Spider Dials - Desirable or to be avoided??

[Punchthefatkid]

I have recently been browsing some vintage pieces that are being advertised by the sellers as having 'Spider dials'

Now I can see that this is referring to the dial as having hairline cracks across the face (to varying degrees of severity from watch to watch) but just wondered as a relative 'newbie' to all things Rolex, if anyone could help with the following.

1. What causes the dials to crack like that?

2. Is it seen in the vintage world as a positive thing as some sellers seem very proud of the fact their watch has a spider dial, or should they be avoided at all costs?

3. Is it as a result of the material used by Rolex for the dials that is limited, or at least more common in certain production years, for example is it more common in watches produced say between 1985 & 1990 or can it affect any watch from any year?

example picture below for any other 'newbies' like me that aren't familiar with the spider effect.

Many thanks in advance with any assistance...

[crowncollection]

Flaw in the lacquer used at the time


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[Punchthefatkid]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

Flaw in the lacquer used at the time


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Ah! I see, so its not the dial itself that's cracked, just the lacquer?

So is it a good thing from a collectors point of view or a no no?

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by Punchthefatkid

Ah! I see, so its not the dial itself that's cracked, just the lacquer?

So is it a good thing from a collectors point of view or a no no?

If you like damaged dials it's a good thing but for most it's a no no.

[Fredrik]

It is a matter of taste I believe. I would never by one myself because in my eyes it is just defective. Some people are attracted to them, but there might be a problem selling it if you get tired of it.

[Punchthefatkid]

Originally Posted by MonBK

If you like damaged dials it's a good thing but for most it's a no no.

If I'm honest, I had kind of come to that conclusion myself, but now you guys have just confirmed it for me, thanks

[Old Expat Beast]

They're not all they're cracked up to be.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

They're not all they're cracked up to be.

[MonBK]

I've been trying for a while now to sell a car with a spider hood as well as a spider bumper but so far no serious collector seem to be interested.

[Punchthefatkid]

Originally Posted by MonBK

I've been trying for a while now to sell a car with a spider hood as well as a spider bumper but so far no serious collector seem to be interested.

Lol...message received loud & clear.. avoid spider dials...I get it!

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by Punchthefatkid

Ah! I see, so its not the dial itself that's cracked, just the lacquer?



So is it a good thing from a collectors point of view or a no no?

I will take a perfect dial any day, not for me


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[Verdi]

Not for me.
Very often ppl call damaged dials in other ways....... some fall into the trap.
Tropical dial is also very misused thesee days.

[martin.skeet]

When I wrote the book 'Vintage Rolex Sports Models' I toyed with a chapter on dial condition issues. With Rolex you have browning, cracking and with early dials the radioactive content burning the dials. In the end I avoided it - you talking about something that happened after construction, something not intended, a fault. Car dealers don't sell vintage cars on the strength of how the vinyl dash is cracked by the sun! For me the 'rarity' of this type of thing is a nonsense.


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[AK797]

Perfect for Halloween.

[Gina Marie]

Personally I love their character. Each one is unique. I have one and l enjoy it. Buy what you like, not what the people here tell you to buy. Recall the 1655 was unloved....now not so much. Brown sub dials were considered inferior 10 years ago and reluming dials was thought of as fine.....times have changed. Paul Newman dials were also slow sellers.....nobody wanted blue flakes or Monte Carlos a few years ago. Now look at them. If you follow the heard you will always be in the pack....

[Gina Marie]

Buy what sings to you! I liked blue flakes and bought a few even though they were unloved. Now they have doubled in price in 2 years and I get offers to purchase. Buy what you like. It is a dial flaw. They are less common than uncracked dials. Each one is unique. Imho that is generally a recipe for appreciation at a later date. Ignore the pundits!

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by Gina Marie

Personally I love their character. Each one is unique. I have one and l enjoy it. Buy what you like, not what the people here tell you to buy. Recall the 1655 was unloved....now not so much. Brown sub dials were considered inferior 10 years ago and reluming dials was thought of as fine.....times have changed. Paul Newman dials were also slow sellers.....nobody wanted blue flakes or Monte Carlos a few years ago. Now look at them. If you follow the heard you will always be in the pack....

I agree and so are these.

[Gina Marie]

Originally Posted by MonBK

I agree and so are these.

Well played......a little excessive. Funny though.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

They're not all they're cracked up to be.

[martin.skeet]

The whole discussion always returns to value. I bought an 'X' version two years ago and now it's worth 'y'. It's a losing game. If you like it buy it, if it makes you money, sell it or keep it. If you still love it - the money is irrelevant.


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[ADINVA]

Not for me. Does not appeal to me at all

[droptopman]

I have seen some that are interesting but personally would not buy one. Generally try to find the best example I can in my price range of any particular model.

[RC2]

Don't like


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