's a damaged lacquer but totally cool and desirable in my opinion. You wont see this effect anytime soon - a truly rare dial and imho will increase in value as the years move on and more and more collectors recognise and acknowledge their beauty. So what if it's damaged lacquer as it's all part of the history of this amazing model.

The Emperor’s New Clothes comes to mind..

[Sublovin]

Apologies as this is only my opinion, but this whole “spider” dial thing is possibly the stupidest thing I have seen in the world of vintage watches. It looks awful, and it is a defect that should be replaced.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

Apologies as this is only my opinion, but this whole “spider” dial thing is possibly the stupidest thing I have seen in the world of vintage watches. It looks awful, and it is a defect that should be replaced.

No apologies necessary

[Pureform]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

Apologies as this is only my opinion, but this whole “spider” dial thing is possibly the stupidest thing I have seen in the world of vintage watches. It looks awful, and it is a defect that should be replaced.

That's your opinion but this is part of rolex history and I think it's a cool and unique thing that happened in the late 80s... And will be highly collectible many years from now...

Just like all the 5513s and 1680s with yellow patina that degrades over time that you lust for, is considered a defect in rolex eyes... Oh and don't forget the faded bezels and so forth...



Ohhhhhhhh and let's not forget the tropical dials that turn from black to rusty brown selling for 30k and up and people buy like crazy...

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by Pureform

That's your opinion but this is part of rolex history and I think it's a cool and unique thing that happened in the late 80s... And will be highly collectible many years from now...

Just like all the 5513s and 1680s with yellow patina that degrades over time that you lust for, is considered a defect in rolex eyes... Oh and don't forget the faded bezels and so forth...



Ohhhhhhhh and let's not forget the tropical dials that turn from black to rusty brown selling for 30k and up and people buy like crazy...

I respect your opinion, but I find there to be a huuuge difference between a vintage item showing “patina”, and a defective item cracking. Not to mention, it is wildly unattractive. Like a classic car with a shattered windshield

[5517]

Plenty of threads on this topic but I would like to say that my spider dial, which was replaced at service, has not deteriorated further. Rolex returned the original dial and hands and the lume plots have a nice creamy patina now. Kind of wish I had left it as it was.




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[doramas]

For me it's garbage. I say it with a lot of respect

[lo85]

fantastic post

[R!$]

Not for me

[Watchflair]

Personally I'm a fan. I think these dials are perfectly imperfect.

I'd personally like to own one at some point. I wouldn't be afraid of further deterioration. I think they add just a nice little touch of uniqueness and personality.

[wappinghigh]

Originally Posted by Vlad

spider dials are required for specific models produced during specific years. Just like a 'floating' daytona dial is correct only for a particular serial number range. As such, liking spider dial or not liking spider dial is completely irrelevant. If someone wants an original watch, be prepared extra for the period correct dial (in this case spider).

Did Rolex ever "officially" sort this lacquer on metal "problem" in the 90's?

If so when?

What specific years of dials can potentially "spider?

thanks!

[sillo]

Originally Posted by wappinghigh

Did Rolex ever "officially" sort this lacquer on metal "problem" in the 90's?

If so when?

What specific years of dials can potentially "spider?

thanks!

Yes, for the most part it stopped showing up by the late 80s. Most of the second round of 5 digit models (16610, 16600, 16710, 16570, etc) don't show the cracking and these were all released by 1989. There are outliers however. You typically see the spidering on the early wg/glossy dials in the mid 80s (16800, 16750,168000, 16550, 16760, 16660, 5513 etc) right after the switch from matte.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

Like a classic car with a shattered windshield

Not quite a parallel comparison. A car with a shattered windshield is no longer functional and needs immediate attention, whereas a spider dial doesn't. But I get your point.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by 5517

Plenty of threads on this topic but I would like to say that my spider dial, which was replaced at service, has not deteriorated further. Rolex returned the original dial and hands and the lume plots have a nice creamy patina now. Kind of wish I had left it as it was.




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I am surprised that Rolex returned the dial to you. You were very lucky!

[E16520kimm]

Here’s my spider dial. Rolex GMT 16750. I really liked it at the time, but ended up not wearing it much because I was afraid of damaging it. During my ownership the paint did not flake off at all, but I was still cautious.




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[Ck__]

I’m looking to buy my first Rolex and ideally would like to buy a 1984 Spider Submariner. Just to clarify …. unless I’m ripped off … all spider dials will be original correct?

Does it mean Rolex will never service it for me without telling me they need to replace the dial?

Thanks !

[Mk2rick]

not for me too, i had to look for a long time for a 80's 5513 with a perfect gloss dial... but i do understand some collectors' desire for the spidering.. just not my cup of tea i suppose

[Vlad]

Originally Posted by Ck__

Does it mean Rolex will never service it for me without telling me they need to replace the dial?

I would say yes, Rolex will force you to replace the dial. Which in my book, makes it even more desirable - as other defected dials (tropical, cream explorers, patinaed, etc.) are not replaced by RSC. Though, honestly, RSC discussion is becoming a lot less relevant, as RSC has a limit on how old the watch must be for them to service it - and 35 year old is very close to being rejected.

OK, it's been years since I sent something to RSC, and they might have changed their attitude, but a while ago 25 years was a cut off.

Vlad

P.S. if anyone has a spider dial that they hate and want to throw away, contact me first :)

[goonhoon]

Some of these look genuinely cool.