Night sky patina

[DocMorpheus]

I am trying to learn as much as I can about vintage before I decide what watch is the one for me to dive into those waters.

Came across a piece with “night sky patina”. Curious to hear how this type of dial patina happens and if it is a rare occurrence. Also is it characteristic of a particular production time period?

Would appreciate any insights.

[rootbeer7]

need to see images, but sounds to me like a rotten dial with a pretty name and expensive price tag!!

[DocMorpheus]

HQ Milton has one on their website.
It looks like the black color was washed off of the dial. I’m curious about how that happens.





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[swish77]

In this case, "Night Sky Patina" is a euphemism for a damaged dial, IMHO. Could be from moisture/water.

Same goes for claims of many "Tropical" dials that are really just water-damaged.

Still, if you like the look, that's all that matters. Not for me, though.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by swish77

In this case, "Night Sky Patina" is a euphemism for a damaged dial, IMHO. Could be from moisture/water.

Same goes for claims of many "Tropical" dials that are really just water-damaged.

Still, if you like the look, that's all that matters. Not for me, though.

Agree 100%. It just as easily could've been given the name "Cloudy Dusk", "Foggy London Evening", "Hungover Morning", " etc. etc.
None of these terms is official, and all tend to divert attention to the fact that the seller needs to "sweeten up" the depiction of a damaged dial.

[AJDay]

Originally Posted by swish77

In this case, "Night Sky Patina" is a euphemism for a damaged dial, IMHO. Could be from moisture/water.

Same goes for claims of many "Tropical" dials that are really just water-damaged.

Still, if you like the look, that's all that matters. Not for me, though.

Agreed, although I think "tropical" descriptions specifically are often given in a bid to increase the value/asking price of a watch, while some of these are more to soften the blow but should come with an appropriate (lower) asking price.

[bradleyt09]

Great replies, and I couldn't agree more. I saw this description and found it quite clever marketing for a damaged dial.

[nsxnext]

Weird, even the case and end links look cloudy.

[zapokee]

I think HQ Milton's term "night sky patina" was a bit tongue-in-cheek.

[05carbondrz]

I’ll have to give it to him,Jacek sure can make up fancy Names for damaged Dials.

[BlakeA]

While browsing for vintage, I saw that one too and laughed. I studied all the variations of vintage subs for quite some time and came really close to buying a couple, but kept seeing too much "unpolished, sharp lugs, patina index and hands, very little bracelet 'stretch',bezel nicely faded,tritium, blah blah blah..." and then taking into account wiring $ to someone I don't know, pictures that I know don't tell the whole truth, no returns in many cases,and most having no service history, I just said screw it and walked into the local AD and bought a new 114060 for my first, and possibly only, Rolex.
Having said that, I still peruse a lot of the sites offering vintage because I do like the older case style better, and appreciate how some have aged. I just can't chance it with MY $ considering what they sell for now.

[05carbondrz]

Originally Posted by BlakeA

While browsing for vintage, I saw that one too and laughed. I studied all the variations of vintage subs for quite some time and came really close to buying a couple, but kept seeing too much "unpolished, sharp lugs, patina index and hands, very little bracelet 'stretch',bezel nicely faded,tritium, blah blah blah..." and then taking into account wiring $ to someone I don't know, pictures that I know don't tell the whole truth, no returns in many cases,and most having no service history, I just said screw it and walked into the local AD and bought a new 114060 for my first, and possibly only, Rolex.
Having said that, I still peruse a lot of the sites offering vintage because I do like the older case style better, and appreciate how some have aged. I just can't chance it with MY $ considering what they sell for now.

That’s no fun! I enjoy vintage Rolex so much as there is something new to learn everyday.I cannot even begin to imagine the Hours I’ve spent researching and I loved every second of it.

[Jsol]

Agreed, the hunt for the vintage is so much fun. To walk into the AD would just be too easy.

[Vincent65]

That's a Mil(dew)Sub

[albaserver]

Night Sky Patina? Yet another name to describe a defect... It was only water !

[Brandon -B-]

That’s where I saw that term! I jokingly referred to this damaged dial sub I recently tried on as “starry night dial” lol




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[Iittoo]

Here is more pictures of this 5513 Night Sky Patina

[Iittoo]

Wrist shot with bracelet

[CalSRQ1]

“Genuine Corinthian Leather” (said in deep baratone voice of Ricardo Montaban)

[SearChart]

I might be in the minority but I actually like that, damaged or not.

[rootbeer7]

1999 damaged dial £x
2018 night sky dial 10 x £x
:)

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I might be in the minority but I actually like that, damaged or not.

Do you pay extra to have holes in your jeans Bas?

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Do you pay extra to have holes in your jeans Bas?

I'm not that person

[1William]

I like unique watches but would have to have that develop over time of my ownership. I would not pay more for a dial like that.

[Iittoo]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I'm not that person

I am that person
Just a thought , it does not look like water damages as seen in other examples. Bought it as it is nice looking and hope I won't regret later on

[037]

Originally Posted by Iittoo

I am that person
Just a thought , it does not look like water damages as seen in other examples. Bought it as it is nice looking and hope I won't regret later on

How does the movement look? Any signs of moisture or discoloration? If not then it's probably fine. Service it and wear it. It's always nighttime with that one, even at noon.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Iittoo

Just a thought , it does not look like water damages as seen in other examples. Bought it as it is nice looking and hope I won't regret later on

Just confirming you purchased the watch the OP originally posted?

The condition on the dial’s surface is likely from moisture intrusion that gave a microbes a foothold on the top layer of dial paint. The side effect of the process varies as widely as the number plus varieties of mildew in the air.

I’ve seen it even when the movement was clean.


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[nigelUK]

I'd think twice before you "...dive into those waters.."

You don't need a perfect example to get enjoyment from it, but personally, I'd start with a nice clean matt dial.

[Iittoo]

Originally Posted by 037

How does the movement look? Any signs of moisture or discoloration? If not then it's probably fine. Service it and wear it. It's always nighttime with that one, even at noon.

Movement look clean , serviced and check that it is watertight as well. Maybe I prefer the 🌃 more than daytime as it is more cooling in my country.

[roh123]

Does the dial have lume? I’ve seen this in the past and then the dial was cleaned.