The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Old 24 March 2018, 04:54 AM   #1
Andrejb
2024 Pledge Member
 
Andrejb's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Real Name: Dre
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,688
Gloss Dial Oxidized?

Hey guys. One of my watches from 91 has a million tiny little bubbles on the dial. Almost impossible to see without looking in the right light or with loupe. The dial markers have beautiful patina and is rather not replace it if I don’t have to. Was just wondering if it would get worse quickly? I found some photos of similarities. Tried to take a pic but wouldn’t work.

(This is not my watch, just a photo of the same oxidization pattern)




It’s almost identical to this. I’ve read it may be due to oxidization under the paint (apparently common with the early gloss dials)

It’s quite minuscule and I think it adds character. Just hoping that in 20 years the paint isn’t going to come off the watch completely lol

Thoughts?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Andrejb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 March 2018, 05:00 AM   #2
brand_c
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: IL
Posts: 187
Whats the model of your watch that developed this patina?

I have a 14270 from 97 and was afraid of the same thing after seeing a picture somewhere showing the same bubbling effect.
brand_c is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 March 2018, 05:03 AM   #3
sensui
2024 Pledge Member
 
sensui's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 12,344
My thoughts are that it's natural with certain batches of gloss/lacquer dials in Rolex history in that it's reacting with the moisture/elements it gets exposed to (minimally, aka non maintained watch that seals expire on). I think that if you regularly service the time piece and make sure it's pressure tested/seals are current, probably won't get any worse and the condition will remain constant.
sensui is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 March 2018, 05:06 AM   #4
Andrejb
2024 Pledge Member
 
Andrejb's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Real Name: Dre
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,688
Gloss Dial Oxidized?

Quote:
Originally Posted by brand_c View Post
Whats the model of your watch that developed this patina?



I have a 14270 from 97 and was afraid of the same thing after seeing a picture somewhere showing the same bubbling effect.


GMT recently acquired. It’s barely visible unless in direct sunlight. A well known watchmaker in my area states that it most likely will not worsen, I figured I’d just see if anyone here has had the same experience.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Andrejb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 March 2018, 05:07 AM   #5
Andrejb
2024 Pledge Member
 
Andrejb's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Real Name: Dre
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,688
Quote:
Originally Posted by sensui View Post
My thoughts are that it's natural with certain batches of gloss/lacquer dials in Rolex history in that it's reacting with the moisture/elements it gets exposed to (minimally, aka non maintained watch that seals expire on). I think that if you regularly service the time piece and make sure it's pressure tested/seals are current, probably won't get any worse and the condition will remain constant.


Awesome thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Andrejb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 March 2018, 09:26 AM   #6
themaninblack
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,058
From 91?
themaninblack is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 March 2018, 09:27 AM   #7
Andrejb
2024 Pledge Member
 
Andrejb's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Real Name: Dre
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,688
Quote:
Originally Posted by themaninblack View Post
From 91?


Correct. Can’t see it head on. Very slight




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Andrejb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 March 2018, 09:30 AM   #8
Andrejb
2024 Pledge Member
 
Andrejb's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Real Name: Dre
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,688
Gloss Dial Oxidized?



Similar to the texture of this dial and a bunch of other tritium dials from 16710 I looked up from this era


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Andrejb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 March 2018, 01:50 PM   #9
lamckstephen
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 50
Hi,

How about mine ???
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 28377726_1433033073489311_4506677262809314694_n.jpg (83.2 KB, 508 views)
lamckstephen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 March 2018, 02:41 AM   #10
Andrejb
2024 Pledge Member
 
Andrejb's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Real Name: Dre
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,688
Quote:
Originally Posted by lamckstephen View Post
Hi,



How about mine ???


Does it bother you?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Andrejb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 March 2018, 04:17 AM   #11
TimelessQuality
"TRF" Member
 
TimelessQuality's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Toronto
Posts: 161
My (now sold) OP from 1967 had this on its champagne dial. Lots of tiny raised dots, but no sign of actual holes or peeling. Considering it's quite a bit older than your GMT, and still showed no signs of worsening, I would assume that yours will be fine so long as there's no moisture getting in.
TimelessQuality is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 March 2018, 04:20 AM   #12
Andrejb
2024 Pledge Member
 
Andrejb's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Real Name: Dre
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,688
Quote:
Originally Posted by TimelessQuality View Post
My (now sold) OP from 1967 had this on its champagne dial. Lots of tiny raised dots, but no sign of actual holes or peeling. Considering it's quite a bit older than your GMT, and still showed no signs of worsening, I would assume that yours will be fine so long as there's no moisture getting in.


Very good to know. Tough to see without the right light




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Andrejb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 March 2018, 04:23 AM   #13
TimelessQuality
"TRF" Member
 
TimelessQuality's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Toronto
Posts: 161
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrejb View Post
Very good to know. Tough to see without the right light
Same. It wasn't very obvious, only under certain light, which made it easier to live with.
TimelessQuality is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 March 2018, 10:16 AM   #14
lamckstephen
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 50
[QUOTE=Andrejb;8415581]Does it bother you ?

Just worrying that it will getting worse 😅😅😅
lamckstephen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 January 2020, 03:11 AM   #15
hkbufga
"TRF" Member
 
hkbufga's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Macao
Posts: 24
Same situation to my 16520 which is yr 97, U serial. I wonder to know what will be next to the dial?

我從使用 Tapatalk 的 SM-N9700 發送
hkbufga is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 January 2020, 04:30 AM   #16
1watch
"TRF" Member
 
1watch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: US
Posts: 657
Looks like moisture got into the case. I would have it pressure checked with seals/gaskets replaced if it doesn’t pass.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
1watch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 January 2020, 04:45 AM   #17
lupus66
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: holland
Posts: 284
Rust
lupus66 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 January 2020, 11:26 AM   #18
zapokee
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Japan
Posts: 4,342
[QUOTE=lamckstephen;8417219]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrejb View Post

Just worrying that it will getting worse ������
It will. Why would it deteriorate to this point and then suddenly stop?

Everything gradually deteriorates. That's what time does to stuff. If you don't want to see it get worse, get rid.
zapokee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 January 2020, 02:24 PM   #19
Verdi
"TRF" Member
 
Verdi's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Real Name: Mitch
Location: UAE
Watch: Big Ben
Posts: 2,442
I would consider a service dial on the long run. I personally do not consider this patina, I would rather have a clean/new service dial.

I think this "bubbling" has something to do with the paint ageing/composition rather than rust underneath the layer.
__________________
IG: @watch_idiot_savant
Verdi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 January 2020, 03:27 PM   #20
Andrejb
2024 Pledge Member
 
Andrejb's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Real Name: Dre
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,688
Old thread. Watch is long gone


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Andrejb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 January 2020, 11:24 PM   #21
hkbufga
"TRF" Member
 
hkbufga's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Macao
Posts: 24
[QUOTE=zapokee;10293695]
Quote:
Originally Posted by lamckstephen View Post

It will. Why would it deteriorate to this point and then suddenly stop?

Everything gradually deteriorates. That's what time does to stuff. If you don't want to see it get worse, get rid.
Agree!

我從使用 Tapatalk 的 SM-N9700 發送
hkbufga is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 January 2020, 06:42 PM   #22
hkbufga
"TRF" Member
 
hkbufga's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Macao
Posts: 24
I acquired my 16520 U serial in 97 and has been done a professional complete overhaul (the case is still unpolished) in 2020. The subdials have been changed to humble creamy color gradually. Some oxidation on the dial that proves such patina of patrizzi and oxidation is happening at the same time. This may give you idea about what will be occured naturally and originally.

我從使用 Tapatalk 的 SM-N9700 發送
hkbufga is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2020, 11:47 AM   #23
hkbufga
"TRF" Member
 
hkbufga's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Macao
Posts: 24
I found few more bubbling photo on the web for reference (credit to HQ Milton).

我從使用 Tapatalk 的 SM-N9700 發送
hkbufga is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2020, 12:28 PM   #24
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 42,991
The old lacquered dials are subject to aging and degradation, just like any other painted item of the era.

Rolex has always made replacement parts and likely never expected that people would buy working tools, and then think that they should last forever. They fully expected that users would rebuild and refit them to make them last a lifetime - with proper care and maintenance.

Now days people want the old, damaged, aged and almost non-usable watches, covet them, put them under glass protection and proudly show these corroded lumps of metal, even though they likely never added any of that themselves.
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2020, 12:38 PM   #25
hkbufga
"TRF" Member
 
hkbufga's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Macao
Posts: 24
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
The old lacquered dials are subject to aging and degradation, just like any other painted item of the era.



Rolex has always made replacement parts and likely never expected that people would buy working tools, and then think that they should last forever. They fully expected that users would rebuild and refit them to make them last a lifetime - with proper care and maintenance.



Now days people want the old, damaged, aged and almost non-usable watches, covet them, put them under glass protection and proudly show these corroded lumps of metal, even though they likely never added any of that themselves.
Agreed! actually some patina is quite interesting, I'm personally glad to see those charater.

我從使用 Tapatalk 的 SM-N9700 發送
hkbufga is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2020, 12:57 PM   #26
1watch
"TRF" Member
 
1watch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: US
Posts: 657
Gloss Dial Oxidized?

Honest and appealing wear is nice to see and own on a vintage piece for purist collectors. Keeping the provenance with usable functionality intact as best possible, is difficult and why many collectors respect and value those attributes. It’s also why pieces with pleasing original condition that is well preserved command a premium. Those that don’t value said attributes should stick with contemporary pieces in my humble opinion.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
1watch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2020, 05:58 PM   #27
Vincent65
"TRF" Member
 
Vincent65's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 14,293
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrejb View Post
Old thread. Watch is long gone


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Good
__________________
https://www.rolexforums.com/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=80782&dateline=139659  8629
Vincent65 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

Asset Appeal

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.