Dials. Let's Talk Dials.

[Dilemma]

Let's suspend the AD/Can't get a SS Sport Model discussion momentarily and discuss dials.

I've seen more than a few photographs here of dials in various states of wear. Some are in pristine condition where others look like they've been through the blitz.

What causes dial degradation? The cases are sealed so I wouldn't think it's a moisture issue. It can't be friction, there's nothing coming in contact with the dial.

Do some just age more gracefully than others? Is it that simple?

[gt0279a]

UV damage

[SubMarine]

Water intrusion.

[037]

Assuming we're talking vintage dials with gloss paint, paint batches and formulas play a large role. Besides UV exposure, tritium lume also caused damage to the paint depending on the batch, formula and manufacturer. Dials were also contracted by multiple outside manufacturers and not all used the same ingredients.

Finding an old dial that has aged evenly and gracefully without spotting, bubbling, cracking or other damage is worth the hunt. Gloss dials that have turned to an even matte/semi-gloss finish is ideal on the mid-'80s to late-'90s tritium dials.

Modern dials with Luminova/Super Luminova are less susceptible to damage, although it's too soon to tell whether or not they will age to a matte finish in time.

[DoctorA]

I wonder with new technology, coating, new sapphire....etc if modern dials will age the way older dials did!

[037]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

I wonder with new technology, coating, new sapphire....etc if modern dials will age the way older dials did!

New dials use epoxy-based paints so it's far less likely that they will degrade like the vintage gloss dials. But, time will tell!

[Horationelson]

I have always wondered whether those who insist on regularly “charging” the lume under bright halogen lights are doing long term damage to their dials in the process...

[Dilemma]

Originally Posted by Horationelson

I have always wondered whether those who insist on regularly “charging” the lume under bright halogen lights are doing long term damage to their dials in the process...

Good question. Does it dry it out in some fashion making it susceptible to flaking perhaps?

[DoctorA]

Originally Posted by 037

New dials use epoxy-based paints so it's far less likely that they will degrade like the vintage gloss dials. But, time will tell!

Makes sense! Honestly, I like my wife at hot retain its “new” look over time

[Dr.Smellody]

Radium or radium + moisture in the 50's.

[doodledoc]

What causes stone dials or wood dials to crack?

[droptopman]

Cool discussion. Good input from 037 above. When I was collecting vintage, it seemed many variables contributed to aging as described above. Although, UV does have effect, some of the most patina dials that I came across were actually safe queens. In other words, sitting in the safe for years really turned the lume plots from white to a tan/orange color. It can be a beautiful thing!

I think Rolex does not want dial degradation anymore and modern watches are designed to stay looking new for a long time. Although that recent post of the two Milgauss is interesting as the matte dial definitely faded. Doubt Rolex would be happy about that.

I have yet to see for example a 6 digit GMT or Sub with gloss LN dial show any signs of fading.

[037]

Originally Posted by doodledoc

What causes stone dials or wood dials to crack?

Stone dials typically crack from shock -- hard bump, being dropped, etc. Wood dials typically crack from drying out. Both are very thin veneers over brass plates but still exceedingly fragile compared to painted brass.

Originally Posted by droptopman

Although, UV does have effect, some of the most patina dials that I came across were actually safe queens. In other words, sitting in the safe for years really turned the lume plots from white to a tan/orange color. It can be a beautiful thing!

Agreed. That's one of the more entertaining features of tritium. It's actually correct to see an old watch with either an unfaded bezel insert and yellowed plots/hands or one with a faded insert and lighter colored plots/hands. The former to me looks much better overall but patina will always be subjective. If the tritium is still light colored then it might as well be Luminova and glow.

[Largoshark]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

I wonder with new technology, coating, new sapphire....etc if modern dials will age the way older dials did!

There was a thread posted just yesterday where a member recieved their father's black dial Milgauss (modern non-gv) that had been heavily exposed to the sun, and faded to a slate grey color. Second example of this I've seen on here with this particular watch. Very cool!

I think the thread was titled something like "This is what the sun can do".

[jhaworthii]

Can I get some help on this dial? Not sure of the authenticity. Please help!

[yoniman]

Originally Posted by gt0279a

UV damage

True

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[Lex_Ordo]

On the topic of Dials... Does anyone collect just Dials?
I have my watches, and wear them regularly, but I can't have every sports Rolex or DateJust, so I started looking at Rolex Dials, and seeking out ones that may be interesting looking or used on a watch that is completely out of range.

I figured I'd keep a few in my winder along side the complete watches.
IDK... Just thinking out loud I guess.

Anyone dive into this realm of Rolex collecting?

[glamorama]

I know that collectors use Rolex as ‘art’, putting them in winders or wall installations to show off. I call them “colour collectors” since they are very keen to have one of every colour. Only dials I have never heard of, probably exist but missing the point that makes watches fun to collect, that you can wear them. It should be as fun as collecting stamps or coins.

[haven_seeker]

Great idea for a discussion.

I personally toyed with the idea of collecting dials instead of watches. I don't "need" X number of watches, but to have multiple dials would be almost like having several more watches in my collection without dishing out a lot more capital.

The main problem is... dials are pretty expensive.

An old bluesy tritium dial? $500-750.

An old Day Date 180x champagne dial? Around the same price.

A Daytona dial? Pushing $1500-2000 and not even for vintage.

Stone dials? Could be into the thousands.

......So on second thought, best to just buy the few watches that I know I will enjoy and say no to the rest.

[Pongster]

Originally Posted by Lex_Ordo

On the topic of Dials... Does anyone collect just Dials?
I have my watches, and wear them regularly, but I can't have every sports Rolex or DateJust, so I started looking at Rolex Dials, and seeking out ones that may be interesting looking or used on a watch that is completely out of range.

I figured I'd keep a few in my winder along side the complete watches.
IDK... Just thinking out loud I guess.

Anyone dive into this realm of Rolex collecting?

Is it easy to change dials? Can it be DIY?