Patina on Black Dial 16520 Daytonas

[swish77]

Excluding the obvious brown patina on Patrizzi dials ... do the sub-dial rings on some black 16520s take on a more subtle, milder patina?

I ask because I've been looking at many black 16520s, and there seems to be a slight variation in the color of the sub-dial rings. Some look quite white, while others look beige/tan, although I realize lighting in photos can play a role. There are numerous threads online about the 16520, of course, but this issue isn't really explored, except when it comes to Patrizzi dials, which is different.

Here's a nice example I tried on today (U-serial) that seemed to have a little patina on the sub-dial rings, but I'm not sure. I wonder if some black 16520s that now show a hint of patina on the rings might continue to take on more color as the dial ages.

Looking for thoughts from owners (past or present). Thanks!

[904VT]

This example certainly looks more cream than other 16520s I’ve seen. At least in the exposure in the pic

[1665fan]

I have two W serials and one is full blow Patrizzi(brown sugar) and one is more beige or skin tone similar to that one...I have seen plenty of A and U serials with light tan color that some claim Patrizzi but there not. They also have their own charm, as far turning more yellow/tan/light brown I would assume they would

[swish77]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

I have two W serials and one is full blow Patrizzi(brown sugar) and one is more beige or skin tone similar to that one...I have seen plenty of A and U serials with light tan color that some claim Patrizzi but there not. They also have their own charm, as far turning more yellow/tan/light brown I would assume they would

Thanks, that's kind of what I suspected. I'm starting to appreciate them more, especially with the patina. Whether or not it'll continue ... who knows. I assume sun exposure, or lack of it, could play a role, like a lot of aging on old dials.

Here's another shot of the 16520 I'm considering. The case/bezel are a little beat up, but I'm virtually certain neither has ever been polished. It's got a real original, almost raw, feel to it, which I like.

[actionkwj]

I love that example! It’s been well worn and broken in, that’s all and I like the modest subdial patina too I say go for it!


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[Onequik135i]

That second pic looks amazing, and if it has B&P even better.

[1665fan]

A few of mine are unpolished examples and I have a couple NOS beZels for backup just in case. I would agree that looks unpolished also. One of the best models out there that’s for sure. I have also seen the luminova dials take on a slight tan/beige color also. I prefer the early models with all brushed bracelet, they are very classy and classic

[swish77]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

A few of mine are unpolished examples and I have a couple NOS beZels for backup just in case. I would agree that looks unpolished also. One of the best models out there that’s for sure. I have also seen the luminova dials take on a slight tan/beige color also. I prefer the early models with all brushed bracelet, they are very classy and classic

Yes, I like it. Just gotta get it for the right price. No b&p, but that can allow for more wiggle room in negotiations.

[swish77]

Just a quick follow up on this issue of patina on the black 16520s ....

I saw the watch again, and although it definitely has warmth to the sub-dials, they also retain a white look in certain light. (Again, this is not a Patrizzi dial, as far as I can tell, although who knows what will happen with the patina in the years ahead.)

I think a lot of 16520 owners might think they have Patrizzi dials because there is a tan/beige look in certain light on the sub-dials, and I do believe there is a light patina that can develop on all of these dials. (I've looked at dozens.) But that's very different than the actual brownish patina that develops on the Patrizzi dials.

Here's another shot, and you can tell by the way the light is hitting the dial that the sub-dial on the left looks patina'd but not the one on the right. And yes, this is what an unpolished bezel and case looks like after about 25 years of use.

[hkbufga]

Hi swish77,

My 16520 U serial in 1997 has found some bubbling on the dial with evenly distribution. I'd like to share my 16520 photo (first and second photo) and some photo patrizzi from HQ Milton (third and fourth photo). Have you found similar case to your 16520? Many thanks!

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[Apheaven]

yes, turned cream for sure. As the original owner, I really appreciate that aspect of the watch because I feel like it has gained a patina just as I have over the years.


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[hkbufga]

Any bubbling is occured on the dial?

[RHIII]

I’ve found - talking to another cpl folks who have patina on the 16520 dials - the variance seems to be due a lot to how the watch has been stored overtime. So, provenance would be key if not the original owner — but one friend has had his since new and it is a lot lighter in terms of the oxidation, as his has been stored in lower relative humidity for most of its ‘life’.

I’ve seen some ‘safe queens’ with more of a chocolate appearance, like above. Lots of variability.